I hope to buy a 700 boat this spring and have my eye on a few currently listed. I've had blue motors in the 500 to 600hp range, but am wondering what maintenance difference there is between 500/525 vs 700s. I'm anticipating a 30%(ish) cost increase and 30% (ish) worse mileage in addition to having to rebuild them every 400 hours instead of 500-600, but would like other opinions too......

Anybody out there have first hand experience?

I personally would freshen the top ends of either combo around 250-300hrs and then a complete refresh around 500-600hrs.

700s will need blowers freshened at some time also

NXT transmissions are a weak link, basically just a cone clutch from a bravo (which cant even handle the 600hp those are rated for), so plan on upgrading.

NXT drive will need freshening around the same time as the engines also if not sooner

The list just keeps going on from drive shafts to header leaks.....

Large+Fast Offshore = stupid expensive to maintain!