Just bought a very clean 1998 353 up in Wisconsin, it was advertised in the classifieds here on OSO. Two owners, low hours, 525SCs.

- Do those of you who own these engines post here or in a different forum? I have several questions.

- I want to upgrade to Livorsi gauges ASAP. Any advice on where to buy them?

- The boat has noisy bolster actuators. I've done some searching here but have not found anything conclusive about whether this is a matter of lubricating or replacing the actuators. Sources for parts?

- Has anyone found an economical replacement for the hatch actuator?

Thanks.

Hatch actuator, I threw that like outdated pile in the parts in the scrap bucket. Not familiar with your bolster actuators but I would suggest getting under it and seeing what is moving, never hurts to give it a few shots of a good lubricant. I use hilco lube on all of my stuff. You will get good support on this forum, I know I have at least. There are some very knowledgeable minds here.

What questions do you have with the 525sc? I've become somewhat familure with them after doing rebuilds this year.

Should be a strong performing boat!

I would recommend using the search function for 525SC info. There have been a lot of threads that myself and others have posted good info about them.
Post specific questions in the General Q & A for the best results if don't find your answers with a search.

Hatch actuator will run about $350 from CPPerformance. When I got my last one, I searched and they were about the lowest price I could find.

You most likely have McLeod power bolster seats. If the actuator is making noise, it may have a grease zirk, but most likely you will need a new one. Look for a part number on it google it.

Swapping gauges will be more work than you think. Your gauges are probably Gaffrig Performance which are actually Livorsi. The new Livorsi have a Deutsch plug in though and you will need to convert your current wiring to the plug ins.

Thanks for the feedback. Bolsters likely need to come apart to find part #s and fully diagnose. Gauges are ordered, still trying to get in touch with Innotech. I'll post the 525 questions in the General Forum.

Bolsters are electric, they are noisy since I believe they turn a ball screw. They should sound a bit like the actuator for the hatch, but work more reliably.

Can get the hatch actuator converted to hydraulic, like the cigs - very quiet and reliable.

How many hours on the 525's?