225xs or Optimax?

[Mike]

Is there a big difference on fuel consumption between the two? Speed? Who has had both? Gary? Kent? What would you get?

[Triton Mike]

Mike, I just blew my 225EFI and I am repowering with the 225 Pro XS and have my motor being shipped from Fon Du lac as we speak. I have been told the gas consumption is the same. The 225 Pro XS is faster 2-3mph. Then again the Pro XS costs more. Now is a good time to buy with the 5 year promotion going on with Mercury. That 7 year Evinrude warranty promotion don't sound to bad either!! Hope this helps!

T Mike

[JimmyReese]

Ditto to most of Mikes words!

The Mercury Pro XS has more HP. I would expect you to get at least 3 mph more, I think more like 5-7 mph, at least I did on my boat ! The fuel consumption will be close its all relative to the rpm's your runnin. The PRO XS is deffinately the way I would go! 2 cents....

Jimmy

[Triton Mike]

Dang Jimmy if you get 5-7mph more on a Lead SLED then I show break the sound barrier with a Triton ~~~ too cool ~

Mike

[Mike]

I could see there being not much difference in fuel between the EFI and the XS, but there must be a big difference between the XS and the Optimax? I would hope the speed is at least 5-7mph given the higher fuel/RPM's and cost. If not why would anyone get the XS?

[Triton Mike]

Mike, My EFI sucks fuel like a Dobyns eats Krispy Kreme's. Optimax will definitely have better fuel economy than the EFI as I am told. I have been told the fuel economy between the regular Opti and Pro XS isn't anything to worry about. Now the Opti XS from my understanding is for tater chip boats for the most part ie bullets, Strokers, Gamblers etc. I will let you know some numbers once I get set up.

Tee

[kb]

5-7 mph is a bit of a stretch there Jimmy.....with a standard Opti you would be running about 60 so you better get the XS.

Mike I have had two 225 XS motors and here are my thoughts on this motor.

Advantages of the XS:

Higher RPM range 5700-6200 so you can run smaller propellers for hole shot and mid range without getting up on your rev warning. The standard Opti is at 5750.

The XS motor has carbon reeds for better low end and hole shot.

The XS uses the Torque Master gear case for better performance and is more durable with the solid hub. This is much better in rough water and the same hub they use in the Saltwater race motors.

The XS burns Premium Plus Oil about $5 gallon cheaper than the Optimax Oil.

The XS run 87 octane fuel only savng you money on gas and oil.

Give me a call if you have any questions and the guys are right now is the time to buy with added warranty incentives 2 years.

We will also have a Mercury service trailer at all major events here in the West in 2007.

I will be running the new 250 Pro XS next season so if any of you want info on it see me at the shows I should have mine by then.

Kent Brown
Mercury National Pro Team

[Dewayne]

Give that E-Tec HO a look first. Otherwise you may only be able to see the back of it.

With a 7 year warranty and the improved oil usage you will not only be ahead on the water.

[kb]

did you bump your head Dewayne??????

The back of it, not likely and nobody saw the back of it in the Bass and Walleye shootout last year either.

Friends don't let friends buy blue motors

I know I willl hear from Gary over this one

kb

[Mike]

I looked at them Dewayne and had to turn away! Them things are UGLY!!

[Sacto John]

The E-tec performance in the Bass and Walleye Bots test had much more to do with the hull/pad design of the Bullet the were testing on than the motor.

[kb]

Your right John and I was just messing with Dewayne as he was me. I really was just trying to answer Mike's questions about the XS and the Optimax. I am not an expert on the E-TEC motors and really have never been in a boat that much with one on it. I do however have a little bit of time under my belt with an Optimax and an XS. I have ran Optimax motors over 2000 hours.

Thanks for the heads up on the hull design but all motors were ran on identical boats with identical loads so I am not sure how the pad on the boat effected the results. Please explain if you want.

Call me if you have any questions Mike!
Kent

[Ken C.]

Mike, Did you pop your motor or did something happen?


~Explore the Dark Side. . . We have cookies!!!~

[Mike]

Nope. My boat is too damn slow! (63mph gps) I have been toying with the idea of putting a new 200xs on my 488vs or buying a Z19/Z20. Just window shopping at this point. I need to sell my damn truck!

[Hipster]

Mike,

KB and Jimmy have about four times the experiance as I have but let me tell you the Yamaha HPDI is a far superior motor!!

Have you thought about one? Mike and Phil at C&C can get you set up and I can tell you they start smoother, run more efficifent (sp)
both oil and Gas than the Optimax. I fish every weekend and have for that last ten years and my last boat had a opti there is no comparison.

