just wondering if i could get some opinions on a 01 sunny with a 502 which also has CMI headers, labbed prop, or a 03 sunny which would cost more with a 496HO, which one would be faster, better, most bang for the buck, better ride, etc.. toss it at me, trying to make a good choice, without going broke.. i know a HO is a overall better motor, more up to date, but is it that much better to spend about $12000 more on?

I would say take the 2 year newer and the 496. If you want more speed later put sport tubes on it.

All the way to Ho ....and 2 year yonger .... go to 2003 ...have you a picture of the 2 boat ????

I would go with the 502. This is the short block Mercruiser uses for 525 & 600. The engine already has CMI exhaust and will have more aftermarket parts. The 496 to my knowledge will be gone in the near future. If both boats are in similar condition spend that 12k on something else. But what do I know I drive a Checkmate.

I wanna start by saying thanks for everyones imput, gives me something to ponder! anyways its a tuff choice cause ones a 03 with 93hrs on the HO, but it would cost me about $15,000 more plus i would have to have the back hatch recovered, the wife thinks its ugly. although it does have a windshield, which i do like and want. but the 01 with has the sunsation championship logo, has a 502 with CMI headers, custom painted speaker grills, pretty nice stereo system, and appears to be pretty clean would only cost me about $5k more which is appealing, after all if i had the 502 i would only run it for awhile then i would try and trade it out for a 500 efi or 525, or pro charge the 502? anyways just want to make a good choice, the one down fall is the 502 is not closed cooled, and i do run in salt water.. imput? opinion? is there any huge difference in the hulls from 2000-2003?

502 for me!

ritts, did you sell your wife on the racing hatch or you gone stay with the sun pad?

rittsbaja25 .... We need picture to be able to help you more !!!...cause a good looking boat is priceless

You damn Checkmate guys...

What does Rob know about the 496 that we don't?

We need to get him out to Gippers tomorrow - free beer and we can talk about this.