250xs vs. 300x on checkmate Can't Decide

[Viper GTs]

Hi all, I am ready to buy a new or used outboard for my 23 foot Checkmate Enforcer that I am restoring. I can not decide what motor to put on. I can buy a new 250xs with a 2 year warranty, or a used 300x for about the same price, with little or no warranty.I will be using a hydraulic jack with a 10 inch setback. The boat Weighs in at 2100 pounds, I would like to see 80 mph, Any guesses on top speed with either motor? How about the 250XB, Is that faster than the XS? If the difference in speed would be around 5mph, I will probably go with the new motor. please advise i am really confused about what to do. Thanks...Viper GTS

[Scream And Fly]

My opinion:

The 300X is an incredible engine (my experience), however, you just can't beat the warrantee of the 250XS - and it's new.

I would go with the 250XS.

Greg

[Liberator25]

Before I got my current boat, I raced a guy in a new 21 foot bullet bass boat with a brand new Merc 250XS, I had never seen one before and it was very cool. That bullet would run about 75 mph. I'm guessing that your Checkmate wouldn't be quite that fast with the same motor. I don't know if the 330X would get you 80 mph but I'm pretty sure the 250XS won't. The 250XS is closer to 275 hp than 250, but the 300X is closer to 330 hp than 300. This 55 hp difference is probably worth about 4-6 mph difference in the two motors. If the warranty matters to you go with the 250XS and be happy with 70. If faster matters to you get the X motor. I doubt that you'll get 80 but high 70's is very reachable with the X. Good luck.:cool:

[Paul Nichols]

On a 21' Bullet bassboat (hull weight 1325 lbs) the 250XS with the right setup and no load will run 86-87 MPH...with a fishing load and 2 men around 80 MPH(with 1.62 gears). With the same 21' Bullet the 250 XB (with 1.75 gears) and no load and the right setup will run 87-88 with a good prop, and around 81 MPH with a fishing load. The 300X (with 1.62 gears)will run right around 100 MPH on a 21' Bullet with a light load (one person) and with 2 men and a fishing load around 90-91 MPH). There is several MPH difference between the 250XS and the 300X on a 1325 lb Bullet bass boat. The 300X lost several MPH when the boat was loaded down because we had to drop down in prop pitch a good bit to keep the 300X at it's peak RPM range (6800-6900 RPMs). We also had to lower the engine a good bit which hurt us when running the Sportmaster gearcase. The 250XS has it's rev limiter at 5880 RPMs and the 250 XB has it's rev limiter at 6250 RPMs...the low rev limiter engines make it hard to prop. The 21' Bullet runs better with the Torque master gearcase...if you end up getting the 250 XS I would highly recommend getting the Torque Master case. Blow out speed on the 3.0L Torque Master is around 88-90 MPH on a Bullet depending on the trim angle. If your trying to hit 80 MPH the 300X will be your best shot in doing so...either of the 250 HP engines will not be enough in my opinion. I'd go with the 300X...you can never have enough horsepower...it's ALWAYS better to have too much horsepower than not enough.

Paul

[Viper GTs]

Thanks Guys, I guess I go big or stay at home. I like the Idea of a warranty, but 70 will not cut it. I would really like to see about 80 out of this rig....my last 3 boats did 65 to 70...ho hum...been there, done that. Which of these motors are physically larger? Which gear ratio will be best on the 300X? Will a lab finished prop give me a little more? I would love to buy a new 300X, but I can't justify putting an 18 grand motor on a 6000.00 hull...Keep your expert opinions coming...Viper GTS...

[baja200merk]

yea id like to say i would go with the 250 but i know that if i was in your position i would prolly get the 300

like rite now im between buying a vector wit a 2.5 or a valero no power everyone says the valero is a much better handeling hull but i dont care i just want the speed im goin with the vector i know how u feel but the speed is gonna cost

[B.Mac]

I ran the 21' Starflite w/ 225 2.5 litre Merc/ 12" setback/ 25 Tempest Plus at 71 MPH GPS/ 6600. I have seen the 21 footers with 300X run at 79 MPH GPS max, and 2.5 260/ 280's push the same hull @ 75 MPH......This is a 1400 lb stepped "V" hull. I would say the 250 would get you to 70 and the 300 to 75 in the 23' if dialed in right.

Wisdom would say take the warranty.

I faced the exact same problem you now encounter, and I assure you that you will not see the speeds you are anticipating with that hull with a single O.B. You need to rig it with a good pair of rebuilt twin 2.5 200's if you ever expect to see 80. You could probably go with rebuilt twin stockies for the price of the 250/300 and end up w/ 400+ HP and low 80's.

I finally realized that I had to choose between the comfort and rough water handling of the 'Mate and respectable 70's or move to a padded hull for the speeds that I wanted.
I now run 85+ in a 20' Vegas:D
Moral of the story......you need twins or a padded hull:D
Good Luck whatever you decide ;)
B.MAC:D

[Checkmate-Chris]

What year Enforcer is it? You don't see a lot of outboard Enforcers around. I looked through a bunch of my old brochures to see if I could find a pic, but all I came up with was I/O model pics.

