I am looking at a boat with a 2002 MERC 225 3.0L. This 20' will supposedly do 80+ MPH. Is this a good motor choice? Any issues to be concerned with? How about the stock lower unit? Any comments will be appreciated.
I am looking at a boat with a 2002 MERC 225 3.0L. This 20' will supposedly do 80+ MPH. Is this a good motor choice? Any issues to be concerned with? How about the stock lower unit? Any comments will be appreciated.
I You did not say if it was a EFI or Optimax. Both are dependable motors but the EFI really likes the gasoline.
Richard
What kind of boat?? I have an '03 225 EFI and on my Blazer it will only get up to around 76+. 80 plus sounds like a lot unless you are looking at something like an Ally, Bullet, etc.
As mentioned above, the EFI's are very thirsty...but I love mine.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by kllr bee »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I You did not say if it was a EFI or Optimax. Both are dependable motors but the EFI really likes the gasoline.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
+1
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Sorry, I forgot to mention it is EFI. It is on an 02 Bullet XDC. What I was most concerned with is dependability, longevity and the lower unit. There seems to be lots of discussions about changing lower units when prop heights and speeds are high.
I would guess that 80+ on a Bullet is possible, but doubt it will be that much more than 80. Mine has a std lower unit on it and I can't raise it any higher or I lose water pressure. Currently around 1-3/8" below pad. Pretty sure I would be better off and faster if I could get it higher, but I'm stuck for now.
Had mine for about 2 years now (bought boat used) and it's been very reliable. Haven't done anything to it other than normal lube and water pump, and had to change one fuse.
Very dependable motor......I know of many with thousands of hours on them
With your 20' bullet with a sportsmaster lower unit with 1.62 gears you will fish low 80's maybe alittle better and be high 80's and possibly 90 propped right and light
Jason
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RG-IN-NH »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I am a newbie, what is the stock unit?</TD></TR></TABLE>
That would be the "black painted lower unit" that the engine came with (utilizes a standard size propshaft and gears).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
What I meant was what is the ratio and type? Are sportmaster, torquemaster and fleetmaster all aftermarket units? This is all new to me.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RG-IN-NH »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">What I meant was what is the ratio and type? Are sportmaster, torquemaster and fleetmaster all aftermarket units? This is all new to me. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Sportmaster, Torquemaster and Fleetmaster are all "high-performance Mercury Lower Units".
The standard gearcase is simply a production-line, standard gearcase.
Normally, you'll have a 1.75:1 standard gearcase on your engine. Would be glad to verify what it came with (by serial number).
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Is it absolutely necessary to change out the lower unit? It seems that most get changed by guys terying to run at the ultimate top speed with the prop above the pad. If you run a conservative setup, will the stock lower hold up?
Jason
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RG-IN-NH »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Is it absolutely necessary to change out the lower unit? It seems that most get changed by guys terying to run at the ultimate top speed with the prop above the pad. If you run a conservative setup, will the stock lower hold up?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I would not recommend running ANY of the earlier "standard" gearcases on this hull.... (this would be any of the gearcases without the low water intakes).
CERTAINLY not at any speed above 75 MPH!
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
Thanks guys. If I decide to follow through and buy this 02 combo, where is the best place to find a good deal on a quality TM? I think the TM would be best suited to me and the water in the area. Not too many places for me to run 85-90 MPH and if I understand right it will probably launch better with this setup.
Take a look in the Motor Parts forum. You'll commonly find 3L Torquemasters there.
Dual Mercury Master Technician- for Mercury Outboards, Mercruiser and Mercury Racing at European Marine in Greenville, SC.
Still consider myself a "Marine Apprentice" after 48 years (learn something new every day).
Mercury Parts, Mercury Outboards, Smartcraft & Accessories, Injector Service, TDR Reeds- BBC Sponsor
You can also try http://www.screamandfly.com. You'll find some there typically as well.
i'm running 83.7 gps with a 225 with some work done on a 21 xd with a stock lower unit. thats with 2 people tackle and ice and full of gas.
Really, what prop and where is it set?
30 drag 4 with some cup 3/4 below pad with 12 psi water pressure wot at 6100 rpm with 14 inch set back.
i want to try a 28 txp.
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