Liberator 21 Power Opinions?

[wasvette]

Calling all Liberator experts - I just picked up a Liberator 21 rigged for Mercury. I know most go with 300's on these however I'd like to buy new (link below) and really don't want to spend the amount it would take to get the 300. Plus there is a rebate on the 250. I'm considering a Merc Optimax 250 Sport XS...here...

http://www.mercuryracing.com/outboards/engines/optimax-250-sport-xs/

Questions
> I'm ok not hitting 100mph, so would this motor be ok? I'd be happy with top speed at 80 - 85 mph
> Propped with something that doesn't kill my hole shot, what do you think would be top speed?
> Is this a bad idea and should I figure out how to do the 300?

Thanks in advance for help with this decision.

[MStine06]

I have a 21 Liberator with twin 280s. I think a 250xs would run very well on one. You have the benefit of being able to run 87 octane fuel and the 250s are strong motors.

I know a lot of people run Drag 4 props when running a single with good results. Set up correctly I would expect low to possible mid 90s with a 250. I believe Wildman gets 103-105 with a 300xs. If 100mph is not a priority, the 250xs would be hard to beat.

Good luck with it!

[MStine06]

Duplicate post.

[wasvette]

MStine06 - Awesome, that's great news. Thanks for the reply. I think the thing with the 300 is more of an ego thing with me; not something I really need. Plus this is my first 'Go really fast" boat so the 250 might be better.

[Tripleflipper]

MStine06 - Awesome, that's great news. Thanks for the reply. I think the thing with the 300 is more of an ego thing with me; not something I really need. Plus this is my first 'Go really fast" boat so the 250 might be better.

I'm running a 300XS on mine and not for ego. I want the > 100 mph and when running at 80 - 85 mph it's not wide open like it may be with a 250. This is my first go fast boat and it doesn't take long to get comfortable and your asking for more. Hence the decision to go with the 300 out of the gate. That's my opinion only. I'm currently running a 30 pitch Bravo XS and getting 94 on gps. Lousy hole shot. Have just put a Drag 4 on and lifted the motor inch and 1/4. I'm expecting 102 ish.

[wasvette]

Tripleflipper - Thanks for the feedback and perspective. If I go used a 300 makes more sense long term like you're saying. A new 300xs is just not in the budget.

[Fulltilt]

My buddy's ran in the 90's with a 250.

He wanted to hit 100, so he sold it and bought a 300.

[wasvette]

My buddy's ran in the 90's with a 250.

He wanted to hit 100, so he sold it and bought a 300.

80-90 good with me - thanks!!!!

[river rocket]

I think the 250 will run fine on that boat. I wouldn't run a motor smaller than that.

Just remember, if you go with the ProXs and not the sport you are going to have to get the lower done. You will want solid motor mounts as well. Both are going to cost you money. Getting a coned lower can appear cheap, but after you figure two way shipping in you probably spending $1k. The sport xs will come standard with both options.

I had a 300X on mine and while it was an awesome motor I wish I had put an Opti on the boat. I spent most of my time under 75mph. The Opti really shines in that RPM range.

[F14]

I vote for the 250XS. 5 year warranty. If you want to go faster get the Dave Bush Racing upgrade and you will be 20 HP less than a 300 XS. Does not affect warranty.

[wasvette]

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I think I'm leaning towards new 250. I posted the wrong link in the original post.
This is the one I'd go with....now what prop?

http://www.mercuryracing.com/outboards/engines/optimax-250-sport-xs/

[river rocket]

I personally liked the RE4. Others like the Drag4. I felt the RE4 handled better. I hooked up in turns and to me gave the overall best driving experience. They just don't have the top end. It was slower than the Drag4. I ran a lot of rivers with turns, the Drag4 never seemed to turn easily for me. I would have to trim down to get it to bite. The RE4 never had that issue.

[F14]

Bblades Blaster worked great on my 21 Daytona, same hull. The prop was great all around, hole shot, mid range, and top end, 105 mph with a 300XS, 30 pitch.

[JPEROG]

Pro ETs work well too. Keep all of the dia. that you can in a 28 to start would be my guess. You can always have an 1/8th taken out of it if you need more rpm later.

Joe

[HavasuDreamin']

If resale is a concern at all, most buyers will want the 300xs. Just a thought.

