If its all about fuel burn hourly then the Pro XS will be best. Keep in mind that there is more to consider like oil use and service, as well as user satisfaction.
If its all about fuel burn hourly then the Pro XS will be best. Keep in mind that there is more to consider like oil use and service, as well as user satisfaction.
My boat is getting the best gph (about 4.6) at about 3500 rpms according to my Smartcraft gauge. I very rarely run at WOT.
Mike
Ranger Z520
Mercury 250 Pro XS
4.6 gph or mpg?Originally Posted by Locknload59
John Wolff
2003 Allison XB21 2+2
2003 Mercury 250xs
Go with the honda from a johnson guy
I have my 1999 225 ho johnson getting a little over 4 mpg as long as I keep it under 50 mph. Not bad for 6 big old thirsty carbs
I did a lot of research on this a few years ago. The Honda was hands down better than any of them. Never checked the Verado, just too many many parts for me (supercharger). I can't remember the numbers, but it was pretty significant. But as I said this was awhile ago.
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
I had a 250 SHO and a 250 Pro XS on the same hull. l cruise a lot, and don't run WOT too often. The Pro XS was a little easier on fuel. You have not mentioned anything about access to good service for your new motor, which is an important factor for many when choosing an outboard brand.
2019 BCB Classic
Merc V8 200 4S
225 merc is a power house on hole shot ,better than a lot of 250s we have tested.
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.
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
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.
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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