Which motor is more reliable?

[Jyruiz]

The Merc 6.2 320hp or the Merc 496 Mag 375hp?

[Man-de-lone]

Ya mean for just general usage? Or do you plan on modifying it? The 6.2 will leave you wanting more speed.....496 mag won't have to work so hard so it ought to last longer, but it will use more fuel....
Ah life is a trade-off isnt it?

[liquidasset]

As the old saying goes theres no replacemant for displacement . :cool:

[Jyruiz]

Just general use, my cousin is thinking about getting a custom boat, and he is not a speed freak so he is more concern with reliability.

[liquidasset]

With these two motors speed is not really the big issue. the 496 mag will last as long as the 6.2 or maybe longer . Depends on the boat and its intended uses for instance water skiing etc. More power is always good just means less strain on the motor.For instance if you like crusing at 50mph the bigger motor will have less strain doing that so fuel consumption might even be better with the bigger motor becuse your not overdriving it.

[HocusPocus]

i would go for the biggest motor you could afford.. and leave it stock. its when you start tweaking them the problems go up and the lifespan/reliability goes down.