Thread: 300XS vs 250XS

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  1. #1
    Member Cpt. Morgan's Avatar
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    300XS vs 250XS

    Besides the obvious HP advantage are there any other pro's and con's in going with a 300XS vs 250XS?
    I understand the warranty is shorter on the 300 and it also requires premium fuel. Any other things to know from guys who are running them?
    Thanks fellas!
    @captainmorganlegend

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    #2
    If you fish B.A.S.S. sanctioned events you have a 250 limit. I switched from a 300 to a 250 for that reason and now I regret it.
    GETFISHED !!!

  3. Kllr bee
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    #3
    I have a 20 foot Bullet that went 98 when I went blind and couldn't see gps with 300XS . It goes 91 with a 250XS now. 3.2 liter formula 1 technology versus 3 liter optimax. Oh yeah, you can't fish some tournaments.
    Richard

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    #4
    If you like more speed get the 300xs. The warranty is shorter but they get great gas mileage while cursing and good mileage at WOT just like the 250xs. Based on BASS rules you can't fish their series with a 300.

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    #5
    That 300 limit is ridiculous and one of the dumbest rules that flw and bass have. If you cant drive a boat with a 300, then a 250 wont help.

    The 250xs has less warranty too, but you can get a sportsmaster lower with them. Unless you need a sportsmaster, IMO its between 250 pro xs and 300xs
    2007 Sterling 22xs-Yamaha 250-Dual 10 foot blades-Ipilot-Bobs Jack plate-HDS 8 (SOLD)
    2016 Sterling 220XS: (SOLD)
    2008 SCB Topcat 250 XS (SOLD)
    Current:
    2014 SCB Stingray Sport Merc 300XS
    2018 ES Custom Revolution 25 Merc 400R

  6. Member
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    #6
    what type of boat are you going to have the motor on?? I've had 22" Bullets with a 250XS and a 300XS, the hole shot seems to be not as good with the 300XS, but the 300XS will run faster, both will drink the same amount of gas if you keep your foot in it(speed) I ran Premium fuel in both the 250XS and the 300XS, only thing I'm doing different is I'm running Mercury Racing oil in the 300XS, ALOT MORE EXPENSIVE than the Premium Plus I ran in the 250XS

  7. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by Bullet 250 View Post
    what type of boat are you going to have the motor on?? I've had 22" Bullets with a 250XS and a 300XS, the hole shot seems to be not as good with the 300XS, but the 300XS will run faster, both will drink the same amount of gas if you keep your foot in it(speed) I ran Premium fuel in both the 250XS and the 300XS, only thing I'm doing different is I'm running Mercury Racing oil in the 300XS, ALOT MORE EXPENSIVE than the Premium Plus I ran in the 250XS
    WHY ?? Both of the 300XS motors I have owned specifically called for Premium plus oil.
    The 250 does have a better holeshot on most setups due to how the exhaust is relieved.

  8. Member cbr900racer22's Avatar
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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by fishnfireman View Post
    WHY ?? Both of the 300XS motors I have owned specifically called for Premium plus oil.
    The 250 does have a better holeshot on most setups due to how the exhaust is relieved.
    Actually its DFI oil with premium plus as an alternative.
    ​Justin Scott
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  9. Member esdbass's Avatar
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    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by cbr900racer22 View Post
    Actually its DFI oil with premium plus as an alternative.
    Pretty sure, the Pro XS 250 is DFI Oil, the 300XS Sport or Sport 250XS or older ( prior "sport" ) 250XS is Premium Plus or the new Racing Oil

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    #10
    Both my 250 and 300xs racing motors specify premium plus under the cowling. My 225 pro xs I had was dfi
    2007 Sterling 22xs-Yamaha 250-Dual 10 foot blades-Ipilot-Bobs Jack plate-HDS 8 (SOLD)
    2016 Sterling 220XS: (SOLD)
    2008 SCB Topcat 250 XS (SOLD)
    Current:
    2014 SCB Stingray Sport Merc 300XS
    2018 ES Custom Revolution 25 Merc 400R

  11. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    #11
    Quote Originally Posted by cbr900racer22 View Post
    Actually its DFI oil with premium plus as an alternative.
    Both of my 300XS motors have it printed on the motor and it's also in my Mercury Racing service manual page 1A-4 "Recommended Engine Oil -- Premium plus 2-cycle TCW3 Outboard Oil" It says nothing about any other oil. One is a 2008 model the other a 2013.

