Reliability 496/502
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Reliability 496/502
Looking to put together a very reliable boat, singel engine, to cross the gulfsteam. Have a house in Fl. and live in the Bahamas- don't like to fly.... I'm thinking a pantera 28' with either a 496 or a 502 merc single with an after market heavy duty outdrive. Any thoughts out there???? Also what kind of GPH at curise ?
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Re: Reliability 496/502
496 and 496 HO are very reliable. I would think about twins if I was frequently making the trip you are talking about. A standard Bravo should be fine with the 496's.
My 496 HO burns about 11 GPH at cruise. A 28 Pantera is a bit larger and heavier than my boat. So, maybe a little higher fuel consumption.
My 496 HO burns about 11 GPH at cruise. A 28 Pantera is a bit larger and heavier than my boat. So, maybe a little higher fuel consumption.
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Re: Reliability 496/502
Originally Posted by Austin
Looking to put together a very reliable boat, singel engine, to cross the gulfsteam. Have a house in Fl. and live in the Bahamas- don't like to fly.... I'm thinking a pantera 28' with either a 496 or a 502 merc single with an after market heavy duty outdrive. Any thoughts out there???? Also what kind of GPH at curise ?
How big is your load
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Re: Reliability 496/502
No contraband here....just a few beers and a 100lb woman. I make the trip now in a 24' superboat/225 evinrude. Don't what the hassle of twins, but with inboards being much cheaper than outboard, would keep a fairly new motor in the boat - and a seatow card!
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Re: Reliability 496/502
Originally Posted by Austin
I make the trip now in a 24' superboat/225 evinrude.
Dave M.
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Re: Reliability 496/502
Will try and post a picture tonight. The 24' outboard is a great boat- we use it as our car over here- but it's not a perfect ocean ride. I think your 24' inboard proably rides better in the rough stuff due to the added weight and where it is. I can't afford a huge boat, so I hope the 28' pantera will be a better ocean boat, plus it's got a larger cabin.
Austin
Austin