[wasvette]

If resale is a concern at all, most buyers will want the 300xs. Just a thought.

That is a good point. If I sold, I could always sell the boat and the power separately. Something to think about though.

[pearlriverrat]

Calling all Liberator experts - I just picked up a Liberator 21 rigged for Mercury. I know most go with 300's on these however I'd like to buy new (link below) and really don't want to spend the amount it would take to get the 300. Plus there is a rebate on the 250. I'm considering a Merc Optimax 250 Sport XS...here...

http://www.mercuryracing.com/outboards/engines/optimax-250-sport-xs/

Questions
> I'm ok not hitting 100mph, so would this motor be ok? I'd be happy with top speed at 80 - 85 mph
> Propped with something that doesn't kill my hole shot, what do you think would be top speed?
> Is this a bad idea and should I figure out how to do the 300?

Thanks in advance for help with this decision.

Have you verified the Rebate on the Sport XS? The rebates I have seen listed are for the "Mercury" 250 Pro XS, not the "Mercury Racing" 250 Sport XS (two different things). If the rebate is not applicable, and you are still going with the Mercury Racing, I would go ahead and move up to the 300. As soon as you get used to the speed, you're gonna want more. It's inevitable. Just my .02

[Tripleflipper]

Have you verified the Rebate on the Sport XS? The rebates I have seen listed are for the "Mercury" 250 Pro XS, not the "Mercury Racing" 250 Sport XS (two different things). If the rebate is not applicable, and you are still going with the Mercury Racing, I would go ahead and move up to the 300. As soon as you get used to the speed, you're gonna want more. It's inevitable. Just my .02

Without a doubt you hit the nail on the head. Can't imagine the spread between the 2 in price is that large

[wasvette]

Looks like no rebate on sport XS; you were correct it is PRO. Thanks for all input guys!

[wasvette]

Looks like no rebate on sport XS; you were correct it is PRO. Thanks for all input guys!

[Bodhi]

All of your options so far have sounded great, 250 is a great choice.....a 300 is always better. Plenty of used out there if bought from an "honest" person.
And thank you for not ruining my night by having me read some crap about ideas of rigging with a four stroke

[Bodhi]

All of your options so far have sounded great, 250 is a great choice.....a 300 is always better. Plenty of used out there if bought from an "honest" person.
And thank you for not ruining my night by having me read some crap about ideas of rigging with a four stroke

[wasvette]

All of your options so far have sounded great, 250 is a great choice.....a 300 is always better. Plenty of used out there if bought from an "honest" person.
And thank you for not ruining my night by having me read some crap about ideas of rigging with a four stroke

Haha - No 4 strokes here. Looking for good used, dealer verified Merc 300 preferably newer than 2009.

[wasvette]

All of your options so far have sounded great, 250 is a great choice.....a 300 is always better. Plenty of used out there if bought from an "honest" person.
And thank you for not ruining my night by having me read some crap about ideas of rigging with a four stroke

Haha - No 4 strokes here. Looking for good used, dealer verified Merc 300 preferably newer than 2009.

[WILDMAN]

I have a brand new, in the box, 2015 250 ProXS with a 5 year warrantee for $14,400 out the door. It does not have the sportmaster, but should do 85-90 with the stock gearcase. I ran a stock 225EFI fishing motor on a 21 Liberator and it ran 84. It has a rebate that I would keep for that price, but it expires at the end of May. Email me at liberatorboats@yahoo.com or call Randy at 386-295-2132

[wasvette]

I have a brand new, in the box, 2015 250 ProXS with a 5 year warrantee for $14,400 out the door. It does not have the sportmaster, but should do 85-90 with the stock gearcase. I ran a stock 225EFI fishing motor on a 21 Liberator and it ran 84. It has a rebate that I would keep for that price, but it expires at the end of May. Email me at liberatorboats@yahoo.com or call Randy at 386-295-2132

Thanks Wildman (great deal) but I think I've been swayed over to going with a 300 with Sportmaster. Really don't want to repower a year or two from now.

[WILDMAN]

I also have new 300 XS motors for $18,500 out the door

[wasvette]

I've decided to not spend $15 - 19k cash on a $6,000 boat. So if you come across a good 300 merc 05 or newer? for between $9,000 and $11,000 cash I'd be interested.
Thanks everyone for the advice and help!!!