Can I hang a 2.5 on my boat?

[SKIFFY123]

Ok, I'm back Boating after a hiatus.

I just picked up a 1993 Skeeter SS140SL with a 1999 115 merc 2 stroke inline 4.
The transom is rock solid.

It looks like he 2.5's only weigh 40lbs more than what I have. There are so many choices out there for motors I get dizzy. I'm still trying to sort out all the different 2.5's out there and what would be my best option. It's a Fish And Ski that has the bass boat hull. It's 17.5 foot and weighs about 1000 lbs.

Right now it runs 49gps at 5200rpm with a 22 laser II

I run a 17p when I have a full load of people cooler ect.

Im looking for much more top end for when there's just two of us on board so I can air it out.

The boat works great for me other than it being a dog for power.

I am open to all suggestions!

[rev.ronnie]

A 200 XRI would set that thing on fire.

[SKIFFY123]

I'm a previous Yamaha guy so I'm tring to get edjumacated on these black motors. I'm searching the forum like crazy for more info. Checking out th 200xri right now. Thanks for the input Rev!

[SKIFFY123]

How does the 225 promax stack up for reliability?

[2.5_stoker]

the 225 PM is concidered by many to be one of the most reliable hi perf mercs out there...good motors!

[firebird]

all depends on what speeds your after and how much slow work you want to do?
to my understanding its hard to have both, say a yamaha,merc, omc 225hp/250hp will be great for skiing and social use, give you a top end in the 70ies, with a social prop.around 24/25/26 pitch. pulling your limiter @ 5800/6000rpm

through a merc 260/280/drag and social use is not so good,they dont make much power untill there in midrange RPM, but have awsome top speed, (racers choice)it all depends on $$$$ to keep it running

there are a tonne of engines out there, all have there ++++ and ----, it will come down to personal choice as its a big outlay,

im setting up a boat at the moment, merc 2.5 260hp, my plans are chip it to 8200rpm, feed it good fuel and oil, and hopefully it should last a while, not being turned to high of RPM. time will tell. but i wont be using it for social skiing, just fast river runs and a few drags now and again.

like with all motors, cars bikes boats, go hunting for the power, be prepared to pay.

my dad calls me the budget racer... get it fast enough to keep you happy, but not to fast to keep you poor.your better off having a slow boat on the water than a fast boat broken in the shed...

firebird.

[SKIFFY123]

That's what I'm thinking' firebird. My dream boat is a 4 seater allison xb 4 seater. The ultimate fish and ski! Lol. The Skeeter will do for now I'm planning on whatever motor I put on the Skeeter next I'll use on an Allison (when I get one) I'm on the slow plan to fast boats ( I save and pay cash)