Which engine to get 175 Pro XS or 200 Pro XS ?

[Baja 252]

I'm trying to decide between the 2.5 175 Pro XS or the 3.0 200 Pro XS for my new boat. It’s a 2010 Nitro Z7 (18'8") with a max hp rating of 200hp.

I know most would say max it out because of the better top speed and hole shot of the 3.0, but for some reason I think I see more issues with 3.0's than I do with 2.5's. Is this right, which motor is more dependable?

The 3.0 weighs 74 lbs more and is a physically larger motor. Is this a negative on an 18’8” boat? I assume the larger motor would be harder to fish around for the person in the back. I also want the boat to sit level in the water, is the extra weight hanging off the back going to make it squat to much while sitting still?

Is the larger gear case on the 3 liter a plus or minus? What about the issue of chine walking, one better than the other?

Thanks,
Bill

[MuleCat]

[Cyncwby]

Bill, you're facing the same questions I had last year........The exception is I have a 22' Bennington tri-toon fishing rig (like to spend the night out) that is rated for a 225hp engine. I was considering cost, weight and fuel consumption, being a tri-toon the speed wasn't a real factor but I wanted something that would get down the lake.

I ended up buying the 175 Pro Xs and put it on a CMC hyd. jack plate, havn't regreted it a bit. The engine runs flawlessly and at WOT (5800) with this tug boat loaded with gear, three batts, trolling motor and the bimini top up it see's 44 mph. Not real bad for a triple pontoon, and it gets great gas mileage. If I were buying an 18'ish bass boat I would still get the 175 Pro, it puts out 185-190 hp ....unless you just have to have the fastest boat on the lake.

One other thing, the regular 200 Optimax puts out "around" 215-220hp from what I hear so the 200 Pro motor HP wise is just decals AND EXTRA COST!! Go to http://www.jacosmarine.com they have all the Merc prices listed. And yes I agree on the 3.0, seems like they have more problems than the 2.5's, specially with the coils. Anyway, thought I'd throw this info out to you, hope it helps Good luck on whichever you choose........Dave


Modified by Cyncwby at 7:31 PM 1/8/2010

[EuropeanAM]

That's a tough one..... but here's a little info that may help you in your decision.

If the situation were "identical weights" (which it's not), we'd expect to see 1-3 MPH top speed difference between the two engines. Since the 175 ProXS is lighter, I'm going to say 1-2 MPH top speed difference (approximately).

The 200 ProXS would have a definite advantage on "holeshot", simply due to it's increased displacement. There is definitely a difference here!

Dependability wise.... consider them EQUAL. outside the 2.5 liter DFI block... the 175 ProXS shares MANY common components (externally) with the 225/250 ProXS (such as injectors, direct injectors, "multi-strike" coils, spark plugs, many sensors, etc). Still a VERY dependable engine!

The 200 ProXS is very similar to it's predecessor (the 200 DFI), with minor improvements that include Carbon Fiber Reeds, an improved air attenuator, improved calibration (PCM), and ProXS decals. It also uses a "single strike" coil (different from the 175/225/250 models).

I might also be inclined to consider the 175 ProXS if I were you.... unless you think you're going to need the extra displacement for your holeshot. It may simple come down to "dollars and cents" in the end....

[Baja 252]

Thanks Don. Sorry to ask so many questions.

Do both engines have solid mounts?

Any gearcase advantage in either motor?

Why is the max RPM (according to Merc's website) only 5750 on the 200 Pro XS, not 6000 like all other V6 XS's?

Thanks again

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Baja 252 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Thanks Don. Sorry to ask so many questions.

Do both engines have solid mounts?

Any gearcase advantage in either motor?

Why is the max RPM (according to Merc's website) only 5750 on the 200 Pro XS, not 6000 like all other V6 XS's?

Thanks again</TD></TR></TABLE>

Mounts: No. The 175 ProXS will have hard rubber... the 200 ProXS has standard mounts.

The gearcase on either engine is very durable.... both will run the same prop, and the same hub. The 200 ProXS utilizes the "Verado" style case.

200 ProXS has retained a similar rev limiter to it's predecessor, the 200 DFI.

[nightbasser]

Wish they would have raised the limiter on the 200 pro xs

[EuropeanAM]

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nightbasser &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Wish they would have raised the limiter on the 200 pro xs</TD></TR></TABLE>

They could have..... but they would not have a "200" model if they did... it already was very close to the "10% limit".