Look at the FLW tour pros and how many run Rangers with Yammy's!!!!!!!!!!!

I really do like my Yammy !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and I was the first C&C customer to blow one at (19 hours) Yamaha thought so much of this that hey sent a rep out to C&C check it out. They replaced everything!!!!!!!!

Worth a Check if not see Mike Van Wagner at C&C for a Opti as well, tell him Mark sent ya!!!!!!!!!

[kb]

Mike the following article is from Bass and Walleye boats and is pretty good comparison of the XS and Optimax.

Call me or drop me a line if you have any questions.
Kent





Black Stallion
Mercury’s new 225 Pro XS delivers more brute power and rpm than the standard 225 OptiMax, while sacrificing nothing in the way of fuel economy

Lee Boyt
Bass and Walleye Boats
March 8, 2005

Email this article to a friend!



Mercury's new OptiMax 225 Pro XS reminds me of a bodybuilder in a tuxedo: stylish understatement on the outside, rippling muscle on the inside. Spend some quality time with this engine and you'll discover a genuine hot rod in formal attire.

The V-6 horsepower wars have been raging for several years now, and today you can choose from any number of fine outboards to put on the back of your boat. Each engine manufacturer is scrambling to come out on top.

According to my sources at Mercury, boatbuilders and anglers alike have been clamoring for a "souped up" 225 DFI outboard. A powerful, low-emission engine that’s fast, but also reliable and fully covered by a factory warranty. Enter the OptiMax 225 Pro XS.

There are a couple of ways to view the 225 Pro XS. On one hand, it can be considered a detuned 250 XS, complete with many of the same go-fast internal components. Or, you can think of the 225 Pro XS as a production 225 OptiMax on steroids, pumped up, but with all the durability of an off-the-shelf outboard.

It’s just a matter of semantics, really. No matter how you look at it, the OptiMax 225 Pro XS is just what the doctor ordered for the "gimme more" crowd.

From Top...
The 225 Pro XS shares the same good looks as its 225 OptiMax cousin: black-on-black-on-black finish, rakish cowl styling and an overall sharp appearance. However, the real enthusiast quickly picks up on the sporty Mercury Racing decals and secondary air-intake vent on the rear of the upper cowling.

Obviously, the decals are for eye appeal, but the extra air-intake passage is a fine example of form following function.

One way to create more horsepower in an internal-combustion, spark-ignition engine is to increase both the fuel flow and the air flow. A common analogy is that an engine is simply a pump: air goes in through the intake and out via the exhaust.

The additional air-intake passage on the OptiMax 225 Pro XS cowling enables a substantially larger volume of fresh air to flow to the intake, allowing the engine to breathe easily at any rpm.

The midsection, including the power-trim system, transom-bracket assembly and the exhaust housing, are identical on both a stock 225 OptiMax and the OptiMax 225 Pro XS.

... To Bottom
Moving on down to the lower unit, the OptiMax 225 Pro XS comes standard with Mercury Racing's Torque Master gearcase, painted black to match the rest of the outboard. The Torque Master is designed for extreme use, that is, for speeds of up to 80 mph.

Sharing the same gearcase housing as a standard 3.0L, there are four water pickups at the tip of the nose: two on top and two beneath. In addition, the Torque Master retains eight water-intake passages on either side to ensure that plenty of cooling water gets to the powerhead.

On the inside is where the Torque Master is really tough. The propshaft is larger than a standard 3.0L propshaft. In fact, it's fifty percent bigger, making it capable of withstanding semisurfacing mounting heights and able to hold up under the brutal loads inflicted if you go wave jumping.

Yet, if your boat is an ultra-fast design, such as a Bullet or Allison, here's some good news: Just before we went to press with this issue, Mercury told us that the new 225 Pro XS will be available with its famous Sport Master gearcase — complete with solid mounts — as an option. In fact, this is the combination Mercury will be entering in BWB's upcoming 3-liter 225 shoot-out. The Sport Master is designed to run at speeds well in excess of 100 mph. It features an elongated bullet nose-cose with low-water pickups, a crescent leading-edge upper strut and a factory torque tab on the skeg.

Under the Hood
We unlatched the cowl and set it aside to get a good look at the the heart and soul of the 225 Pro XS: the powerhead. Externally, the 225 Pro XS powerhead is pretty much identical to a standard 3.0L OptiMax. Let's take a quick look.

