I'm looking at picking up a 21' superboat less power. I'm buying the boat to run in the harbor and Lake Havasu, usually with the family. What are some better options for good power/reliability in the previously owned market that will push the boat 70+ in rougher water when it's just me and a single passenger? The powerhead will see moderate idling to get out to open water in the harbor, so something that isn't temperamental is required. Being as this is my first outboard, I have no brand preferences, I just want something reliable that will push the boat the speeds mentioned or faster, and survive frequent ocean use with a good cleaning and maintenance regimen.

Chris

Merc 250 xs

Good luck with the 21 Super! Post some pics!

I don't know anything about OBs so I can't help there.

I have used 3 different motors on my 21 and will give you the following numbers
Had/have a 12" setback with all motors

2000 225HP 2.5 litre Promax with a sportmaster gearcase. wrong gearcase for application. regular torquemaster is the correct gearcase. 24" trophy. Boat ran a best of 74.8 with no set up or seat time.

2004 250Hp 3.0 litre. Standard gearcase. 83.4 out of the box with again no set up time. 28" trophy

1998 2008 200hp Promax with standard fleet master. 72.3 again not set up 24 trophy

i like the ride and feel of the hull with a 2.5 litre motor although most 21 owners use the 3.0 litre motors.

for a mid 70's boat that you are looking for i would go with a 225hp 2.5 litre promax in the x or regular version. there is a real nice 225x for sale with a hydrostream on s&f that i think the guy would sell just the motor.

if you are interested, my sb21 is for sale and it is MINT!

if you have any questions or want to talk, my number is 516-351-4285. mike

If you were thinking of going new on an engine, look at the merc 250 pro xs.......five year warranty. There is a 21' SB and a 22' Activator running them on the southshore right now, both owners love the engine, I have two of them on mine, great all around package

Ragu,

Thanks so much for the detailed information. That was exactly the kind of feedback I was looking for. With the older 2.5 motors, are they different than the 2.5 hipo setups like the 260 and 280? the reason I ask is because I want reliability, and my reading and a few phone calls tells me the hipo 2.5s are only good for 150-160hrs between re-rings, and they're not the most idle friendly setups.

I have an option to buy the boat with a 20" mid with a CLE gear case, is that something I should pursue? and if so, am I comitted to a 2.5 powerhead from there on out?

This is my first go-round with OBs so I'm trying not to screw up too badly on my first purchase. Whatever I buy, I want to end up with strong throttle response in the midrange, for better control in rough water. Having a boat that will run x mph, but it takes forever and a year and flat water to get there isn't as important to me as something that pulls hard and can allow you to manipulate the boat with throttle input.

As far as setback, it seems that most guys go with around 12" and an inch or so below the pad on the 21s, if I wanted to run some weight up front for a smoother ride, would I then want to add a little more setback to compensate?

Elvisali,

If I had the coin, I wouldn't mind checking in to the 250xs as you're not the first person to tell me they are a nice setup (plus the 5 year warranty is nice). It's out of the budget until after grad school, but what kind of #s are the guys with those on 21s seeing? If you know their screen names, I'd be happy to do a little digging and see for myself.

Thanks,
Chris

for reliability and midrange, I would suggest a 3 liter(225 or 250) Opti xs if you can afford, if not a regular EFI or carb motor would do the trick, but they are a little thirsty at WOT. The regular 2.5 fishin motors are reliable, and probably have plenty of torque in a 21, but think the 3 liter as a big block compared to the 2.5(200) small block when it comes to non high performance motors. The 260/280 are great motors, but do need rebuilding occasionally.

I have never owned a 2.5 litre 260hp or 280hp. I shyed away from them for the headaches I was told about them and am not trying to squeeze out the last mph so the problems did not seem worth it. Throttle response with these motors I would assume is very good. The 225 Promax had the best throttle response out of the motors I ran on my boat. Suggested setback by guys in the know state 14". Mine has 12" and I never bothered to extend the addtl. 2". For you application and usage that you have stated, (rough water and a crew in the boat) I would suggest a 200 or 225 Promax. Most guys would disagree with me and state the 3.0 litre. I found that the boat flies straighter with the 2.5. But what do I know, I had both

Joey's 21 has a single 300x.


Looks awesome!!!

What kind of fuel consumption difference am I looking at between say a 225x promax and a 3.0L 250?

I'm really surprised to see such a big difference in performance between the two setups.

Chris