A Pulsare will easily run 80 Plus with a 300. Easily....you might even see 90. But a Pulsare is lighter and has a pad.

[Viper GTs]

Great Info, I know its not the fastest hull, but I wanted it because it has unusually good looks and I can overnight in it with my 11 year old son who is a boating fanatic. It has a head and sleeps 2 easily...Twins are a good idea, but the hull is rated for 300 hp....Thanks...Viper GTS.

[B.Mac]

Originally posted by Viper GTs
Twins are a good idea, but the hull is rated for 300 hp....Thanks...Viper GTS.

I agree.....some of the 'Mates are some sweet looking rigs, and well built as well, just heavy and hard to make real speed without alot of horsies. I believe you could turnkey the hull with a 16" bracket, twin 2.5 200+'s (with a 1 yr. warranty), stock lowers, and a pair of Tempest 25P's for less than 12K.
If you insure it use 150HP mids, serial #s, & stickers.

80 MPH done deal......
I wont tell ...............and no body else around here can afford to rat you out BELIEVE ME!!!:eek:
B.MAC:D

[baja200merk]

thats funny

b.mac you really think 80 is the best with 400 ponies?

and bmac didnt u mean 2 3.0 200+ omcs??:p :p

[B.Mac]

Goes along way on a 1000 lb pad V, but it's gonna take alot of ponies to push a 2100 lb 23' sleeper/cuddy w/ a potty to 80 MPH. Rigged with twins and fuel your talking 3000 lbs+ not counting the driver.
I suggested 2.5's because they are cheaper and more plentiful although 3.0's would definately be the way to go. Hey.....now that ya mention it, a couple 3.0 Loopers would get ya up there if your not stuck on Mercs.
I know a good rebuilder that could swing you a good deal on a pair of Loopers w/ warranties.
Zero hour, new pistons, rings, rebuilt carbs, new electricals, sandblasted, new paint, decals, bushings, etc. Basically look and run brand new.........just alot less money.

I'm lovin' my Looper but I know how Merc guys are, I used to be one.:p 85 is 85 black or white it works for me, the OMC's are easier on my budget though......
B.MAC:D

[Viper GTs]

What type of 16 inch bracket would I use for a set of twins? I plan on using the Seastar hydraulic steering, what additional rigging is required for a twin setup? I know that stuff can get kinda pricey....THAT MAY BE THE WAY TO GO...Thanks for the ideas!! What motors that are reliable and get me to a solid 80 or more?? Thanks...Viper GTS...

[B.Mac]

You've got several options on the brackets, including a stainless tubular (pricey) or a solid composite bracket/ platform combination. I would inquire with some more experienced twin set-up guys here, as I'm giving you an educated guess on this but I would suggest starting with a 12"-16" static bracket for this 23' hull and a pair of 6" hydraulic jackplates. Stock lowers will also get you to 80 with twins, so I'd start there.

First are these 20" or 25" were talkin' about here?
I would suggest a pair of rebuilt 2.5 Mercury 200 HP carb motors (due to plentiful replacement parts) or a pair of OMC 3.0 200/ 225 Loopers (again due to plentiful replacement parts). Both are capable of your target speed but the 3.0 Loopers would be my choice due to the greater cubes and low to midrange grunt on that big hull. Both motors are comparably priced as a fresh rebuild and equal in reliability. I believe you could locate a nice rebuilt pair, black or white, rebuilt for @ 10K These would be stock rebuilt "fishin" motors.

As far as the hull rating, the only thing you need to be concerned about is the transom strength/ condition IMO. Please, if I am missing something here regarding any legal implications, somebody please chime in.

I do not believe the steering to be too high in price if you keep it simple but safe. Again I defer to the more experienced twin guys for this advice.

All that being said, If this were my boat, I'd rig a rebuilt pair of 200- 225 3.0 Loopers w/ warranties shipped right out of the crate from a rebuilder I know here in Sarasota. I believe you could turnkey the boat with a bracket, jackplates, steering, rigging and props for a cool 13-15K. If the hull is clean you'll get most of your money back on resale after a couple years use if you document your rigging and expenses now through photo and reciept records:D

If you would like, I will get you a price on an "as new" rebuilt pair of 3.0 Loopers with a reputable one year warranty. You cannot tell these motors are not from the factory, with the exception that they are not 2003 model motors. The shop remanufactures the entire unit from propshaft to flywheel, they come crated and shipped and are an excellent value.

My personal interest in promoting these motors is that the rebuilder keeps me in plentiful good used Looper parts that he replaces in his rebuilds at a very low cost to myself. I also believe these motors to be an excellent value. If you would like a few pics, lemme know and I'll go take a few.........
My e-mail is [email protected]

Again, whatever you decide, Black or White, single or twins, good luck and welcome to S&F :D
B.MAC :D

[Viper GTs]

Keeping in mind I have 11 grand max to spend, I think an older 300 Promax will fit the bill. Are they more dependable than the 300X due to the lower rev limit?