2.5 merc on a bassboat

[durk187]

Im looking at buying a 21 foot ranger bass boat. It has a Mercury 2.5 race motor on it. At 280hp it seems like way too much for the boat. Has anyone ever ran into problems overpowering a boat like this.

 

[naughtybynature]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

i don't think it is such an issue with too much power. more of the "race motor" being just that. that2.5 is an amazing motor but it's not a fishing motor. it was once a fishing motor, but it has been modified as a race motor, this includes many things such as timing, exhaust, jetting, redline etc. while this motor will scream like a stuffed pig, it is also prone to hard starts and rough idle. this is what i have read from other forums as i do not own the motor myself. please correct me (jb and others) if i'm wrong. from your other posts it seems you are a hunter and gatherer that would be better served with a more conservative rig. you could always buy the boat if you are getting a good deal and sell the 2.5 and use the money to buy a good fishing motor like a 175 or 200. those engines will still make that boat scoot and be much more reliable. remember anything that sez "race" on it means nothing but money down the drain. those that race have money to waste.

 

[durk187]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

Point well taken. Im not sure if it is a "race" motor or not but I assume the 2.5 line all are. Its a 2.5 EFI Sport. You are right that I am a hunter/gatherer and I have my duck/fish boat, old aluminum jon /w 18hp evinrude. The price is right on this rig and I dont know if the motor is more trouble than its worth.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

The 2.5 EFI Sport is a consumer performance motor. It will start instantly and idle great as most EFI's will. It requires high test fuel so buying fuel on the water is most likely out. It has open exhaust and thats OK if you like that much noise. It should have the Sport Master gearcase. Keep in mind that when you set it up its supposed to turn 7200-7500 RPM at WOT. Its a "bad to the bone" motor. You'll love it.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[naughtybynature]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

dhadly is right, the efi is a different animal. more likea banshee on a bad hair day. should not have starting or idle problems with that motor. i thought you were talkin the old 2.5 carb motor.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

If you do decide to get the boat and want to sell the motor, let me know. There are pleanty of Merc hot rodders around here that would want it.<br /><br />Thanks!

 

[durk187]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

if i get the boat, and its looking good, ill let you know what I think of it. If i dont like it I will sell it and get something more manageable.

 

[495v]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

Duckcommander, you'll love the power. I have a 21' Ranger with an I/O in it.(310hp, 350 Magnum) Being a 21'er, it handles exceptional at high speeds.

 

[SpinnerBait_Nut]

Re: 2.5 merc on a bassboat

I test run a 21' Bullett the other day with a 300 optimax. If it's anything like it was, you will love it.