If you want to run in the high 70's with a 358, do not go with 496's, regardless of what the salesman or factory tell you. It will not do it. If they say it can ,ask them to prove it with a demo, then make sure thery have the Merc. factory chips. I would also make sure that the speed they guarantee is a condition of the sale.

I am so tired of people getting it stuck in their "third point of contact" based on what a dealer or manufacturer says. If the guy says it will do 80mph on gps, then put that in the contract as a condition of sale. And verify it while you are in the boat.

I will never buy another offshore boat without that condition.

You also need to think about resale, and 500's have that all over 496's. Making a purchase decision on warranty is a classic salesman tactic to get a guy in a boat that is beyond his price range.

h20warrior:
You are so right . Factory told me that mine would do
74 -72 mph loaded. I had a 32 Velocity w/540 bulldogs.
so to say the least I was looking for 70. being used to
middle 80's.On a GOOD day with the 496ho,s 67mph.
The motors are great up to 4000 rpm then they just don't have much left. They are however not to bad on fuel. 2gpm at cruising.So if you want to own a beauty
that just looks good at the dock or crusing go with 496
If you want a boat that goes like it looks GO WITH BIGGER MOTORS!!!!