How to best convert 2004 250XS 25" to 20"? I also have 1994 225 3.0 Carb 20" shaft.

[Sleek Jr]

Ok, my goal is to convert my yet unmounted 25 inch 2004 250XS into a 20". What's the best most economical way of going about this?

I also have a 1994 20" 3.0 225hp carb Merc, which I would prefer to leave as a 20", but if I cannot find someone who wants to
swap their 20" Optimax lower and mid for my 25", then I might consider swapping the parts out between each other, if that is even possible.

What's the best way to to go about this? What would you guys do?

Anyone have a 20" setup they would like to swap?

Outboards are not that common in my area, so it's extremely rare to see any parts or used up come up for sale around here.

Thanks for your input.

[vnemous]

If you wanted to you could take your opti powerhead and exhaust adapter and put it on the 20" you have. I infact am doing one in the shop tomorrow.

[Sleek Jr]

Good to know. I'm assuming that includes swapping the pan and cowl to the 20" mid?

Does this mean I can also swap my 94 3.0 powerhead, pan, and cowl onto the Opti 25" mid?

Thanks

[Dave S]

The 1994 exhaust housing is a little different than the newer opti. The tuna is short and boxy on the opti. The old 225 has a long narrow tuna.The newer one is better. The old style upper plate tends to crack when over heated, and has less cooling passage. You can't put the newer style tuna in the old exhaust can because the driveshaft Hole is not the same shape. You could hit that with a grinder for clearance. Good luck.

[Sleek Jr]

Dave, thank you for the details on this. Sounds like I should leave the 94 3.0 as a 20, and try to find someone with a 20in Opti to swap parts with. Or else sell the whole 250SX and look for a 20.

I suppose I could use a jack plate (I already have a hydraulic one on my 20" transom but don't think it goes up another 5") but I would rather not.