Question: 1986 Baja Bowrider 235 or 200? Cross Flow or Looper??? Go!

**pdmoney** · 04-19-2019, 03:21 PM

Currently have a 1986 200 XP Evinrude on it...it needs some work.. I have options on a 1985 Crossflow, Rebuild my 1986 200XP or a similar 1987 200 XP Looper... Which would you think gives the best top end? I have been disappointed in the top speed of this thing since I owned it. From response on here you guys think its a heavy boat etc... I understand these 200 XPs were supposedly under rated at 200 and more like 225? Maybe not 30 years later.... Which option do you think would work best: 1. 1985 235 Cross Flow or 2. This 1986/7 200 XP? Assuming both were rebuilt.. Which would you go with?

**BOATMANBLUES** · 04-19-2019, 09:00 PM

I would bore one of the small bore loopers out for std 3.0 L pistons and build that...built several of these back in the day and they make good runners...you need to be capable of figuring out your own jetting ,timing,etc..since it changes compression , air flow, etc..

**powerabout** · 04-19-2019, 10:05 PM

Looper regardless
If its apart add finger ports
What prop rpm speed do you get now?

**FMP** · 04-19-2019, 10:06 PM

Two of each

**pdmoney** · 04-20-2019, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by powerabout

Looper regardless
If its apart add finger ports
What prop rpm speed do you get now?

13 1/4 x 19 now but only getting around 5500 tops, the 17 pitch does around 6 but I get better speed from the 19. I have the cdi packs that can go higher. I feel like the looper xp wants higher rpms.

**pdmoney** · 04-23-2019, 05:36 PM

I have heard that mentioned before. What are finger ports? Is that a DIY project or is that something screws with the ports and you need years of experience to do? I am hopefully getting another 1987 200 XP Evinrude. I will take the time to build that one nicely, maybe send it out to have done... Thanks!

Originally Posted by powerabout

Looper regardless
If its apart add finger ports
What prop rpm speed do you get now?

**powerabout** · 04-23-2019, 07:54 PM

if you have the engine apart and its an older model without finger ports I would always add them.
Its a job for someone that has done it before or a machinist with a mill

**mrichartz** · 04-23-2019, 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by pdmoney

I have heard that mentioned before. What are finger ports? Is that a DIY project or is that something screws with the ports and you need years of experience to do? I am hopefully getting another 1987 200 XP Evinrude. I will take the time to build that one nicely, maybe send it out to have done... Thanks!

If your not sure send it out you can ruin a good motor quick..if you take your time really research practice on an old block you could do it but...