Starting on the port side, you'll find the pulse fuel pump and the vapor separator tank (VST). The VST contains a high-pressure fuel pump and a canister-style fuel filter. Fuel flows from the boat’s fuel tank to the pulse fuel pump and on to the VST, where the high-pressure fuel pump sends fuel to the fuel rails and fuel injectors. Fuel volume exceeds the demands of the injectors, so excess fuel returns back to the VST. The constantly moving fuel tends to stay cooler, thus preventing pockets of vaporized fuel in the system and the aggravating "vapor lock" conditions we used to experience with engines on hot summer days.

The fuel and oil lines, wiring harnesses and control cables enter the lower cowling on the forward side of the 225 Pro XS. The throttle butterfly plate is situated on top of the cast aluminum air-intake plenum at the front of the engine.

The starboard side is home to the electric starter and various other electrical hardware, including the battery cable connections, fuses and Propulsion Control Module (PCM).

Now, step behind the engine to find the cylinder heads and fuel injectors, and the idle relief boot.

Looking down on top of the powerhead, you can easily see the flywheel, the belt-driven 60-amp alternator and the air compressor for the fuel-
injection system.

So far, so good, right? But what makes the OptiMax 225 Pro XS faster?

Software and Hardware
Like other Mercury DFI outboards, the PCM computer precisely controls the ignition and the direct-fuel-injection systems. However, the PCM on the OptiMax 225 Pro XS is programmed to squeeze every bit of horsepower out of the engine by manipulating the timing and fuel flow for maximum performance.

For instance, a production 225 OptiMax runs 80-psi fuel pressure in the fuel rails. Like the 2.5XS and 250XS, the 225 Pro XS fuel system is pumped up to 95 psi to get more fuel into the combustion chamber and to enhance the atomization of the fuel mixture. Mercury engineers tell us that this allows the engine to run more rpm and a bit cleaner due to the better penetration of the fuel into the combustion plume.

The cylinder heads on the 225 Pro XS are very similar to those found on Mercury Racing’s 250 XS, and feature a distinctively different combustion chamber shape than you’d see on a production OptiMax. The compression ratio’s a bit higher, too — 5.8:1 for the 225 Pro XS versus about 5.3:1 on a standard 3.0L OptiMax.

What about spark plugs? The 225 Pro XS uses plugs with a little longer reach to place the fire exactly at the sweet spot of the fuel spray.

Are you keeping track of all this? Good, because all of these seemingly minor differences make the 225 Pro XS a major powerhouse.

Let’s keep moving. We’ve talked about the cylinder heads, so it’s time to talk about pistons. Both the 225 Pro XS and the standard 225 OptiMax engines have a strange-looking, moon crater-shaped dish on top of the pistons. Why? Mercury says that this area helps concentrate the burning fuel plume where it’s most effective.

Here’s another important performance item: Standard 3.0L OptiMax pistons are rather flat on top, but the 225 Pro XS pistons are domed, to perfectly match the specially engineered combustion chamber shape.

Reed On
At the front of an OptiMax two-stroke engine, behind the intake plenum, there’s a one-way valving device commonly called the reed block. The reed block has several small, flat plates (called reeds) that allow air to enter the crankcase, but prevents the air from flowing back out.

When the throttle is opened, air rushes into the reed block and the individual reeds bend a little to let the air pass. Close the throttle, and the reeds snap shut to keep the air where it belongs.

Many large outboards, including the standard 3.0L OptiMax, use steel reeds in the reed block. Steel reeds are relatively inexpensive, durable and work great for most applications.

Serious boat racers have been using variations of fiberglass or, more recently, carbon-fiber reeds for years, because when you slam the throttle open, fiber reeds flex open more quickly than steel reeds.

Early on, the fiberglass reeds performed well, but had a limited service life. Not so with the carbon-fiber materials that have surfaced in the performance-outboard marketplace. These newer composites reportedly last nearly as long as comparable steel reeds. To prolong the life of the carbon-fiber reeds, the reed block in the 225 Pro XS is rubber coated, cushioning the reeds each time they close.

You’ve probably guessed by now that the 225 Pro XS, like hardcore Mercury Racing outboards, is equipped with carbon-fiber reeds for snappier acceleration and better throttle response throughout the entire rpm range. Technology prevails.

Reality Check
OK, this is all well and good, but what’ll it do? This engine’s so new, we haven’t had a chance to test it ourselves. (Not to worry. Check out next month’s issue to see how it performs on a Bullet 20XD). However, the guys at Mercury Racing were kind enough to share some information with us. Their tests were performed on a nearly perfect day with 72-degree temperatures and 54 percent humidity. The boat was lightly loaded, with a full tank of 87-octane fuel.

