If looking at a 30 spectre which would you prefer and why ? 1997 Merc 2.5 Offshores with new powerheads, and sportsmaster lowers, or 2003 300x's.

Hard to argue with PowerBoat test with the 300's. Turn key pretty sweet if you ask me. I know nothing but if I had the choice that would be mine.

300x's , no mixing of oil... Will also run 98 to 104 depending on conditions and load....( true GPS )

97's are the old style motor "260" not even a comparison. No alternator lots of dead batteries. It would be a different story if you were talking about 280 2.5's with the alternators and mororola system.

No question, 300x's. Newer motor, fewer problems.

Had Both almost, 99 ProMax and 99 2.5's. Boat rode flater with 2.5's but the Promax's used less fuel and only 5 mph slower. 20-20 hind site I should have stuck with the ProMax. IMO.

If Ya Want Turn Key Go With The 300's But Those 2.5 Are Badd Ass But High Maintenance But Are High In Rpm With Some Twisting. My 2 Cents 300's

Donz Jr Mike

300x Bad AZZ

cowisl just changed 2.5's to 300's on his rig...
Those 2.5's have a narrow rpm band to have fun with if I recall.

300 x's. More civil.