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  1. #1
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    225 or 250 on a 203?

    Curious to how many guys are running a 225 vs. a 250 on your 203s? For the guys with the 225s, do you long for the 250 upgrade, or isn't there enough difference in performance (and/or price) for the additional ponies?

  2. Member BalsaBee's Avatar
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    Mar 2005
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    Kimberling City, MO
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    #2
    Buy a 200hp SHO and flash it to whatever you want. I've never met someone who regretted getting more HP.


  3. Member
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    Apr 2013
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    Menomonee Falls, WI
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    #3
    I have a '99 dual console 203 with a 225 merc efi. It is very weight sensitive. It will run 68-70 loaded to fish (3 graphs, fortrex, 2 power poles, 30 rods, center compartment and rear compartments full) with a half tank of gas and empty livewells. 2 guys, full of gas and full wells it'll do 65-66. Fastest its ever been is 74.

    I'd love a 250, but with 1000+ hours on this outboard I don't whine too loudly. Turn the key and go fishing.

  4. Member
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    #4
    Quote Originally Posted by BalsaBee View Post
    Buy a 200hp SHO and flash it to whatever you want. I've never met someone who regretted getting more HP.

    But what does it run now???????

  5. Member
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    May 2007
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    #5
    250

  6. Banned
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    #6
    more is better. However, anything above 200 is just fine

  7. Member
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    Jul 2004
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    Avella, PA
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    #7
    I have a 2000 203 with a yamaha 225 3.1L. I'm still working on getting it dialed in, but it'll push 68-70 with little seat and setup time. However, if I were buying new I'd def go 250 (or flash a sho)

    Planning on adding some go fast goodies from hydrotech to this 225 over the winter.
    2002 gambler 2100
    2008 250 proxs

  8. Member
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    Dec 2020
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    Wayzata, Mn
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    #8
    I know I've told you something similar in a pm. On my 221 the 250 SHO makes a huge difference over my 225 EFI. Hole shot, cruising speed, and one of the biggest surprises is flatness of ride. I never realized that my boat ran at a slight upward angle but it did. Now it pops up, levels out, and just stays level at all ranges of speed. The difference is huge and so pleasant. I did switch to lithiums to compensate for the weight difference. The difference to me was beyond what I was expecting.

  9. Member
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    Mar 2013
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    High Ridge Missouri 63049
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    #9
    I have a 1999 203 with a Yamaha 3.1L 225 OX66. Heavy fishing load, 3/4 tank, runs 67-68 with a fury 24/4. I might end up with a SHO at some point but the 3.1L is dang hard to beat right now! I don't long for a 250 honestly.

  10. Member BalsaBee's Avatar
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    #10
    Quote Originally Posted by Elite203 View Post
    But what does it run now???????
    78 loaded down with full tanks. I've hit 80 by myself. I didn't do any different prop testing. I wanted to try a Bravo. I sent my 25 pitch Tempest to Croxton and had him B&B it and add pitch. The motor that I had before the SHO was an HPDI 200hp that I swapped with a 225 ECU . It would run a consistent 72.

  11. Member MMosher's Avatar
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    Aug 2009
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    #11
    More power is always nice