Rigged on a 522 Ranger bass boat and running a 25-inch Tempest Plus three-blade stainless steel propeller, the 225 Pro XS cranked out a respectable 67.2 mph at 5530 rpm. Best fuel economy was 5.6 mpg at 30.8 mph while turning 3000 rpm. The best part is that at full throttle, the OptiMax 225 Pro XS still delivered 3.3 mpg at over 67 mph.

If you’re looking for a strong running, low-emissions 225 hp outboard that’s stingy on fuel and generous with pure power, you might consider powering your next boat with this high-revvin’, unbridled thoroughbred from Mercury. BWB


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[Gary Dobyns]

What more do you want Mike???? BTW, Merc does not make a 200XS. If I was buying a black motor, I would definitely go with the XS in a 225 or 250. I would love to help you with a Ranger, yes even with a black engine on it. Let me know if I can help. KB really wishes he had a motor about now. He has been seen towing a motorless boat all over town. KB has also been seen dry-humping the Mercury logo that Corey from Sticky graphics put on this motorless boat.

[Gary Dobyns]

I'm call Bull-Shi* on that one. Wake up Jimmy your dreaming again. Send me an e-mail if you have heard anything about our $Million sponsor.

[Terry Battisti]

I can vouch for the XS motors. I had two in the last two years. I ran my 225XS for 55 hours and got an average of 4.6 mpg with it. Great economy since I only have two speeds. LOL. The 250XS I had this year got the same mileage. Both motors were on BassCat Cougar FTDs. Your mileage will vary with a Ranger.

As far as Merc making a 200XS, Gary bro, they do! Its made by Merc Racing and will not work on a heavy boat (including a BassCat). This motor is a racing only motor and the only bass boats that Merc recommends them for are Allisons, Bullets, Strokers.....you get the idea.

In any event, I fully recommend the 225XS. I think you will be more than happy with it.

[Gary Dobyns]

Only the second time in my life I've been wrong about something. Oh well. I did not know of the racing 200XS. I'll see you in a few days. Our weather is a little warmer than yours in Idaho.

[kb]

I just saw the new Evinrude extended warranty program Gary. You either get 7 years or a 42" Plasma TV. Interesting concept I guess when you aren't fishing you can watch all the Mercury Pros winning on TV

I would be more supportive if they gave away radios.

Remember the slogans:

Mercury: THE WATER CALLS

Evinrude: CALL FROM THE WATER

Shoot a pheasant for me today I will be watching Skeet fall on his A$$ skating at my daughters birthday party........photo's to follow!

kb

[Dewayne]

Yea KB! The water is calling and the Merc is in the mail.


HAR!!!!!



You need a ride bud!


Maybe you can fish the Nutcase classic us there. I think we still need some back seaters.

[Triton Mike]

Gary, Look at me I haven't even made a mistake yet ~~~ LOL. I have to admit I would have looked very hard at Evinrude with that 7 year warranty if I hadn't bought a PRO XS first. That's a heckuva warranty period!

Mike

[JimmyReese]

Ok, I will compare apples to oranges, and to remind you they are both good for ya!

2005 Ranger 521Z w/ 225 Optimax Gps....65.4 With my buddy Calvin in the boat ( and you know what kind of load that is!)

2006 Ranger 520Z w/ 225 PRO XS Gps....72.3 Now if I remember right there Dewayne, I dont remember you pullin away from me on clearlake! ....I do use a stock prop as well! and a Hydrolic jackplate!

"THATS THE FACT JACK" (gary ,kb, mike, ect)


Now this isnt a post to see how fast your Allison runs, but if you feel the need to, I'll back up my words with a 180 thousand reasons to choose a reliable Merc..... Made it to weigh in every time!

F!$# ON!
JIMMY REESE


K.b. Unfortunately skeet lived at skate city when he was a kid, so your footage might not be as spectacular as we all want it to be! However his center of gravity has changed so you never Know! ( If you know what I mean!)
Have a great b-day party!

[JamesH]

Jimmy R did you lose your password? 1st Post for your new identity????

James

[JimmyReese]

" made it to weigh in every time"

Ok this only the 4432nd time I have been wrong, we keep a chart at home!

Steve Tosh, thanks for the ride in during the Stren.......Electrical problem...Something that took Calvin 30 seconds to fix! Jimmy needed to reconnect 1 more wire! Made it more exciting what can I say! ( I figured someone was going to jump on this one )

Jimmy

[Dewayne]

Jimmy, that was 68.5 (4433) that day and I was not on the throttle so I could pace you. Of course since the motor got a little more brake in I will agree it should do 70.

