225 HP E-tec, Optimax XS, Yamaha HPDI shoot out

Long Nguyen · Post by **Long Nguyen** » Thu Jun 09, 2005 3:15 pm

I just read the article in Bass & Walleye Boats about the head-to-head-to-head shootout between the 225 HP Mercury XS Optimax, Evinrude E-Tec, and Yamaha HPDI.

For those unfamiliar with the testing, B&WB strapped each one of these engines to the transom of identical 20â€™ Bullet bassboats.

The Mercury XS was the winner for fastest speed, 90 mph, and won honors for best fuel economy. The author writes that this motor is a â€œdetunedâ€

Z man · Post by **Z man** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 7:54 am

I have the mercury Pro XS 225 on my Z20 and had a choice between the three mentioned brands. When we get to these speeds, mid 70, 80 mph does not matter. it comes down to preferance, and since i had good results with my prior experience with Mercury i stayed with them. My new Mercury has a 5 year warrenty and can use 87 octane gasoline which it was designed for. performance wise i don't see a difference between 75 mph and 85 mph as i usually run in the mid 50's.

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Fri Jun 10, 2005 3:10 pm

I think it should be with production models

Jim

CORAL 96 · Post by **CORAL 96** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 8:04 am

I run a 225 efi Merc currently on my 202 Coral. 68 mph is as fast as I have gone with my 24p Trophy attached. I wonder what speed I could achieve with that pro xs motor. I remember when I first saw these Corals at the SF boat show back in 1998. They had one rigged with a 300 hp Merc that they claimed did 90 mph with the right prop. WOW!! I'd be lookin back at most bassboats with that motor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jim Conlow Sr. · Post by **Jim Conlow Sr.** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 1:02 pm

CORAL 96 wrote:I run a 225 efi Merc currently on my 202 Coral. 68 mph is as fast as I have gone with my 24p Trophy attached. I wonder what speed I could achieve with that pro xs motor. I remember when I first saw these Corals at the SF boat show back in 1998. They had one rigged with a 300 hp Merc that they claimed did 90 mph with the right prop. WOW!! I'd be lookin back at most bassboats with that motor!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

With the 25 " pitch on my Hawk my top speed on the GPS was a touch 0ver 74 mph. On my Legend with same kind and size engine my best speed w/ a 26" pitch Tempest is 76.4 mph. A lot of the difference in speed developed in various boats is a direct result of horespower to weight ratio. Hull configuration also has a great effect as well as the load balance in your boat.
I tried over 20 different props and jack plate adjustments in my Hawk to end up with the conclusion that the 25" Tempest was the best prop for that boat

Jim

CORAL 96 · Post by **CORAL 96** » Sat Jun 11, 2005 1:11 pm

That's the prop I have yet to try. I've heard good stories from others about the performance they get from it. Might have to see if I can borrow one from somebody. Have heard with same set-up as mine folks getting an honest 70 mph out of their Corals. I like the way the Trophy handles the boat load and the steering is great. Oh well, might just keep the EFI until the prop (wheels) fall off. The new motors are just too darn expensive!!! Maybe just add another prop to the 2 I already have!!!!!!