1997 2520 Sport Cabin Modified V with a 200hp Mercury?

[Keeper]

Hello, wise ones.

We are ready for a repower. Stretched a lot of life out of our patched-together 2007 Mercury 225hp. Time to move on. The 225hp has been enough motor, as we do not spend alot of time looking for top speeds. More interest in what we have not had, with this engine: offshore and all-season reliability.

We have a line on a rebuilt 225, of a similar vintage. Or, we have a real discount on a brand new 200hp Mercury.

Would you think a modern 200hp Mercury is enough engine for our fairly heavy boat?

Any advice appreciated.

 

[warthog5]

WAY Underpowered! Just because you HAVE all the Power of a 300...doesn't mean You have to use it. Furthermore... Having that power means you will not run the stem winding Crap out of it all the time.... This results in Better fuel milage with the higher HP engine. I bet your running what you have right now @ 5000RPM to stay a crusie

 

[Andy]

Hello, wise ones.

We are ready for a repower. Stretched a lot of life out of our patched-together 2007 Mercury 225hp. Time to move on. The 225hp has been enough motor, as we do not spend alot of time looking for top speeds. More interest in what we have not had, with this engine: offshore and all-season reliability.

We have a line on a rebuilt 225, of a similar vintage. Or, we have a real discount on a brand new 200hp Mercury.

Would you think a modern 200hp Mercury is enough engine for our fairly heavy boat?

Any advice appreciated.

Here's another vote to go with a larger engine than 200 HP. A 300 on your 2520 mod would be a good fit. We have a 300 Yamaha on our 2520 (XLD, not Mod) and even then, when fully loaded, we have to run at higher rpm's to get on plane, and to maintain a good planning speed. I'd rather 'coast' an engine a bit, than run it hard all the time. Just my 2-cents ...

 

[tomc585]

not to mention the resale value will take a hit if you ever decide to

 

[Keeper]

Very much appreciate the replies.

We have some concern about going up in weight, as we have the outboard cut-out in the transom and occasionally take water over the stern in rough conditions. With the Merc 225 we only have about 6 inches of freeboard over the waterline to the top of the transom.

Would you guys worry about that?

 

[JohnnyG]

Very much appreciate the replies.

We have some concern about going up in weight, as we have the outboard cut-out in the transom and occasionally take water over the stern in rough conditions. With the Merc 225 we only have about 6 inches of freeboard over the waterline to the top of the transom.

Would you guys worry about that?

Would it be practical to add a gill bracket to fill in the transom? I have the same issue with my 1995 2320 cuddy cabin).

 

[warthog5]

I for one...Would not have a notched transom, for the reason you mention.

Modifying the transom and adding a Bracket with flotation tub will get expensive. FYI: "Gill Bracket" That was a manufacture that made a metal tube engine bracket. It had No flotation to offset moving the weight aft. They were garbage! They rusted and as said... No flotation.. As far as I know have been out of business for a long time. The name Gill in some places was used generically to talk about a engine bracket. Parker used Stainless Marine [they were alum not stainless] Then went to Armstrong.

I'm sure your boat can be modified cheaper to add a Splashwell.