  12. Kllr bee
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    #12
    I talked to Mercury Racing and they say Premium plus in the 300XS.
    Richard

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    #13
    I think you will find that all Optimax production motors call for dfi oil. Mercury Racing does not recommend dfi oil for their Optimax motors.

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    #14
    Quote Originally Posted by esdbass View Post
    Pretty sure, the Pro XS 250 is DFI Oil, the 300XS Sport or Sport 250XS or older ( prior "sport" ) 250XS is Premium Plus or the new Racing Oil
    +1 what Eli said . I have seen guys that idol a lot with there 300XS and 250 XS engine use it .then go back to the plus oil .

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    #15
    I see that many of us 250-300XS owners are saying that the factory service manual says that Mercury Premium Plus oil is recommended. The only thing that can be said about this controversy is that some of the manuals that are being referenced are over ten years old. As we all know, technology changes at an alarming rate. The current school of thought is that Mercury Racing oil is better for the XS series motors because they are built slightly differently from the Pro XS series and the Mercury Racing oil is more beneficial to these motors. Without a doubt, the most current "best oil" would be the Mercury Racing oil. This, of course, comes at a cost to the user. Next week,a new "best oil" may be in vogue and would be recommended. Even Mercury states that you can use any oil in the direct injection engines. I am presenting this "opinion" after much research on the subject. I use Mercury Racing oil in my 250XS, and pay a little more, hoping that I don't get excess wear or a blown power head costing many thousands of dollars to repair. I consider oil to be a relatively cheap investment compared to the cost of engine parts in general. Hope this sheds some light on this subject.
    Last edited by Sunny Jim; 12-17-2017 at 10:42 AM.

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    #16
    I had a 3--7 300xs and now a late 2015 300xs, both say to use Mercury Premium Plus Oil. I asked my Merc Master Tech about the racing oil when it came out and he stated "you haven't had any oil related problems so why change to something different if what your doing works." I still use Merc Prem Plus today. Don't put thousands of hrs on my motors but the new one had a little over 200 and no problems.
    Sunny, you are correct in saying as technology changes products are improved but I'm sticking with what brought to the dance.

  17. Member fishnfireman's Avatar
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    #17
    Have to agree Dean.. I've had a 2008 300XS model and a 2013. Until I see it in writing from Mercury advising me to change I will stick with what they recommend in writing on the side of the motor.

    I have blown my share of 2.5 ltr blocks in the last 25 years -- None were from an oil related failure..

  18. Kllr bee
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    #18
    I repeat, I called Mercury Racing and they say premium plus. My 300XS is 7 1/2 years old with over 400 hours and no problem. I also run the dog out of mine.
    Richard

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    #19
    I had a 2004 250XS ane now a 2016 300XS. Bothrequired 91 octane. Both on myt 2004 Stroker.
    The 250 XS has a better holeshot and would go zero to 80 quicker, The 300XS from about 60 mph up was significantly stronger and faster.
    On my setup, the 300XS at speeds 80 or below, the 300XS got over 1mpg better milage.

  20. Mercury 3L/4 Stroke/Verado Moderator EuropeanAM's Avatar
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    #20
    Quote Originally Posted by cbr900racer22 View Post
    Actually its DFI oil with premium plus as an alternative.
    Nope. The 300XS is a RACING engine. Recommended lubes are:

    -Mercury Racing Oil
    -Mercury or Quicksilver Premium Plus.


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