HELP… question about Boat

This wont actually answer your question…its just an experience we had. You say that they rebuilt the motor to the specs of a 200 so maybe with the specs it will be OK, BUT we had a 150 Yamaha on a boat that we bought from a semi-pro and he had done a lot of engine modifications to make it a screamer…it was supposedly pushing out 200+ horses at the prop. We had it about a year before it blew. We had it rebuilt to 150 specs and about a year later it blew again. Ended up biting the bullet on a new motor. Im no expert by any means, but personally, Id be a little bit hesitant because of our experience. The lower unit had also been changed to a low water pick up due to the hydraulic jackplate so I dont know if the stock lower unit would have held up to the modifications or not. Like I said, this really doesnt answer your question and hopefully someone else with more experience will fill you in, but I just thought Id put in my 2 cents. You also might get more responses if you posted this over on the BassCat Boats forum instead of here in the boats for sale section. Just trying to help you get some answers. Good luck on your decision.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

I dont want my one comment on my bad experience to be your only influence to pass on a boat. I know others have had great luck with rebuilds. I guess if you trust the mechanic and if you trust the person selling the boat, that would make a difference. There are other things to take into consideration. Is there any warranty left on the rebuild in case you do have a problem? Was it recently rebuilt and hes selling it or has he been running it for a while since the rebuild with no problems? Im not familiar with the effects on the title with the differences in the actual size of the motor and what the stickers say. I would think that just having different stickers wouldnt matter as long as you are not doing it in the opposite direction…meaning putting 150 stickers on a 200 and the boat not being rated for a 200. A Classic is rated for a 200 so I would think it would be OK as far as that senario is concerned, and as far as the Coast Guard rating on the boat it would still be legal. I know how difficult it is to find the right boat for your financial situation that will fit your needs. I am looking to upgrade from a Sabre to a Cougar or Puma myself, but just havent been able to pull it all together yet. Again, good luck in your search. I know you have decided on the right brand, now if you can just find the right boat for you.Jim EbarbMany, LA (Toledo Bend Lake)2004 Cougar/ 225 OptimaxHumminbird Helix 12 Chirp SI on BalzOut Mount at bowLowrance HDS 7 at bowHumminbird Helix 12 Mega SI on Ram Mount at ConsoleLowrance HDS 8 in dash at console

You should be able to find one 496. There are not a lot in the category of the boat you mentioned, though there are a few out there still. BCB