2005 Merc 250 XS ?

[BULLET FAN]

Just wanting to know if I should do anything to my motor as a update or a preventative maintenance or something you pros on here would advise. I have lower unit oil, impeller and plugs changed more than recommended. The compressor went out and I had it replaced that was less than 75 hours ago. Motor seams fine. I am just wanting to make sure there is nothing that I have not done that I should. I also got a new prop a couple of years ago and thought someone may could look at my set up and see what they thought about how it performs. I also just want to see if motor and prop are giving me full potential. I am not too far from Soddy Daisy (3HRS). Thanks for suggestions.

[Bullet 250]

I had one on my 2004 21 XDC great motor, just keep up the regular maint.

[gehol]

That is likely a "gold block" motor requiring premium fuel. Does it have the sportsmaster? If so, that is one of the strongest 250 motors Mercury Racing ever built. They typically make 270+ at the prop. I had one on my 20XD and I really liked it.
Tell us your set up and what speeds it is getting. I would guess low 80's if set up correctly with the sporty lower.

[rock2033]

Quickleen in every tank.

[Bullet 250]

I ran nothing but Premium in mine, and it had a sporty, hit 87 a couple of times, had less trouble out of it than my 2016 300XS, and yes Quikleen ( Don's Cocktail) everytime I got gas

[gehol]

Frankly, IMO, that speed (in fishing trim) tells me you have it dialed in pretty good.
Prop and P to P?

[BULLET FAN]

I have a torque master case with 1:62 gears at 3/4" below pad. 2 people loaded with gear and full live wells. 26 Promax = 78.
Previous Prop before compressor replacement 26 Trophy = 83

[gehol]

Sounds like it is fast. Set up sounds good. I have an XRS with a 300R. I would be tickled it it would do mid 80's with 2 people and gear with empty live well.
28 BRV 5 , 7/8" above.

My 20XD with 250XS run low 90's 28 Bravo, 1-3/8" above with 1.62 with one person and light gear.
Doing a good job with yours.

Both running Sporty lower unit

[BulletV]

The 2005 is different from the 04 and 06 models. It is around 290hp and the others are 275. 05 models have a 6400 rpm limiter and higher compression heads. I have one on a 1989 21V that I restored for my Dad a few years ago. I got this info verified at Mercury school, when I was there. Since Covid-19, we only have to go in person every 4 years now. They said they had plans to keep them like that but couldn’t meet EPA emissions and had to go back in 2006.

[jaxbass]

Ronnie - have you tried any other props? Just curious because I run mid 80’s with a 300# fishing partner. 30 bravo for fishing load, 32 bravo for solo days. Steve Bishop ran my boat to 92 in the limiter with the Bravo 32. Just wanted to see if you tried any other props. Sorry to hijack the post.

[gehol]

Donnie, I would love to try a Bravo. I have never cared for the Powertech prop. I have asked around to borrow a Bravo 30 or 31. Bravos that steep are kind of hard to find. I can't drop that kind of money on a chance it would work.
My biggest problem, I think, is I can't get the motor high enough and still have a decent hole shot. I am 7/8" above and need 1 -1/4" above.
I too apologize for hijacking the OP's thread.

[BULLET FAN]

No problems on my end on hi jacking. Keep it up I still like to learn other set ups.

[Bullet 250]

be carefull running a torque master very high, just can't hold the speed a sporty can, might try a Signature Eagle 4 28, that's what I ran 87 with, but I had a sporty

[BULLET FAN]

I have a Eagle Signature 28. Great prop very similar to driving as the 26 Pro Max. I Just cant get out of the hole very well with it and with 2 people. The Trophy I had was the shizzle for top end. Older model Trophy. Not too great out of the hole, not great mid and not the best handling. Not terrible in those categories but it did shine when you let her eat! I ran it to 86 on a solo light run but I was scared to death it was going to blow at any second. It just felt like it was on the edge. I would love to find a prop i could get to 80 loaded and still handled like the Pro Max

[Bullet 250]

I had 2 Trophys worked by DAH, great prop until they came apart, all Trophys run high do, had a 27 Trophy that straight out of the box came apart

[BULLET FAN]

I was lucky mine held together for over 12 years. Then a bunch of fog and a hump that snuck up on me. And there went the old Trophy

[Bullet 250]

None of mine lasted longer then a year