Bought a boat and the engines are out for some transom repairs that came up during the survey. Boat has 800 hours on twin 496HO's.
The engines are already out.

1. Should have them freshened up? They leak down well and no apparent problems.
2. If I were to have the engines freshened up since they are out anyway, what should I have done?
3. Ballpark cost?

I am 1500 miles from the boat LoL. I cant really oversee the project. The boat failed the survey for a soft spot on the transom. Renegotiated price and its back in Michigan for repairs by Wayne from Sunsation but the transom was derigged at North Bay Marine nearby.

Do the engine hours match the boat ? some times keys get left on and will run the hour meter

I would do a compression and leakdown test on them while you have easy access. If all looks good, I'd probably leave them alone.
Replace the starters.
Replace a few sensors that are hard to get to.
Have the injectors gone through/cleaned/tested.
Install new spark plugs.
Put new bilge pumps in the boat.
Reinstall and SEND IT.

Yes. Boats a 2003.

Kind of what I was thinking. Prob doing the gimbals as well.
BTW kinda funny I remember your screen name from hanging around here MANY years ago.

I would also install new couplers.

Depends on your budget. You can easily hone and do forged pistons and roller rockers. If its in the budget do aluminum heads.

Im not a fan of 2 things on this platform the cast pistons and the heads. Specifically the valve springs, beyond that, the heads flow like crap. If its a tight budget, you can do decent springs and roller rockers and they become very reliable.

I'd do what Sydwayz said. These engines when taken care of can go well above 1200hrs.

i would say 1500-2000 hours !
black engines rules!

Agree old 454 or 502 Magnum HO stronger motor