From the specs ive pulled off both the merc site for their 300xs motors and first hand experience with a Evinrude 225HO and the specs on their new 300HP models which is what this is... Seems like a better choice... plus these new Evinrude Etecs are the most reliable things i've ever seen strapped to the back of a boat.

whats the rev limiter set at on the Rudes? Cats love RPMs.

1.71:1 gear ratio @ 5500 rpm?

What kind of lowers do the E tecs have?? Most of the E tec owners I have talked to said they love the warranty because it is in the shop most of the time
I have a set of 300xs mercs on my 28 Skater they are awsome! When the E tecs dominate offshore racing then they might be ok.Dont hold your breath for that!

Until BRP makes a lower gear case suitable for a surfacing application, they will have a hard time finding their way on the back of a sport catamaran.

new gearcase this year dual water pickups and larger gearset

Service Centers? Service Centers familiar with racing type applications that actually handle BRP products in that environment?

I am pretty sure that the new BRP 300 is offered with only 25 and 30 inch midsections. That alone rules it out of most performance applications.

Ive personally never had to take my 225HO into the shop for anything... and i've heard similar stories from everyone with an Etec...

Also.. right off their website 3.4L 250HO (High Performance Model of the 300, yes i know its weird how they label them)
20 Inch
1.71:1
6000RPM

We take my 225HO right up to about 6000 on the tach but our gearcase is more like 1.85:1

Good outboard but not a performance style of outboard. Stick with the Merc's for now.