2005 2.5l 225xs

[HydroSkreamin]

So was the 2.5XS from Mercury Race while the 225XS was from consumer?

Consumer was a 225 ProXS. I'm guessing all of the consumer (non-competition only) powerheads were built on the main production line, and they needed a differentiation. This is just a guess, but anything non-Merc Racing that is an "HO" version is "Pro-XS", Merc Racing product is "XS". So, while Merc Racing called the product "2.5XS", I'm guessing, and this is just a guess, the mainline called it 225XS on the EPA sticker, and maybe in internal reference as well.

[Greg G]

Consumer was a 225 ProXS. I'm guessing all of the consumer (non-competition only) powerheads were built on the main production line, and they needed a differentiation. This is just a guess, but anything non-Merc Racing that is an "HO" version is "Pro-XS", Merc Racing product is "XS". So, while Merc Racing called the product "2.5XS", I'm guessing, and this is just a guess, the mainline called it 225XS on the EPA sticker, and maybe in internal reference as well.

Gotcha. 2.5XS Race and 225XS exact same 2.5 litre 6800 rpm Optimax powerhead.

[HydroSkreamin]

Gotcha. 2.5XS Race and 225XS exact same 2.5 litre 6800 rpm Optimax powerhead.

I mislead you. Looks like there was a 2.5XS in 2005, that was 3L mid/gearcase/cowl weighing 450 lbs, and in 2006 the 225XS was a mainline 225 ProXS 3L powerhead with Racing 250 XS mid/gearcase, same weight as a 250XS. I'm thinking the 225XS was a 3L for tournament fishing that required 225 HP engine, but the Racing version had the heavy duty mid, solid mounts and a Sportmaster GC from the 250 XS, as that is all it's listed with, and only as a 20". According to NADA, it was available 2006-2011.

I believe the 2.5XS engine was only made for one model year. They're definitely a rare bird.