I can't comment on the tower but like the old saying goes, "There's no replacement fro displacement". I know I could sure use more power than what I get from my 5.0MPI. We usually have the boat loaded to the gills with two families and all the stuff that that entails. I really don't think you'd notice a huge difference in fuel consumption unless you're really putting the hammer down on that 496. Our boat is fine except when I try to do single ski deep water starts with the boat fully laden. On the other hand, if you do go for the 496, easy does it on the aforementioned deep water starts. I have a friend who tore is biceps (both of them) attempting a deep water start behind a big block Cobalt when the driver simply slammed the throttle down on the start.

 

Quarrymot,

I've got a 2007 250 SLX with the 496 Mag and can't imagine this boat with anything else. Seems to be a perfect power plant. The boat is heavy to begin with, so I wouldn't want it to be underpowered. I especially like the "Captain's call" side exhaust switch. It's a huge testosterone booster when you switch it to the side exhaust !!! Otherwise, it's plenty quiet through the sterndrive.

I don't have the radar arch tower, although I do like the look of them. Since we lift our boat in a boat house, it would greatly reduce the height I could lift with the permanant arch. We have the factory bimini top, which I think looks too small for the boat.

GREAT BOAT ! tons of storage room too. I bought a bigger boat cover that goes over the entire top sides and includes the swim platform. The factory 2 piece standard snap on covers were OK, but it left the gunnels exposed and the swim platform exposed. The new cover is a bit bulky in size, but I roll it up put it in a big duffel bag and put that in the "head" area since I don't use the head. If anyone needs the facilities, they can just jump in the lake!

We bought ours from our neighbor at the lake with 115 hours on it. We now have 205 hours. I'd have more, but the lake level is WAY down for the past 2 months so I haven't taken it out much. The neighbor who sold us ours bought a 270 SLX which was his first choice when he bought the boat we have new, but the dealer didn't have a 270 so he got ours. He later found a used 270 which has the same engine we have ( 496 Mag) and he says the 250 out performs the 270 since it's an even heavier boat.

Happy hunting !!

 

I ordered our 2008 250 SLX new. When it came time to pick options, the 496 was a $8,000 option, the Captain's Call was $2,500, and the tower was a $5,000 option. I went with the tower and the Captain's Call and was very happy with the 350 Mag. The tower is a head turner and being on Lake Michigan, going either 42 mph or 52 mph is not a big deal since the days where WOT is an option are few. My boat sold very quickly because of the tower option.

 

Thank you for the replys, i was very tempted to buy the 07 250 SLX i have seen, it has the tower/arch and captains call exhaust, with the 6.2 320HP engine, but now think i should hold out for a 496, there seems to be, not that many out there at present, is this a bad time of year to find boats?

 

I have a 2001 260 BR with a 6.2MPI and Bravo 3 and I think it performs well for the boat. Its 4500 lb dry weight to compare to the 250SLX. I will get on plane quickly and top out in the mid 40's with 7 adults on board. My top speed empty is 49-50 but I don't go that fast very often.