280's for pleasure usage?

[Boss]

I've been eyeing a used race boat (cat) with a pair of 280 EFI's on her. I dont know a lot about these engines, but I do recall they drink some fuel and have a short(er) life expectancy.

Is it even remotely logical to consider trying to run these snotty little bastards for pleasure usage for a season or two while I save some $ and wait to see how the new V8 Merc's pan out before swapping them out, or will they likely grenade and cost me more in the long run?

Also, how many hours do guys get out of them in offshore race conditions? What about on pleasure boats? What's it cost to rebuild them?
If they are still running good, what do these OB's bring in the used market these days?

Thanks as always for all your insightful knowledge here on the forum!

[Tom Foley]

It all depends on how many hours are on the engines now , how much you are going to use it and how much you want to spend for periodic rebuilds . Depending on usage 150- 200 hours you will need to tear down , assess plating condition and for sure re- ring . If you are a competent mechanic or have enough money they will be fine .

[eli]

They are great motors you just never know when they are going to go boom and that's when the money pit starts and all the down time as well