I'm thinking about getting into a used 2006 Formula 34PC. There has been a ton of updating on the boat including risers and manifolds (496 Mags), drives pulled and serviced plus a ton of other work around the boat. The engines have 850 hours, I know the 496's can go a long time if cared for but what do you do to those engines to re-fresh them? New heads or re-worked heads? Anything else? Also concerned about resale when they get up around 1200-1500 hours. Replacement? Can you even get 496's anymore or would it be the newer 8.2s and would that slip right in to where the 496's are, and what about electronics from old to new. Finding used 496's seems like a PItA and how could you trust them anyway?

Thoughts appreciated engine stuff is not my strong suit.

Check compression, have injectors serviced, verify fuel pressures when running, clean cooling system, run good oil.

Really those engines should be fine past 1000 hours. Overheat or plugged fuel injectors is really only reason why a stock motor will die (minus water intrusion from corrosion).

Worry about resale when you hit 1200-1500 hours and decide to sell haha, then lower price by 20k you would spend on rebuilds.

Those engines are totally worth rebuilding, the stock heads can be rebuilt etc. When you're at it have the injectors rebuilt and I'd replace some of the sensors on the engine. Clean out the heat exchanger and reseal etc. Rebuilding to stock spec (not adding a bunch of HP) isn't a big deal on the 496, it's similar to previous big blocks in that respect. If you wanted to you could upgrade to forged pistons, up to you.

They can go so much longer. I wouldn’t worry about resale. A boat that age if cared for isn’t going down in value. I kept my PC 6 years and sold it for more than I paid after I put 300 more hours on it.

if the boat is in good shape and fits what you want, grab it

Have the engines scanned and have a leak down done. The scan will tell you how many hours were run in each 500rpm increment. Being a cruiser type boat, I would bet they are mostly low rpm hours.

Still considering the same boat, there's a lot of good with it aside from the hours. What is the approximate cost (Marina cost) for a refresh like pulling heads and reworking those? I have no idea and I definitely won't be doing it myself.

I put over 1300 hours on my 496, like what was said above. If you are concerned, do a compression and leak down test. If it below spec, offer less money......

I understand that and won't be pursuing a refresh but need to consider that when making my offer

Probably around 5k per engine for top end refresh.