stop the verado bashing, that's crap. your debating a race motor. aint apples to apples.
verados have stood the test of time since 2005 now. go talk a mechanic and stop reading forum posts. the only issue really is the older lower units and merc will take care of you. this spring they sold me a HD LU at cost, right from the mouth of the merc rep to dealer, and I was out of warranty since 2008.
I have a very early 2005 gen 1 verado, so early in the serial # its probably a demo model,no issues outside a couple minor items (t-stat dump fitting replaced). and the LU giving up late fall 2012, replaced this spring 2013. early issues were due to poor rigging and electrical not mercs fault at all.
swapped an ecu from a 275 onto it orginal 250. the new Gen 2s can go to 300 with a ecu swap. small secret, but something to keep in mind off warranty
.
Merc did a real good job on the verado out of the gate, and its time tested now. flat torque curve with supercharging, and digital throttle. my steering is under my console as well.
My #1 issue is friends who are not used to quiet 4S engines and digital throttles and almost send you over the rail when fighting a tuna. happens every time, no matter how much coaching, adrenaline, 4 blade prop, DTS throttles, whammo.