Motor question - Mercury 2005 225 XS 2.5 optimax

[MarcM]

Looking to purchase a 2005 mercury XS. It is an Optimax 2.5 liter but has the 3.0 liter mid section and sportmaster 3.0 lower. Also has the larger 3.0 liter cowling.
Seller indicates this was a stock 2005 model with the 2.5 liter and the 3.0 liter lower.
The small white rivited plate in the motor carriage indicates it weights 458 pounds, and is a year 2005 model.
Did mercury make this motor long?
Can't find info about it on the internet?
Is the seller correct indicating this is stock from Mercury.
Any info is appreciated. Not sure what section to post this on the site.

[props4u2]

The 2.5 xs was a one year engine. Everything you said is stock from Mercury except it does not have a 3.0L cowl. The cowl was made just for that engine.
These engines ran great other than propping can be a problem due to hitting the rev limiter when using a prop that gives you a good hole shot and they are heavy for a lot of smaller boats.

[Euro Muscle]

Good motor, I run one on a stveuro no promblems..


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[Euro Muscle]

05 Mercury 2.5xs Optimax built by Mercury Racing


Engines that people always get confused.

250XS = 3.0L Opti, sold thru racing

225 proXS= 3.0L Opti (torquemaster, rubber mounts) sold thru "mother" Merc

225 sportXS= same powerhead as 225 proXS, but solid mounts and 1.62 sport, sold thru Merc Racing

2.5XS= 2.5L opti, solid mounts, uses 3.0L driveshaft housing and gearcase, sold thru Merc Racing


FYI < I'm runing a 1.87 Sportmaster Gearcase )


225 hp factory rating. (Most were really about 233 hp – 239 hp)
6800rpm redline (current Merc Racing XS motors are only 6000rpm)
450 lbs (current Merc Racing XS motors are 505lbs)
Solid Mounts
153 cid
60 amp
PCM 03 Digital Inductive
2 Stage DFi



Other information


Bass Boat Central 3 liter forum. Lots of good Optimax info here.

http://www.bbcboards.net/zeroforum?id=227

Moderator; Don Weed (EuropeanAM on the forum)

His website; http://www.europeanmarine.org/



Hope this info helps . good luck with all .

[Greg G]

I was always under the impression that the Smartcraft capable 225 "Opti 2.5XS" was in fact set up by Racing to allow for a 300 powerhead to be interchanged onto that mid on race day as needed. Remove the adapter plate and on goes a 300. Is that perhaps the reason that the motor you are looking at has a 300 cowl on it currently? Are you sure it has a 300 cowl? I never understood why mother Merc did not build them with a 2.5 mid instead as it would have cut the weight down to where it made sense for smaller boats. At 458lbs you might as well run a 300.

[Wolverine]

Looking to purchase a 2005 mercury XS. It is an Optimax 2.5 liter but has the 3.0 liter mid section and sportmaster 3.0 lower. Also has the larger 3.0 liter cowling.
Seller indicates this was a stock 2005 model with the 2.5 liter and the 3.0 liter lower.
The small white rivited plate in the motor carriage indicates it weights 458 pounds, and is a year 2005 model.
Did mercury make this motor long?
Can't find info about it on the internet?
Is the seller correct indicating this is stock from Mercury.
Any info is appreciated. Not sure what section to post this on the site.

I've looked at this package myself and know the owner well. It's 100% stock right from Mercury. It would be a better choice than the newer Opti's for the lighter hull that you wish to put it on. Ya better pull the trigger on that motor if ya want it..........it won't be there long. I can see a hull with my name on it coming available soon!

[MarcM]

Is this motor to heavy for a 490 pound 19-foot tunnel (Edge Stealth), or should I look for a fresh 260...


Wolverine: Where are you at in Newaygo..? Were you at Hardy last weekend? What boat do you have? Are you going to Secord Lake for MHB Meet 09/24/2011. Marc (PM me or give me a call at home 989-731-5986).

[Greg G]

Why does the 2.5XS have a one off cowl? Hope that baby never gets cracked.

[props4u2]

Greg,
The 2.5 is a much shorter and narrower engine than the 3.0L needless to say. The cowl is shorter and narrower at the top but it is still way too wide at the base due to the 3.0L bottom cowls.

[MarcM]

THANK YOU for all the information pertaining to this motor. Nice having access to folks who are knowledgeable!!!

[Wolverine]

Is this motor to heavy for a 490 pound 19-foot tunnel (Edge Stealth), or should I look for a fresh 260...


Wolverine: Where are you at in Newaygo..? Were you at Hardy last weekend? What boat do you have? Are you going to Secord Lake for MHB Meet 09/24/2011. Marc (PM me or give me a call at home 989-731-5986).

I'm not sure you're worrying about the weight of the motor, considering that every motor your hull had on it previous to you owning it was heavier than that 225. What type of boating do you plan on doing with the rig? If you're gonna drag race......get a 260. For recreational use.....the 225xs is the better choice IMO. Just don't expect to beat many 260's or run over 100mph.
I sold my Mirage last year. Yes, we were at Hardy last weekend.....in our yellow Bennington tritoon. Love it, but need another tunnel!

[Greg G]

05 Mercury 2.5xs Optimax built by Mercury Racing


Engines that people always get confused.

250XS = 3.0L Opti, sold thru racing

225 proXS= 3.0L Opti (torquemaster, rubber mounts) sold thru "mother" Merc

225 sportXS= same powerhead as 225 proXS, but solid mounts and 1.62 sport, sold thru Merc Racing


2.5XS= 2.5L opti, solid mounts, uses 3.0L driveshaft housing and gearcase, sold thru Merc Racing


FYI I'm runing a 1.87 Sportmaster Gearcase

225 hp factory rating. (Most were really about 233 hp – 239 hp)
6800rpm redline (current Merc Racing XS motors are only 6000rpm)
450 lbs (current Merc Racing XS motors are 505lbs)
Solid Mounts
153 cid
60 amp
PCM 03 Digital Inductive
2 Stage DFi