28 + 3x 200XS?
 

Just thinking out loud... What would a 28 with triple 200XS ROSs run like? For racing purposes, would you add a centre pod?

I'm wondering why do that when you can put 2 x 300's on it instead and not have the extra weight and drag of the middle lower unit slowing you down?

Again, not something I am seriously considering but wanted to hear y'alls feedback. I figured the trip setup would be faster than a regular 2x300 setup as the 200XS motors are approx. 240hp. More reliable too?

The twin 300XS is now a proven platform for dependability, fuel efficient and has the speed w/o a lot of dial in as numerous people have already made their way through trial and errors.

Perfect example is Double Rigged's stunning 28, driver friendly and runs......seems more tweaks are made to the creature comforts of the boats than the rigging for the power.

twin 2.5 280's on the 28' had more top end but not as easy on the pocket book at the pumps+ upkeep

for comparison, anybody know what actual HP for 300xs is then, and price for the 200xs

300xs hp is 308.

300xs 308hp but are sensitive to rpm and HP curve. Also 300xs has a ton more torque than any 2.5 or 300x in lower rpm band. DBR level 1 kit will net you around 325hp propshaft.

Personally my opinion is a center pod like DCB would ruin rough water handling of the 28 and tripps for use other than on a lake would be useless as well. All the weight would make the boat flighty.
I would like to see 3+300xs on a 30 skater. Better suited to hold the weight.

I would like to see 3+300xs on a 30 skater. Better suited to hold the weight.[/QUOTE]

I would like to see that as well, on a widened hull like the 338 without the bussel. To me the biggest advantage of triples is acceleration.

Just say No! I initially wanted to do two modified 300 X or three 300x on a new 30 Skater. Pete all but refused to do the triple engine citing plumbing for fuel and steering as well as tie bar and center pod for tunnel. Not to mention power to weight rational center of gravity and handling issues. Keep it simple.

I am sure someone as smart as Pete is he could build the boat. I know I could handle rigging one for myself and solve the weight balance issues. Move some fuel tank locations and rig accordingly with weight upfront. Also you cannot tell me that 3 opti's weigh more than two I/O's. Look at the Doug Write 32. Went 115 with two motors. I would have two say it would run 125 or so with 3. Think of the fuel mileage and savings on maintenance required. The race triple outboards for years. I agree a new 32 using the 28 bottom with a widened tunnel would be the ticket. Latham power steering would make driving it a breeze.
Also heard rumors of a 400hp verado on a 15" mid with sportmaster. That would be a great engine for twins.

All I'm saying is "The Man" would not take my money to do it on a 32B! I agree it would be faster but ill handling in challenging water. But if you do it I would gladly go for a ride with you wearing my sparkling new Lifeline!!!

the newer ones dont make as much power as the older ones did

Lightspeed - Are you comparing the 300X to the 300XS in terms of having more power or did early production run XS's have more HP than current????

Factory 400hp O/B with 15" mid would change the market if they can manage to keep lbs down....

A factory 400 hp O/B with a 15" mid even at 600 lbs twins on a 30 skater would be sweet! Its time merc gives the outboard market some attention after all the cool inboard motors they have developed over the past 5 years

How much $ for a new 200xs?

I think the ROS model is around $17500 so pretty much the same as a 300xs

They cost $16K each last year for the 200 ROS engines. Good motor but twin 300xs is a better setup in a 28'.

Now the ideal outboard boat, if we all had the funds, take a 28' Skater..

Widen the tunnel by 24- 30"..

Then cut the boat up add 36-40" to the length and put it back together with a nice cockpit and some sort of windscreen. This would be a far more stable boat than the 28' currently is, it would be faster as well and it would take the rough water good also.

A set of 300xs motors would push this boat to some good speeds, be reliable, get good fuel mileage and have a warrantied engine.

The rumor of a 400 hp outboard I honestly think is wishful thinking. When I built the first 30' we heard the rumors of this same engine 6-7 yrs ago and when we found it was not true we turned to inboard power. Mercury has no real incentive to make that much power in an outboard and there really is no reliable means to get this much power from their current engine block so a new engine design and a small market would never pay for itself.

Possibly.. thin odds here, someone could couple a Honda or Nissan V6 to the 15" Mid Section from Taylor Marine and make a powerful outboard? Years ago there was even a rotary Mazda engine put onto a mid section. Other than that there is no real hp solution on the horizon for outboards.