Going to buy 25 outlaw, looking at 1998 with 502 500hp 270 hrs, also thinking of going newer found a 2003 25 with 496 similar hours, also found a 2001 502efi 300 hrs, any thoughts, thanks bob.

the 502 engines may have better internal parts

HP 500 will be fastest. 502 next fastest, 496 last. 500 HP had some valve spring issues so ask if that has been fixed. Both the hp 500 and 502 motors have the good internal parts if you want to increase horsepower down the road = faster

The guy has only one post and we are already talking about engine performance up grades. This damn forum is financially dangerous.

sullynory, if you ever want make improvements the internals will make a difference. You have already read some posts that talk about it... but most if not all will suggest a marine survey. It'll cost a few extra dollars but you'll know a lot more about the potential purchase boat. I had a survey done on one of our boats that we purchased new and I thought I knew everything about it, the surveyor found a few things that blew my mind. Good luck with your choice and I hope this helps.

502 for sure. EFI would also be nice.

I had the same dilemma. 502 EFI is the best route. 496 is 10 more hp (as long as it's an HO... 425hp compared to 415hp) but is not as well internally built as mentioned above.

go with the 502

Hope this helps have a 2001 272 with a 502 with 168 hrs. Also new to boating, we're in Ontario so our fuel prices are higher. We usually cruise around 40 mph. re fuelled and divided hours into litres. Worked out to $37.50 hr. pretty good I would think.