Looking at making a big purchase. I am lifelong powerboater with over 3000hrs of captain experience. Running boats 20-50ft. Higher speed experience being in a Sunsation 288. Planning to immediately take Tres Martin course upon taking delivery of new (used) cat. Looking to step into higher performance category. Love the sound and look of stern drives but leaning heavily towards outboards for reliability and ease of ownership. Budget up to $400k. Need to stay max beam of 10ft or less. Any advice that can be offered on various models will be much appreciated. Vast majority of boating will be done on Lake Lanier in GA with a couple of Poker Run trips each year. Ideally cruising 60-80mph and top speed 110-120mph.

What is expected lifetime of the Mercury 400r outboards? Anything specific to look out for? Any boats experienced members can point me towards?

Thank you in advance!

Do not pass Go.
Do not collect $200.
Proceed directly to PBC and buy THIS 34 MTI:
https://www.performanceboatcenter.co...OwnedInventory



Owned by Cash Bar right here on OSO.

wow ! so nice!

I was going to post this too, this is the one to buy.

Thanks guys. Definitely a great looking boat and have been eyeballing it online. The hours give me major pause. How many can you expect before major overhaul?

Apologies. I was looking at the 2018 that has 400hrs in classifieds for 385k. Really trying to stay between $300-400.

Sorry to hijack, but what a beautiful boat, what's next for Cash?

Check out the Statement Cats or the Spectra in the classified section

Look into statements 36’, hellkats brand new 32’ Widebody (I believe brand new with 450Rs, you should be under $300k), Fountains 34 thundercat ($300k with 300Rs). These are all boats you can buy brand new in your budget. A MTI Brand new will be $500k+.

Keep in mind Greg's 2019 with 214 hours is maintained with an open checkbook by a Certified Mercury shop.
And it's on a Myco trailer which is probably $18K to replace.

And no one rebuilds Outboards. You just throw them away somewhere around 800-1000 hours.