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  1. #1
    ourflat
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    Comanche 518 VX Repower

    I currently have a 200 Optimax on her and considering an engine replacement with a good warranty. I don’t want to loose any speed or HP in the exchange.

    If my boat was yours; what would you repower her with?

    Cheers,

    Frank
    Last edited by ourflat; 09-11-2020 at 03:50 PM.

  2. Banned
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    #2
    I repowered my ranger with a Yamaha f150 and this motor is a champ.

  3. ourflat
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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by jtracc View Post
    I repowered my ranger with a Yamaha f150 and this motor is a champ.
    How fast does she go?

    Frank

  4. Member
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    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by ourflat View Post
    I currently have a 200 Optimax on her and considering an engine replacement with a good warranty. I don’t want to loose any speed or HP in the exchange.

    If my boat was yours; what would you repower her with?

    Cheers,

    Frank
    Best value would be:
    find a 200 Optimax with warranty (maybe left over new)
    or
    A new Mercury 200 Pro XS 4 stroke

    If I wanted bulletproof, I would hang a Honda or F Series Yamaha off the back.
    Both of these would require additional expense for controls and rigging.

  5. ourflat
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    #5
    Quote Originally Posted by printman71 View Post
    Best value would be:
    find a 200 Optimax with warranty (maybe left over new)
    or
    A new Mercury 200 Pro XS 4 stroke

    If I wanted bulletproof, I would hang a Honda or F Series Yamaha off the back.
    Both of these would require additional expense for controls and rigging.
    Who in our tri-state area would you trust to such a feat?

  6. Member
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    #6
    Not exactly in your area, but 3 hours away in Dalton, GA (where I am).
    I would call Dalton Marine and speak with Michelle.
    They sell and service both Mercury and Yamaha, with Mercury being their first choice.
    Their service area is second to none and they are the longest continuous Ranger dealer in the country.

  7. ourflat
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    #7
    Sounds good! I’m willing to drive to a shop with a great rep!

    Thanks,

    Frank

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    #8
    Since you have a Merc now,I would go with a new Merc 4 S 200, no doubt at all.

  9. ourflat
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    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by Rip Bass View Post
    Since you have a Merc now,I would go with a new Merc 4 S 200, no doubt at all.
    I’m still in research mode! Appreciate the info, I will read up on this tomorrow.

    Frank

  10. Member JoePA's Avatar
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    #10
    New 200 Merc 4 stroke for best bang for the buck. Call Jacos or Midway marine. They seem to have the best price.
    Joe Galada - Tamaqua, PA
    2004 Ranger 521VX - Yamaha 250 SHO

  11. Banned
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    #11
    Quote Originally Posted by ourflat View Post
    How fast does she go?

    Frank
    I lost some top speed going from v6 2 stroke to inline 4 cylinder 4 stroke but the reliability is just unreal. I could hit 60mph with the opti solo and perfect conditions. That’s not 57-58mph and loaded down 55-56mph. I lightened up the back end with lithium’s so the hole shot is fast, like instant! Best part is the maintenance is so easy.

  12. Member mbeachy's Avatar
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    #12
    200 pro XS 4 stroke. the new v8s are a beast !

    Mike Beachy 2020 TRX 21 250 Pro XS 4S

  13. ourflat
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    #13
    Quote Originally Posted by mbeachy View Post
    200 pro XS 4 stroke. the new v8s are a beast !
    After very careful research and recommendations; I have narrowed my focus to the Merc Pro XS 200 thumper. Then next step is to source the new engine. I still have time with my Optimax to find a good, honest deal with a vendor.

    Thanks to all who helped me in my quest!

    Frank

  14. Member
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    #14
    I just repowered with a Merc Pro xs 200 on my 2000 518

    merc 2.jpgmerc 4.jpg

    It had an Evinrude Ficht 175 that blew earlier this year and I was originally going to put a G2 200 on it but thanks to BRP that was no longer an option. I decided on the Pro xs and with 100 extra pounds of motor and an additional (roughly) 150 pounds of Talons and brackets, her ass sat a little low in the water so I shed about 100 pounds by upgrading to lithium batteries for the trolling motor (pic is prior to lithium upgrade). I have a Fury 24 on it and I'm not really satisfied with my hole shot but so far I've hit 65 mph in the neighborhood of 5500 rpm.
    2000 Ranger 518vx - 2019 Mercury Pro xs 200

  15. ourflat
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    #15
    Quote Originally Posted by cmbtvet View Post
    I just repowered with a Merc Pro xs 200 on my 2000 518

    merc 2.jpgmerc 4.jpg

    It had an Evinrude Ficht 175 that blew earlier this year and I was originally going to put a G2 200 on it but thanks to BRP that was no longer an option. I decided on the Pro xs and with 100 extra pounds of motor and an additional (roughly) 150 pounds of Talons and brackets, her ass sat a little low in the water so I shed about 100 pounds by upgrading to lithium batteries for the trolling motor (pic is prior to lithium upgrade). I have a Fury 24 on it and I'm not really satisfied with my hole shot but so far I've hit 65 mph in the neighborhood of 5500 rpm.
    Looks good! I probably won’t put poles on mine. How much weight will I save without them? Do I see a jack plate? What did you go with?

    Frank

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    #16
    Mercury also has a 200 hp 6 cylinder 4stroke.

  17. Member
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    #17
    Quote Originally Posted by ourflat View Post
    Looks good! I probably won’t put poles on mine. How much weight will I save without them? Do I see a jack plate? What did you go with?

    Frank
    Those are the 12' Talons and weigh 47 lbs each and I'm guestimating another 50ish lbs in mounting brackets so roughly 150 lbs. The jack plate is a 6" SeaStar
    2000 Ranger 518vx - 2019 Mercury Pro xs 200