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Don and others. Getting ready to buy only my second boat. First had an EFI. I've been reading this forum for months trying to learn more about the 250 ProXS. What would be some of you Merc fan's selling points for buying a Merc for those who have owned or know about other brands. Again, I'm not a mechanically inclined guy, but do have a Merc tech about 40 miles away. thanks in advance.
I can think of a dozen reasons, but from a "Service" aspect, here's a few:
1. Mercury has had the Optimax technology (what the 250 ProXS is based upon) since 1997... and has been improving it's design year after year.
2. The ProXS engine was designed (or actually "taken from") RACE TRIED AND PROVEN design.
3. Mercury Marine has done a very good job of maintaining a dealer network of approximately 5000 dealers in the US.... far more than other brands. When you need service or warranty work: where will you get it done (you pick in this case).
4. In my experience (having dealt with multiple brands over the years), Mercury's customer service (taking care of the customer and honoring warranty commitments) is SECOND TO NONE. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
5. The ProXS is painted black http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif (sorry, couldn't resist that plug) http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/Laugh.gif
I ran a 225 EFI for years and it used gas, gas, gas. I have the 250 Pro XS now and have been pleasantly surprised at how well the gas milage is. I run most of the time at mid range where it really does well on gas.
I appreciate the info fellas. Got my eye on a Z520 w/ 250 proXS(09). Gotta lot of good tips on maintaining this engine from the board. Sure I'll have a lot more when I pull the trigger on the boat. Good to hear the gas is so much better than the EFI.
You also have Don of European Marine here on BBC who is extremely knowledgeable, very helpful, and more than willing to support the members of this board with his advise and vast experience. Mercury outboards are like any other manufacturers product, they are not with out problems. You can look at this board and some of the others about issues with these motors. The one thing I most like about Mercury is if you need parts you can get them just about anywhere, or if you put in an order you get delivery quickly and they are generally cheaper than the others.
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I guess the main thing is being able to maintain the engine w/ little mechanical knowledge. I have always good at being as preventative as possible (ie yearly maint., additives, plugs, pumps, etc.) Hope to be more knowledgable by the time the warranty runs out. Sure won't be paid for at that time. Just nervous because not exactly loaded in the bank department. Anyway, all the feedback is good.
....just don't forget to run "the cocktail" in your gas...from the start!!