200 Optimax vs 2.5 200 Carb Motor

[Radiant]

I have a 2.5 carb 200 FF block now. I love the motor, but I am putting together a 200 opti now. The 2.5 pushes my flats boat to 72-73 mph. It is an awesome motor but I am thinking of selling it and running this 200 opti. My boat can handle the 3 liter weight, but how do you think it will perform in terms of power? I'm hoping to keep the top speed the same, but gain economy. I get about 3 mpg (tank average) right now with the 2.5. I've read that the 200 opti made like 220 hp and the 225 made 240, any truth to this? Anyone done a swap like this and been unhappy?

[gotboostedvr6]

You will lose top speed, gain torque, reduce fuel burn.

[Radiant]

You will lose top speed, gain torque, reduce fuel burn.

Will it be slower from just the weight alone? Or is it making less power. In this case I'll give up some speed for the efficiency. Top speed is a very small percentage of my overall boating. I usually have 3-4 people and a cooler full of drinks. Although one day I'll find a 250 for my boat

[JPEROG]

I don't agree that it will be slower. The direct injection motors make so much more torque. I wouldn't even consider a 200 carb motor if I had the choice of those two. The fuel should be just over half and drive-ability around the dock will be a 10-

Joe

[XstreamVking]

Run about the same. Uses same prop and less fuel. Charging system is a big improvement. Boat will sit lower of course. I prefer the 2.5 on my flats boat just because of the weight.

[Radiant]

I'm curious as to how my boat will react to the weight. I built the boat with 62 gallons of fuel split between two tanks, a 32 gallon front tank, and a 30 gallon rear. Right now I like running the rear tank with the 2.5 but maybe that will change with the 3.0 and I'll want the weight forward. I'm making the change for the drivability and fuel burn. I will report back when it is up and running.

I love my 2.5, it is one of my favorite motors I've owned. It just doesn't suit my boat well. It would be great on an action or hydrostream. If nobody buys it, that is probably what I will do with it

[gotboostedvr6]

After your first few replaced compressors, injectors, fuel pumps, and vst tank cleanings you will really miss that 2.5.

[Radiant]

Yeah I’ve thought about all that as well. If it becomes a headache, I’ll definitely regret it. I’ve got 3 dressed powerheads in the garage, hopefully that means I have a lot of spare parts

[hsbob]

look at the 200xs . they are 2.5 opti built by merc racing between 2001 to 2006 +/-. same or better top end but better mpg. my 20' voyager can get 7.4 mpg and tops out near 80mph. they're older but great motors. even the 2.5xs [225 to 245 hp].

[Radiant]

The 200xs would be ideal. But they’re hard to find and well above my budget. I bought all the parts for this 200 opti project very cheap. Gonna see if I buy the updated compressor for it, and get the injectors cleaned and hopefully I’ll be good to go. We will see

[David]

I replaced a 225 Promax with a 200XS. Between the 1.75 gears, low idle speed, and not all the exhaust going through the hub, the 200XS can be weaker up to 2000 rpm. Put on a 24 Drag and it's fine. Top end is surprisingly close. I've actually been faster with the 200XS but engine height and props are big variables.

And I bought less as this year. Way less gas.

[RSWORDS]

Keep up with your maintenance and you wont have issues with the opti.

I swapped from a 2.5 200 to a 200 opti on my 22 fishing boat. Top end was a about 1 mph faster, fuel economy was amazing and the low and mid power was a huge improvement

[XstreamVking]

The extra weight will make a difference when getting on plane and at low speeds. My hull is similar to yours and have run the 505# Opti's. Fuel economy is nice, and better charging, but I like the smaller motor. I think the 2.5 opti's (I like the 175 XS) are better suited to the lake and bay style flats boats. It's the motor weight they were designed for.

[Radiant]

A 175 pro xs would be nice as speed isn't really the main goal here. I've had about 5 motors on this boat in the few years I have owned it, so I doubt the 200 opti is the last one I'll try. I do with the 505lbs was for a 300xs over a 200, but the budget likes the budget motors

[Bumblebeeman]

I don't think the 200 Opti will be slower. Bass & Walleye Boats did a 200 shootout running various 200 hp motors on identical make and model boats. The 200 Opti was 2.2 mph faster than the 200 carb motor and 1.2 mph faster than the 200 EFI.