Quote:
Originally Posted by stynx55
We are shopping around looking to possibly upgrade our boat. Recently we looked at a 1996 bow rider the boats in immaculate shape. My only concern is the amount of hours on the engine. The boat has a merc 350 mag with 400 hours. Any idea on what the engines lifespan should be
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Hours are not much of an indicator on engine status of lifespan. A marine engine pushes constantly. Cars roll. Engines used for (far end of the scale) 100% skiing/boarding, doing starting accelerations all the time would endure more wear, but in all reality, once the person is up, it is like driving a boat without anyone back there. 2-Strokes run better at (almost) wide open then cruising slow. I/O's like the 350 have a range they usually run in best. A survey of the engine with compression and leak down will tell you more than hours. To give an idea, my '04 cruiser has twins with ~420 hrs each. They run and idle like new, cruising or top speed.
If the person seems responsible with maintenance items, then I would go to engine check, and then to bank check if everything works out. Enjoy!