Buying a Merc XR2 guide

[killerpirate]

Hello,

Im planning on visiting a Mercury XR2 this week that is for sale. Im looking for tips from the pro's here. Are there any specific things i should check for? They say it has low hours and is in good condition.
It also has a LWP lower unit, but i dont really need it because i will use it for ski application and i dont have/want a jackplate. Also it is overpowering my 16 ft fletcher a little bit so i dont want to put TOO MUCH force on the transom. Will the LWP affect the handling very much if its not mounted like it is supposed to be? I mean, offcourse it will be better if the engine is raised propperly and the lwp unit does its job, but what happens if the cone is completely under water?

I want to buy it because im looking for a new boat, but that will be summer of 2021. Till then i want to use my current boat. On the new boat i will add jackplate etc. The reason i want THIS specific motor is because those are very rare over here (belgium)

TLDR: Are there specific things to check with this engine when buying?

[Noah Burns]

My understanding is that this was essentially an SST120 powerhead used for offshore racing. They're really cool, I'd love to have one! Probably not the best engine for ski use, but very cool.

[killerpirate]

Thanks! The owner says is 200+ hp, but original they are 150 or 200 hp right?

[David]

Interesting motor. 200 HP at 7000 rpm, 32:2 oil/fuel ratio, 16A alternator, high octane fuel, CLE gear case. You might flatten your battery if you stop/start a lot for skiing. Rare on your side of the pond, almost non existent on this side.

I expect you could ski with it, but a ‘normal’ MercV6 would be better

you can run a CLE submerged.

[Capt.Insane-o]

It will ski fine with a suitable prop. I must have watched every Class 3 race on You Tube ten times. That was a great series over there.

[tlwjkw]

Thanks! The owner says is 200+ hp, but original they are 150 or 200 hp right?

they were originally rated at 180 but later dropped tha horsepower rating altogether.... will add that i've heard of a coupla of 'em dyno'd at 190+ but no actual read outs.

[killerpirate]

they were originally rated at 180 but later dropped tha horsepower rating altogether.... will add that i've heard of a coupla of 'em dyno'd at 190+ but no actual read outs.

But the cowling on this one says its offshore? Doesnt that have anything to do with horsepower or does it only says something about the lenth? How long is an offshore? (XL?)

[Noah Burns]

The XR2, in this instance was the OFFSHORE model in general. That picture above is the same engine as the one you are talking about, just without "offshore" on the cowl.

But the cowling on this one says its offshore? Doesnt that have anything to do with horsepower or does it only says something about the lenth? How long is an offshore? (XL?)

[tlwjkw]

don't think tha "offshore" has anything ta do with horsepower and/or length... i don't recall ever seenin' an explanation of tha use of that badge related ta tha XR2 or any other hi perf junk other than related ta tha trim/clamp/down housin' and such..... have seen 'em use "offshore" on production motors also with no difference in tha motors other than whats conjured up by tha public... jmo.