2000 Pro Max 225?????

[Ing]

Does anyone have opinions pro or con on 2000 Merc Pro Max 225 with sport master gear case? What octane fuel do they require? Thanks

[Hoss Marine Propellers]

Does anyone have opinions pro or con on 2000 Merc Pro Max 225 with sport master gear case? What octane fuel do they require? Thanks

I have Dad's '99 225PM on an Allison XTB21..... before that, it was on Dad's XB2003 Allison.

It is the strongest 225 we've ever owned!!!!!! Great Motor!!!!!

I'm not sure if all 225PM motor's are this strong???.... Maybe, we just got a good one?

I run 91 octane in ours because I'm afraid I'll get a tank of bad 87 octane gas and smoke the motor.
I try to buy it from the same place and on occassion, test the fuel for ethenol. So far, so good?(fingers crossed)
We have a Sportsmaster case , but currently run my 200 case w/Bob's nose cone. (fishing, cruising, & prop testing)

I've got nothing but good things to say about our 225 PM Merc.
Maybe some other's can give some insite into the "bad" side?

[tux974]

IMPO, Awesome motor if setup/built correctly, do not run hot, run on a good diet of good oil & gas. I would suggest to run 91,93 oct due to the quality of fuel today.
As for the best LU for it that would be determent by your application/boat.

[njj502]

I've got one on a 280 leg & a sporty & it's a STRONG sumbich! Mines on a Grand Sport and it pulls like a freight train! The service manual states unleaded 92 octane minimum.

[hemi2005]

I'm on my 2nd 225 ProMax and I love it! The first was a '99 and the one that I have now is a '98. Very strong running and not too bad on fuel depending on the hull that your running. I only feed mine 93 octane and quality oil.

[RussF]

the book says 89.......................BUT I use either 91 or 93

[njj502]

My service manual states 92....good ole merc gettin their facts in order.

[F14]

the book says 89.......................BUT I use either 91 or 93

What book are you looking at? Merc Manual says 92. I would run a bit more to be safe as gas looses it octane very quickly. They are great motors, I think the biggest bang for the buck from Mercury. Very user friendly compared to 260s and 280s. I think they are closer to 240HP.

[RussF]

What book are you looking at? Merc Manual says 92. I would run a bit more to be safe as gas looses it octane very quickly. They are great motors, I think the biggest bang for the buck from Mercury. Very user friendly compared to 260s and 280s. I think they are closer to 240HP.

My Merc 2000 Pro Max 225 owners manual that I'm looking at right now.................

[tux974]

RussF is also correct on the oct but I would definitely run higher oct due to fuel quality today like suggest above! Leave it to mother Merc to confuse everyone and their manuals just to keep us on our toes....... If I remember correctly their very early manual called for 87

[Jay Smith]

THey are GREAT maotors when maintained and up graded.. ( Bearings and Top pinned pistons ) I build sometimes 2 a week people love em..

Jay @ JSRE

[F14]

Sorry Russ, I guess Merc cant make up their mind.....

[Ing]

Thanks for all the good words. I've had some experience with the 225PM but owned a 300PM. This happens to be a twin application on a deep vee performance hull. So bottom line is strong, dependable but high octane guzzlers $$$$$ by Optimax standards. With todays fuel prices may not be the best option.

[njj502]

If the opti is an option keep in mind they are about 150lbs heavier. I think the fuel economy & torque would be a HUGE plus.

[gen2flight]

A 200 xs ROS would weigh 435#, turns 7000 with excellent perfomance and fuel economy. they would be my choice for a twin set up for sure. Great performers, user freindly and dependable.