I know since you turned 40 the mind has been slipping fast, but the 520 and 521 were VXs not Zs. (4434)

[Terry Battisti]

LOL. Thanks Gary.........yeah, your weather is better than ours here! BUT, I GUARANTEE our Elk Hunting is better than yours!!!!! Looking forward to seeing you in a couple days dude. It'll be a fun gig.

[Alton]

Mike

I just got my XS 225 and for me the power is alot better. Will let you know how the gas is. In talking with Evers at the Bass-A-Thon he says it is a good increase in gas consumption.

By the way I have 2 - 2007 225 XS for sale also have 1 225 Opti for sell.

Alton

[Triton Mike]

Hey KB, I have a formula that I use for Ranger Owners speed here in the south. It's usually X (Ranger owners stated speed) - 5mph = actual speed. I think in California might require another formula. I might have to involve Battisti with his math degree but I think it's gonna be X (Jimmy Reeses stated speed) - 8mph = actual speed. Is this common for Ranger owners out West to inflate speeds like this or is it a universal deal?? ~~~ Dwayne you care to comment??

Tee

[kb]

Well Mike here in the west it is a bit more complicated to figure out the Ranger guys speed. This seems to help!

X(Jimmy Reese's stated speed + his top forty ratings) + VX(Shabazz's stated speed)-(model number Z20,21,etc) - BDO(thats 39 the number of flavors Baskin Robbins has) - Mr. Ed (the number of horses Tripp now has).

If done correctly this should come out to 66.3. Accuratly amazing don't you think.

I am only having fun with you guys so nobody has to call me a jerk!!!

Take care Triton Mike!

I know all them R-boats are faster than my X2 right now.....wish I would get my motor soon

kb

[Triton Mike]

Kent, Did your motor blow you too??? . I'm waiting for one as well

Mike

[Mike]

Well, now that I find out that I cant put a 200xs on my 488vs, that leaves me with a slow boat or buy a new boat. I would really like to put a 225xs on my 488! That would be cool! I love the ride, but think these boats are way under powered.

Thanks for the help guys.

Hey Alton, where's my thing-a-majig???

[JamesH]

I just started breaking in my new 225 Pro XS today at Folsom. You know how many laps you can do around Folsom in two hours while running 40 to 50mph? I'm sure all the guys fishing got tired of seeing me drive by...
When I finally got to open it up for a couple of minutes I got a GPS top speed of 73.4mph out of my new Stratos 200 XL. Not bad for a fresh motor and 1-1/2 foot of chop on the water.....
I can't wait to get it dialed in...

James Huffmon

[Triton Mike]

Hey James... What prop you running on your 200 Strat? me and you should be fairly close on prop usage.

Also Kb, Isn't the X2 Triton's version of a Monkey boat (Ranger so heavy that a monkey can drive it??) ~~
I bet that SOB cost ya like a Ranger does I wouldn't get too excited about the speed with that 250Xs on that boat. I hear your gonna get very low 70's. Dobyn's might pass you YIKES!! LOL

See this link

http://www.wmi.org/bassfish/bassboard/b ... T89709.htm


Tee

[JamesH]

Currently running a 26 Tempest Plus.

James

[Dewayne]

That motors comes in soon. If my memory serves me correctly he offered me his entire 1 hour show if my Ranger could take his Triton at the Winter NCC. Right now I have it wrapped up!

[Triton Mike]

Dwayne, If I was KB I'd be very worried LOL.

Tee

[Mike]

Is that you boat in the classifieds Ricky?? Gary must have got to you???

[CN]

I have one of those DAMN blue engine's a 2000 200hp Ficht,you know the one's to stay away from.It has about 600 hour's on it.You know why i bought a blue motor.

My wife said THAT'S THE LAST BOAT YOUR GETTING.

So i bought the one i knew would last the longest,not the one that got me there a minute sooner.Iv'e had a few black motor's and a few blue one's and give me blue every time.

PS:I will get another one

[CORAL 96]

there won't be a need to look back. All of the new XS lines from 200-300 are pretty darn awesome!! Know of someone on another page who is running a Bullett with a 300xs. Fast motor & extra fast hull. He's still breaking in, so I'll be intrested to see what king of ###'s that combo will produce. Couldn't imagine what that 300xs would do on an Allison hull. That would be downright INSANE!!!!!

[Gene Buchholz]

Mike i ran the 225 XS on my Z21 this past year performance was great. GPS was 69.3 with two people and a full load of tackle and fuel. It out preformed the 250 race engine I had on my Z21 the year before.