Yea, I guess that 21 ft. Allison with the 2.5 Pro XS 175 got incredible mileage and still went in the 70s. It was for sale in the 4 sale section for a while. That seemed like the ultimate rig especially for when the gas prices go back up to $5 a gal. I was thinking what a perfect guide boat for up here in Canada where gas is close to $6 a gallon.Originally Posted by xb03fs
225 merc is a power house on hole shot ,better than a lot of 250s we have tested.
Thank you, that is so helpful
I really don't understand the obsession of some people with pushing what they feel is or is not right on other people. So someone wants to save money on gas instead of buying the hot new engine. Why even comment? Aside from you're absolutely foolish and mediocre so you have to try to prove yourself by making a smart comment on a message board every 10 minutes. As far as the whole "that 15 dollars isn't gonna help when you blow something... " That's why we buy engines with warranty.
As has been stated I think this is a tough question to answer... even with tests taking place they always seem to be on varying hulls. Basscat, a touch of class and some others have given some great answers. Thanks for asking the questions and I hope you find something that is worry free and gives you great economy.
Really don't get your logic! So you buy new stuff for the warranty or extended warranties that's great economy !
It appears you have had a wide range of feedback. I have a 22ft Champion with a 250 Promax. Compared to my 200 EFI pushing a 20ft Champ there is no comparison. I say go for it. I'd be very surprised if you have any regrets. Mine loves to run about 4200rpm. Seems to be best for speed and fuel economy. Good luck.
Really don't get your logic! So you buy new stuff for the warranty or extended warranties that's great economy !
Just saw this and felt like responding haha
i understand that but look at grandpa living on a fixed income or just anybody worried how much fuel cost ! What happens when they blow there motor up or have machanical failure? Saving 10 to 15 dollars an hour is not going fix squat.
I was answering this question earlier about "What happens when they blow up *their* motor or have a mechanical failure?" What would happen with a new engine is warranty would cover it or at least a great deal of it. Also, I would say, yes - one factor of buying a new product for many folks would be to obtain a warranty. It's all about how they use their items and if they're going to be spending a large amount up front then maybe they want that added protection?
No disrespect meant with any of it man, just a lot of opinion here. Hope what I'm saying makes sense. Not really even saying it's a logical or economical decision (I think that's what you were trying to say on that last part) just that for some people who run at low rpms or anything like that, they may just want the peace of mind of an engine warranty. For the record, I own a 2000 boat with 2000 150hp engine, so I'm not much on the new stuff, or the big fast stuff as far as being economical!
Hope you're out catching big ones!
Honda will probably be your best best if your primary concerns are fuel economy and longevity. Top end is what keeps honda from being more popular in the bass crowd.
A vrod at 4k and other engines at 4k will not run the same speed because vrods are propped to turn 6300 or so at wot while the others are propped for 58-5900. Also vrods are usually propped with a 4 blade which will help any motor with midrange economy.
I never had anything that measured gph when I had a 200 pro xs but it was decent on fuel, better with a fury 4. A 250 pro xs won't burn that much more but I used $400 of oil last year and it really offsets fuel econ alot.
My 250 sho is right around 10.5-11 gph at 45 mph and 4k(ish) rpm on 721 phoenix.
I re-powered my Ranger 520 with a 2008 Yamaha Sport 225 4-stroke. The gas mileage was much better than the 225 Johnson H.O. it replaced () but It wasn't until about 3 years later that I really noticed my gas mileage improving. I honestly believe these 4-stroke motors take awhile to break-in and loosen up to give their full potential.
My boat sat all winter long and was only used April to October so maybe it took me a little longer to break the motor in, but I think you'll see improvements with your mileage the more you run the engine, regardless of which 4-stroke you go with.
M
4.6 gph or mpg?
John Wolff
2003 Allison XB21 2+2
2003 Mercury 250xs
250 SHO 23gph at 6000+ rpm
250 SHO .6gph at 700 rpm
I only use 2 throttle positions.
I did all this a few years ago. Data is pretty hard to find, for a lot of reasons. What I did find the Honda was the most fuel efficient. Put it on a good efficient hull and you got the ticket.
2014 Phoenix 721XP, 250 SHO, Bobs Action Jack, Dual Blades, 112 Ultrex, Garmin Echomap Ultra's Networked, NMEA 2000, 2019 Lariat FX4 F150 Supercrew 4x4
2001 Bumblebee 2100 Super Vee Mercury 225 EFI
1988 Hydrasport Kevlar hull 115 Tower of Power
Prop selection and gear ratio makes a huge difference in gph on any motor. Cant go wrong with any four strok. Thay are by far more reliable.
seems the hull would have big impact for sure. The newer motors are all far better then say motors 18 years ago. I doubt you can go wrong.
2024 Phoenix 818
2024 merc 175 pro xs 3B411947
Reality is all those mentioned are prolly within 5% to 10% of each other at any rpm. 10% of 5 gph ain't noticeable. They are all equally bad at wot. Like stated above if u want best fuel mileage get tbe lightest rig u can find.
Bryan McDonough
2023 Nitro Z21 XL
Nitro Team
Om my boat I average 5-7mpg with a 300xs.
2004 Bullet 20XRD
2008 Mercury 300XS
SN: 1E003611
My Honda BF250 uses very little gas if I keep her under appx. 50 mph.
A side story.....a friend has a 40 foot Scarab with twin BIG engines down at LOZ. He says he only uses two gallons to the mile if he doesn't get into it too hard.
I haven't driven all the motors discussed in this thread. But I'm a proud owner of a Suzuki DF250 SS. It's a wonderful 4 stroke engine. My feelings are hurt a little by it not being part of the discussion in helping Painter1 out
Good luck. I hope you find what makes you happy.
Hmmmmm, 07 250 ProXS, Read my sig for boat details. I have a Merc Monitor and at 3,800-3,900 rpm, 42-43 gps my monitor says 4.2-4.5 gph.
Does that sound right?
Maybe I’m reading it wrong.
General rule of thumb is any outboard will burn about the same gallons per hour WOT. Most 250’s are gonna average 25 GPH on a bass boat WOT. A 225-22, 200-20, 150-15, etc etc.
I’ve had a few set up where my GPS was tied into my SC system. That will give you MPG. I was doing good to average 4.5 with a 225. That’s average, not WOT. Seems like I only had a few hours at WOT on that one at 100 hours.
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