Mercury XS Pro

[Mike Cork]

This might not really fit in High Performace catagory but, from a performance stand point, what does everyone think of the XS Pro by Mercury. I am concidering it, a standard Optimax 225 or a EFI 250 Merc.

Thoughts?

[spetro]

My 2 cents......go for the opti.  In gas savings alone it will pay for itself bettween the two

[BigCheese]

I have been hearing some great things about the 225 Pro XS motors.  They are allot stronger than the Opti and still have the same warranty.  Hopefully Lou or Awesome Bullet will be along shortly them boys know a thing or two about boat motors.

[Mike Cork]

Cool Deal  I just read in another thread that there is an issue with the #6 on the Opti Max. Sounds like cold water is not a good thing for them. Fortunately I rarely see water below 50 degrees. I wonder if the XS Pro has that same problem.

Also I was just on the Merc Website and didn't see anything about the EFI's did they quite that line.

[Mike Noble]

I do believe that come January 2006, EFI's are NO longer allowed per federal regulations.  I think all you can get is OptiMax or 4 stroke.  Terry at Bass Pro told me a couple of weeks ago that they won't be getting EFI's anymore.

[spetro]

Cool Deal  I just read in another thread that there is an issue with the #6 on the Opti Max. Sounds like cold water is not a good thing for them.

Cold water is not good for any motor.  There are a zillion optis out there.......But I'm not a motor guy..I do know what works for me.

Remember in boat engines...there are two kinds of engines,  Ones that have blown....and ones that are getting ready to

[AB]

The Pro XS is a horse of a motor.  It is an Opti, but is putting out a "little" more than 225.  It comes from the factory with solid motor mounts and depending on your boat choice you can get the Pro XS with either the TorqueMaster or SportMaster lower units.  Now it does have more of a distinct exhuast note to it when running (not as much as a Merc 2.5 Offshore, but definitely more than a standard 225 Opti).  If I were in the market for a 21' boat, it would have a 225Pro XS or the 250XS.

The Opti #6 issue isn't an "issue" if you let the motor warm up before you hammer her.  If your Opti-equipped boat is equipped with the Smartcraft guages then utilize the engine temp function of the guage.  When it comes up to temp, your fine.  What is happening is people are just turning the key and hauling azz, well until they get extra ventilation holes.  Many times 5 minutes or so of warmup is sufficient. 

Almost all manufacturers have stopped making EFI models.  The Merc EFI is dead except to sanctioned racers, the Yamaha OX66 is dead....Even Tohatsu had gone to direct injection.  The EFI is no longer allowed per CARB regulations, not federal regulations.

[Mike Cork]

I am going to put it on a 21 ft legend and they highly recommend the XS Pro, according to them there is no difference between the XS Pro and the 250 in performance and top end. Is there anywhere on the net to find the prices of the XS Pro and the 250XS?

[AB]

Posted at Jacos Marine....

2006 225 Pro XS Mercury $14150

2005 250XS Racing OptiMax Mercury $15000

Remember the 250XS is a "Merc Racing" motor and I believe has a one year warranty.  The Pro XS is off of the standard Opti line and should carry the normal 3yr warranty, but I am not certain of the exact length of time on the Pro XS warranty.

[Mike Cork]

According to the website the Pro XS has the standard three year. Thanks for the info. Looks like I should just listen to the boat manufacture and run with the XS. Racing motor spells trouble for this accident prone bass fisherman

[BigCheese]

From what I have read the 225 Pro XS is actually a de-tuned 250XS and still has over 235 horse power at the foot.  Myself i can't afford a new $7,000 power head and would opt for the standard 3 year warranty with the 225 and get the extended.  I also believe the 250 XS is one year standard as said but not able to be extended,  don't know for sure but would not be supprised.

[Mike Cork]

I definitely want to get more bang for my buck so to speak, I am liking the fact that they appear to be about the same motor but the XS Pro has a better warranty, I need a good warranty, if there is a bad apple out there I have such great luck that I will get it

I have always heard that the Optimax will save you alot of money in oil costs, because it is so efficient. Is this lost with you go with the XS? After running a carbed Johnson for the last seven years I am used to spending quite a bit on oil, kinda looking forward to some better oil milage.

[scwildbill]

Mike, Go with the 225XS Opti.... You won't be sorry!!....

[Sabertooth]

Mike,
       The difference betwen the sport and pro is the lower unit. The sport is a sport master. The pro has 1 more year of warranty. If you are not goin over 90 mph, go with the pro. But, for the best of the 3, I would go with the 250xs. The motor is a beast. You get 400 more RPM, thats a lot of speed and power.  But for warranty, ProXS!
                                                                                                                                                    FCF


These are you only options. There are no more EFI's being made. The standard opti only turns 5800.

[Mike Cork]

Thanks for all the imput guys, we ordered the XS today. Looks like it is going to be early February before we get it but I will definately let everyone know what I think. But I am sure that I will be extatic by then and because I am used to my gas and oil hawg 200 Johnson (98 model)

[spetro]

You'll be lovin' life.... Mike  

[silversalmon]

Mike is goin High Performance, good for you, you deserve it

[BigCheese]

Congrats Mike I don't think you will be dissapointed with the Pro XS.

[Richard Cooper]

Yea sorry this is a little late, but you went with the right choice especially if you like speed.  The guy i fish with most of the time is on the boats unlimited pro staff and just recieved his boat for the year with the xs on a triton tr21 hp edition.  This is no lie, I took it out with him a few days ago, we maxed out at 81 mph with two people in the boat! great motor

[AB]

Excellant choice on the motor!  Congratulations on the purchase and enjoy your new ride.

[Mike Cork]

Thanks AB, looks like from what everyone says I should be very happy with this motor, I already know I like the ride

[Swede]

Great news - congrats on the purchase!!

[CBedo]

I am in line to get a Legend as well.  You'll have yours before me, since I'm in line to get one of the new 199s.  I'm hanging a 225 Pro XS off of her as well.  I can't wait!  The Legends are truly spectacular.

[Bobs21x]

I have been running a '06 250XS since September and absolutley love it. It pairs nicely with the 21 Ft. Toon

It was my understanding that all the Pro XS series all came from Mercury racing..........I guess not. The 250XS does for sure

[eaki0213]

pro xs is not performance it stands for production and is the base model

[Nelsonv1975]

I got the 250 Pro XS on my Legend and it's great. Great fuel mileage and plenty of speed.

[Mike Cork]

This thread started in '05. I've had 4 of these motors now and they are awesome machines! Great fuel and oil economy, excellent hole shot and mid range is awesome. Top end is second to none on the Legend hull.

[Brudd]

So, you do realize you reply is over 7 years late, right

[Mike Cork]

So, you do realize you reply is over 7 years late, right

pro xs is not performance it stands for production and is the base model

I'm thinking that Eaki is new to the site and found a place to jump in.