2003 Mercury 225hp counter rotating engine

[Steve Y]

I'm thinking of buying a used 225hp Mercury 4 stroke (built by Yamaha) and the seller has twins for sale. My boat currently has a single 225 hp Yamaha OX66, which chugs a bit of gas. Is there any downside to installing a single counter rotating engine on my boat? Understand that lower leg parts and props may be a bit more costly since there are less demand for them and I realize there will be a different prop walk than a regular right hand motor. But performance wise, should be the same.....right?

 

[blackbox]

Re: 2003 Mercury 225hp counter rotating engine

the c.r lower will perform fine as a singe apllication. it will be harder to find props, but if you plan on using a stainless prop any way, it will not be a big problem. mercury marine makes a nice 4 blade alum. (alpha 1) that is avalable in c.r. if you do not like s.s props.

 

[achris]

Re: 2003 Mercury 225hp counter rotating engine

The only issue you'll have to deal with, apart from the parts and props, is the fact that the CR will try to 'wind up' the boat to starboard, and if you are boating solo and the helm is on the starboard side you'll have a list to, wait for it...... starboard; more than you would with a right-hand lower. All that said, if it's a big issue, then just sell off the CR lower and buy a right hander. too eay....

Chris............

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 2003 Mercury 225hp counter rotating engine

from a consumer stand point I agree with the rest.
other than prop selection you wont even notice the rest.

 

[Steve Y]

Re: 2003 Mercury 225hp counter rotating engine

Thanks all for the feedback. We'll see what the seller is asking for either motors and if there is no difference, I'll just stick with the right hand motor. Both motors already come with stainless 4 blade props. Can I use my existing control or do I need to get a left hand control if I get the CR motor? Also, this model uses analog gauges and my existing Yamaha 225 OX66 has digital gauges. The owner said that although Yamaha made this motor for Merc, there might have been some electronic functionality that didn't come with it like in Yamaha motors. Any issues using my digital gauges? Thanks...great forum !

 

[blackbox]

Re: 2003 Mercury 225hp counter rotating engine

the only diffrance between the yam-225 and merc-225 is the cable conections. teleflex makes a kit to addapt the yam cable to work in the merc motor. the yam gauge will work in the merc. if you have "dip switches" in your yam tac.