Looking at 30 ft outboard cats and trying to figure out which motors to get. I have searched and read the forums. I know about the fuel economy difference. I know maybe a little more speed with the 300x. I'm also concerned with maintenance and reliability. What experiences to people have and which would you prefer? Thanks!

Try screamandfly.com there a little more outboard friendly. Theres also some ob builders on there.

Isn't the 300x a whole lot less complicated?

I have a little experience with both. I really love the response and power of the 300x, they have lots of upgrade potential. I currently am running 300xs. In terms of top speed the 300x was faster but only a mile an hour or two, but it did accelerate harder.

My 25 motion with twin 300x did 111 mph with the 300xs it did 110 mph in fresh water.

My 300xs have been pretty maintenance free, no breaks, aches or problems. I change gear case oil very often, which for me is about every hour or two of run time. I replaced the plastic fuel fittings with drilled out brass, removed the compressor feed with a crankcase filter. No big changes to the 300xs.

The fuel mileage with the 300xs is twice the 300x.

I really wish Mercury would have continued to develop the 300x, but no such luck.

Good luck with you decision.

I run a 30 Spectre with 300XS motors. I have the DBR stage 1 with Mike Nass cowls. I love the XS motors. They make good power and get great fuel mileage. I never put more that 40 gallons of fuel in the boat at a time. I can run all day on 40 gallons. The weak link on these motors are the gear cases.

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cut short the 300X to 15" mids with Zieger steering and you'd really be rockin'



Photo Credit: OSO ID [Skater30] ==> http://www.offshoreonly.com/forums/s...ml#post4222046

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Notice the straight skegs on this 300X motor.

the 300XS comes with swept skegs with the torque tabs removed

A racer once told me that swept skegs are faster than straight skegs

I ordered twin 300xs and they came with straight skegs with no torque tab.

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just curious, can one order 300XS today with straight kegs?

Noli,
Really need to keep facts straight. All offshore 300xs's come with straight skegs no torque tab unless specified. Also motors posted are Rayzor's 15" 300xs's with custom 15" taylor mids and DBR tuner and clamps from his 280's. A lot of money invested and a really nice job.
The cowlings are from 300x so that the would fit the mid section.