1997 Mercury 225????

[fighterpilot]

Looking at the NADA book there are 10 different 225 listing for the 1997 2 stroke Mercury Motor. Like XL, XXL OS, XL EFI OS, L, EFI, CXL EFI OS etc. What do all the different letters mean.

Going to travel 600 miles to look at a 1997 Parker 2520, MV with a 1997 225 Mercury on it Tuesday. If I can find the appropriate lettering how do I understand it?

What's the forums thoughts on this particular engine. It came with the boat. will it move it 22knots when loaded down for fishing? What rpm? Full fuel, ice chest, 4-6 adults, etc. What rpm required to cruise up on plane and what would be expected speed in that case. Thanks

 

[DaleH]

On Mercs, L = 20" lower unit, X = 25" and XX = 30". C = counter-rotating. EFI = electronic fuel injection.

I had a 225hp on my 2520. If properly pitched and the hull has trim tabs, there's no problems getting out of the hole and up on plane. If the hull doesn't wear trim tabs - ADD them, Bennetts 9" chord by 24" span. Or if equipped with way-too-small 12"x12" Lenco tabs, replace that tab with one 18" wide, using the same ram. Projects posts abound here with that upgrade.

I would get 1.7-2.0 mpg @ cruise, 24-27mph, with a WOT speed of 40mph. Most OB motors will burn 10% of the rated horsepower in gallon-per-hour @ full throttle, i.e., a 225hp wide open burns ~22.5 gph. Any OB of that vintage will give you best all-around performance and fuel efficiency from 3800 to 4200 RPMs. Throttle above 4500 RPMs opens up the high jets fuel and fuel burn goes through the roof! I'd buy a Merc Rev4 4-blade prop for that motor, IF you buy the rig.

Your prop should allow you to turn NO MORE than 200-300 RPMs off the maximum rating RPMs for that motor. Most boats wear the wrong prop ... don't make that mistake ... it is the #1 reason why OB motors die a premature death!

 

[Megabyte]

During that time frame, Yamaha was selling the Saltwater Series motors with carbs and EFI (1997 being the first year for EFI on the Yamaha).
My boat is a 1996 hull, but it was hung with one of the first of the 225 EFI motors, which is a 1997 model year on mine.
Performance figures here:
viewtopic.php?f=8&t=13559

My boat is wearing a 17p Merc Mirage Plus prop, and the same 24x9 Bennett tabs that Dale mentioned.
So long as the motor checks out and you care for it well (maintenance is key), you should be OK for years to come.