http://www.offshoreonly.com/esvon/page-9428.html
is this guy BSing?

yes



and the quote is "well into the 80's"

I think in 2005 Mercury made a 700 HP 496 HO with a 15 year warranty

Smoke it if you've got it

That boat (with refrig and extra batteries) would be lucky to break 70mph GPS with the right conditions. High 60's the rest of the time.

80's would be possible with a 525 and an extension box....

That's a VERY nice looking boat.

Is that price in line?

Seems like a lot for a single engine 496 boat under 30 feet.

LOL I'm trading in my 540 for a 496.

He must be thinking of the 22'. I have much experience playing with the 290/496 HO package. Before adding CMI headers, I saw 71+ without the tubulators in stock exhaust. With the CMI headers I am looking at 74+ on GPS with GGB mufflers, and 75+ without mufflers.

So, I think he found something that really works!!! I would like to know what it is.

My 05 is perfect and ready to go for a great price. Need to make room....

Maybe a margin for error, some of the factory speedo's were way off . The first time I took a GPS aboard my 280 I wanted to go home and cry. As for that killer ext. warranty I'm at a loss.

True. My speedo is running @ 4 mph higher than GPS, but he must have one of those Canadian boats.

Love the lines of that boat.. Sweet paint also!