280 offshore vs 225 Promax

**dondante** · 12-25-2015, 04:34 AM

Pros and Cons

Acquired an Allison XB2003 with a low hour(150) 2000 280 offshore. I already own a 225 Promax.

Thinking of selling the 280 and dropping the 225 PM on the midsection of the 280.

What would you guys do? How much faster will the 280 really be over the 225PM?

**tux974** · 12-25-2015, 06:56 AM

It all depends on how fast you want to go or what type of boating you do or want to do!
I say the 280 will be approx 15mph faster.
150hrs if never opened is about due or due for a fresh up a minimum rering and it is also suggest top pinned pistons if is an early motor with side pin.
225PM on a 280 mid section will have a 1pc plate so the water dump/cooling system will need some attention and modding!
IMPO, 2 good motors so it all depends what you are looking for and willing to do.

**catfish123** · 12-25-2015, 07:21 AM

I have had both a 225X and a 280 ROS on my Allison XB2003 and on that boat, there is only about a 5 mph difference. The 280 is MUCH quicker out of the hole, and it has much more mid range punch. I would not expect to see a 15 mph difference.

**outasite** · 12-25-2015, 07:26 AM

As Tux said above.If the 280 has never been down its ready for around $1500/2000 freshening up,$3000 or more if needing Pistons.The pro max will take ya to 95+ with a good setup.All day every day.Your PM will go on the 280 mid,just be sure to keep the exhaust plates with the power head.------ Besides that, you should sell that PH to me

**LongShot** · 12-25-2015, 10:26 PM

Both good combinations. At 150 hours DO NOT run the 280 without checking condition of rings and plating. Sharp rings=smudged nik=$5500 rebuild.

**tux974** · 12-26-2015, 06:10 AM

Originally Posted by catfish123

I have had both a 225X and a 280 ROS on my Allison XB2003 and on that boat, there is only about a 5 mph difference. The 280 is MUCH quicker out of the hole, and it has much more mid range punch. I would not expect to see a 15 mph difference.

Interesting, 280ROS = 8200 box and only 5mph, wow! Maybe the boat or propping has something to do with it.....

Humm, I guess these 225 are stronger then I ever or originally thought.....

Originally Posted by LongShot

Both good combinations. At 150 hours DO NOT run the 280 without checking condition of rings and plating. Sharp rings=smudged nik=$5500 rebuild.

with all above info!.....Look into it and address now or spend bigger $'s later!

**catfish123** · 12-26-2015, 08:28 AM

Just my real life personal experience. I had a very strong running 225X with 7300 limiter and could achieve speeds in the range of 5-7 mph more than most people were getting from a 225 Promax. I believe the top end is somewhat limited by the center console pushing down on the front of the boat and also by the courage of the driver. Best top end numbers were run by my son who has a lot more "courage" than I do.

**LongShot** · 12-26-2015, 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by catfish123

Just my real life personal experience. I had a very strong running 225X with 7300 limiter and could achieve speeds in the range of 5-7 mph more than most people were getting from a 225 Promax. I believe the top end is somewhat limited by the center console pushing down on the front of the boat and also by the courage of the driver. Best top end numbers were run by my son who has a lot more "courage" than I do.

Exactly. I have been 103 in an XB2003 with a strong 260 and it was stalling due to punching a big hole in the air.. The 280 would get it there quicker.....97-98 with a raised limiter 225 PM is a tough combination to beat day in day out.

**catfish123** · 12-26-2015, 08:48 AM

+1

**Greg G** · 12-26-2015, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by catfish123

Just my real life personal experience. I had a very strong running 225X with 7300 limiter and could achieve speeds in the range of 5-7 mph more than most people were getting from a 225 Promax.

That's pretty interesting. Same fuel load, set-up, winds I assume.

**catfish123** · 12-26-2015, 08:57 AM

You assume correctly.

**catfish123** · 12-26-2015, 09:00 AM

XB 2003 - 225 promax 30 pitch Mazco RE3 = 94 MPH light wt.
XB 2003 - 2.5 SS 30 Pitch Mazco RE3 = 102 mph Light wt.
XTB 21 Prosport - Modified 225 promax 29 hydro =86 mph Loaded
XTB 21 Prosport - 300XS 30 pitch labbed Pro ET = 94 Loaded

I copied this off the Allison board on BBC..................this was posted by a member there of the speeds he has achieved, quite similar to my results.

**tux974** · 12-26-2015, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by catfish123

XB 2003 - 225 promax 30 pitch Mazco RE3 = 94 MPH light wt.
XB 2003 - 2.5 SS 30 Pitch Mazco RE3 = 102 mph Light wt.
XTB 21 Prosport - Modified 225 promax 29 hydro =86 mph Loaded
XTB 21 Prosport - 300XS 30 pitch labbed Pro ET = 94 Loaded

I copied this off the Allison board on BBC..................this was posted by a member there of the speeds he has achieved, quite similar to my results.

Not personally familiar with these boats but interesting data!
So the XB with a 2.5 SS (280ROS 15") all things being equal is only 8 faster and the same for the XTB with a 3.0L XS with that type of documentation for me a good 225PM would be a no brainer!....

I always knew the 225PM was my motor......