Replace 2.5 V6 with a 4-stroke. Good idea or not?

**tedthebrit** · 09-14-2024, 06:23 PM

Sorry if this has been discussed eleswhere already on S&F; I couldn't find it if so. Anyway, I'm looking for some advice about putting a 4 stroke on my 1995 Brad Collins center-steerJaguar River Racer.... It currently still has its 1995 carbureted 245HP Merc Racing 2.5 V6, which runs fine- and fast- with good compression and low hours. Nothing wrong with it except the usual carbureted pre-mix 2 -stroke inconveniences. I'm thinking about moving to a 225HP 4 stroke. I believe the 2.5 is about 350 lbs. The Merc 225 "4-stroke" 3.4 litre V6 is 475lbs (listed), so 125 lbs more. From 175HP to 300 in the Pro XS line is a 511 lbs V8- 161lbs more. The Pro XS has a low water pickoff but I think the extra weight could be a problem. However, I know people do put 300HP ProXS's on these boats. I'm not after the ultimate top speed or holeshot. Any thoughts or other recommendations? Thanks in advance.

**OnPad** · 09-14-2024, 06:55 PM

I would leave the the 2.5 on it, but I'm a bit bias. If you insist, might try the extra weight before making the investment. 125-150lbs of sandbags at the transom should do the trick.

**Speed Jr.** · 09-14-2024, 07:52 PM

The new 200R with the factory sportmaster would be a great option. It will push that hull 100mph and be a great setup. The new DTS systems are all plug and play no more shift and throttle cables, just one harness. Cleans up the rigging a bunch. Once you go to the new R series you'll never go back.

Jr.

**tedthebrit** · 09-15-2024, 10:40 AM

Excellent idea. I was thinking of carrying some extra gas cans to try it out, but sandbags would be even better.

**tedthebrit** · 09-15-2024, 10:43 AM

A couple of people have recommended the 200R. Also some say the Yamaha SHO- heavier but 300HP. I'll wait a bit and see if there's a consensus. the 200R is pretty new so there don't seem to be a lot first hand accounts yet.

**David** · 09-15-2024, 11:32 AM

For my boat, a 200XS is still the engine to beat until I see testing that shows otherwise. You might have trouble finding one. I think you might find any 200 a let down after running a 2.5 though.

**22R** · 09-15-2024, 06:02 PM

Whatcha gonna do with the 245?��

22R

**skialot2** · 09-15-2024, 08:16 PM

Unless you think the boat is scary fast now and rarely open it up, I can't see how you would be happy going from a 2.5 245HP to a 200R. Thats almost 20% less horsepower. Don't get me wrong, the boat will still be fast. It may even have just as good of holeshot because of the low range torque of the fourstroke. Just not as fast as the 2.5. That boat looks like it's going to go over 85mph even with a 200. So, a ProXS with a torquemaster will not work. You risk blowout. But if the boat can handle the weight of the 511lb ProXS V8. A 520lb 250R or 300R with a sportmaster would be the ultimate.

**tedthebrit** · 09-15-2024, 11:47 PM

Good points, Skialot2. (Great name too by the way!) I think the boat's well matched to the 2.5, in fact it was basically designed for it, but I don't feel the need for every last ounce of performance any more. We actually have used the boat mostly for waterskiing and "moderate" speed cruising, which may sound like sacrilege to the Mirage devotees. But full throttle is still a blast!

**tedthebrit** · 09-15-2024, 11:49 PM

Originally Posted by 22R

Whatcha gonna do with the 245?��

22R

Probably sell it to one of the 2.5 faithfuls to recoup some of the cost. But that's only if I find I like a 4 stroke better.

**JBS** · 09-16-2024, 06:18 AM

Here's my opinion and experience. I would run your setup til it quits. That's what I did on my Triad v21. I blew the 2.5 and was ready to order a new four stroke. I got a good deal on a 3.0 pro XS and decided to go with that. So here's my experience, it's a good motor, easy starts no problems idling around the marina and the no wake zones. Great all around cruising motor. However running top end I can definitely tell the difference in the extra weight. My boat definitely likes the lightweight 2.5 better. I guess it's kind of like me gain an extra 40 or 50 lb of lugging that around all day.

**tedthebrit** · 09-16-2024, 02:59 PM

Originally Posted by JBS

Here's my opinion and experience. I would run your setup til it quits. That's what I did on my Triad v21. I blew the 2.5 and was ready to order a new four stroke. I got a good deal on a 3.0 pro XS and decided to go with that. So here's my experience, it's a good motor, easy starts no problems idling around the marina and the no wake zones. Great all around cruising motor. However running top end I can definitely tell the difference in the extra weight. My boat definitely likes the lightweight 2.5 better. I guess it's kind of like me gain an extra 40 or 50 lb of lugging that around all day.

I know the feeling! Sounds like the Pro XS is a great motor for everything except absolute top end though. Another option for me to consider...

**David** · 09-16-2024, 08:30 PM

I would not have thought that a 2.5 carb would be suited to water skiing. Maybe the 4 stroke does make sense, if the boat can handle the weight

**tedthebrit** · 09-16-2024, 09:02 PM

Originally Posted by David

I would not have thought that a 2.5 carb would be suited to water skiing. Maybe the 4 stroke does make sense, if the boat can handle the weight

I was surprised too, but it makes for a great skiboat with the 2.5. Though it ventilates a bit on takeoff, after that it gets up to speed real quick, and has a lovely (lack of) wake. And as there is no floor the sponsons make great ski lockers!