Feedback on the Merc 4.5L sterndrive engines

[glenncal1]

Hello- I am considering a 1999 290 Sundancer that has bee repowered with the Mercury 4.5L (250 hp) engines. Does any have any feedback or experience with these engines. Thanks.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Good engines. Improvement over the 4.3L. Same power as the 5.0L V8.

 

[Ididntdoit]

Purpose built marine engines lightweight with closed cooling - easier service points and more durable components (cast oil pan etc) much better than a marinized car/truck engine - on the downside, i believe they all have catalytic converters which may be expensive when it comes time to replace exhaust components?