Re: Pros/cons 250xb (Cheatham200)
CONS:
They don't just like 93 Octane they require at least 92 Octane. YES, they devour gasoline and premium plus oil at an incredible rate at W.O.T. Cruising speed is much better (but it's awful hard to do with this motor!)
250xb's have solid motor mounts -- A must at speeds over 72 mph.(increased handling). But you'll feel more vibrations through-out the boat and it puts a little more stress on the transom in rough conditions.
PROS:
The 250XB is a beast. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/devil.gif A very strong and high-revving engine (it likes to run 6100 rpms).
Very dependable when maintained properly.
Some nice DIY 'mods' are available for this motor, if you wanna get real radical!
I think you would be fine with the torque-master once it's propped correctly.
And I would definately get a clean bill of health from a qualified tech if you do not know the history of the engine http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Re: Pros/cons 250xb (RiverRatMD)
Fire off the s/n to Don for a good/ill feeling. He will be able to give you any service history where available. I own a 2002 and found that a leak down test was important followed by a run hour by thousand RPM was important also. Speaking from experience make sure that you only run Champion QL77CC at .040 gap in the motor. Excellent motor for sure, but do not expect other than a "gas guzzler" when compared to an OPTI "Green motor". Many benefits to the XB if "Mods" are of interest and more significant ,others than myself can help if maximum HP is your interest!! Check the "sticky" and you will be surprised and pleased to boot. Great and powerful motor with many future possibilities for sure. JMHO thou.
Re: Pros/cons 250xb (Cheatham200)
All good points above. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif
Expect an increase in fuel CONSUMPTION... perhaps in the 10-15% range (propped correctly w/Torquemaster).
It should have NO problem pushing your Champion around, however. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/wink.gif
Re: Pros/cons 250xb (Cheatham200)
It is a great motor, you have many options to increase hp with bolt on parts. Love mine, but if you make long runs fishing tx's i would look at something else. If your looking for something to play around with! this is it. http://www.bassboatcentral.com/smileys/thumbsup2.gif