MERC ProMax 200

[FireTiger6a]

Hi Guys, Does anyone know if Merc plans on making a 200 ProMax ? I currently own a P III and really like the Size. Investagating a new P IV but 200 HP is the max rating. I know that evinrude has a H.O 200. I have heard of 20 to 25 HP difference between the Evinrude HO and the Merc 200 opti. I have always Been a MERC guy. but 20 or more HP is a big diff. It seems like mercury builing a 175 225 and 250 pro max and not a 200 is kinda of odd. since alot of 19 ft boats are rated for 200 max. Good FishingFireTiger

[Bass Cat Boats]

The 200 Opti is already maxed out on horsepwoer. There are no plans to build a 200 Pro XS or relabel the present engine at this time, or that we are aware of. BCB

[basschaser]

The ProMax is the old Merc racing motor I think you are referring to the ProXS. I have had the opportunity to run the Etec 200HO, 200 HPDI and the 200 Opti and to be honest it depends on what you want. If midrange and top end is your preference then the 200 Opti cannot be beat. The 200HO and HPDI are stronger on the low end but the Merc will take it from there on out. The Opti is also better on fuel than the other 2. The 200 Opti is hot enough they could just change the decal kit on the cowling and it would pass…I know there are more differences like reeds, ECM mapping, etc. Get the Merc and be happy Judd Lasiter

[bcjigginjoe]

The 200 Opti is a very strong motor as Judd and BCB has stated. Not sure how it will perform on a P3 hull but I can testify from personal experience that it is a beast on the 07 P2 and performs satisfactorily on a P4.

[PhilAddison]

A 200 Optimax and a 200 Evinrude HO put out the same hp. I once ran identical boats powered by each and the 200 Mercury Optimax was a shade faster. The terminology “Pro XS” is already in the 200 Opti. Just not stamped as so.

[clownshoes]

Id have to disagree with you both on that one boys and so would BassCats test standardized runs albeit on Classics. Top end to the 200HO- but it was like 1 mph faster which is statistically insignificant. Sucking gas the fastest also went to the 200HO as well. Get what your mechanic likes. I own a 200HO (2004) and my partner has a 200 opti. Its a wash unless he wants to race with a light load- which isnt how a successful tournament ends or starts.C.O.D. Jr. III

[dcpuma]

Gentlemen I have also ran all these motors at one time having owned the merc myself all I can say is do your homework.That beeing siad homework would be talking to unhappy owners and finding out why!They each will have pers over the other but you have to consider longevity in purchases like these.So with that said I would go with whom ever is giving the best warranty satisfaction.I refuse to trash anyones products but if you need references in e-tec warranty issues I can supply those but not on this page.Good luck Danny

[clownshoes]

So if 2 or 3 individuals have had bad experiences in a busy business that would mean the business is typically bad? Thats like individuals having a bad experience at wendys in one location and assuming theyre bad across the country. By the same token a good evinrude experience doesnt mean squat either. An individual would have to buy 10-20 motors of each brand each year without financial bias to even think about making an educated guess here. What we need is all 3 companies to submit the number of claims and their nature per motor sold which wont happen. JD powers is probably the best look at this data in short term analysis- unless someone out there without bias has access to real data and last I checked not too many of us bass boat types are venture capitalists that can get real data. Also 1-2 mph on top end doesnt mean anything when you look at the variability we all bring based on load, prop work, and setup preferences. Heck motor to motor variability is probably bigger than 1-2 mph within the same brand. I do agree with DC that service is what matters but wouldnt decide based on random samples. Get what your most trusted mechanic tells you to get.Last edited by clownshoes on October 13th, 2007, 5:16 am, edited 1 time in total.C.O.D. Jr. III

[markdille]

Performance to performance – straight out of Bass and Walleye Boats Magazine with 200 Opti, 200 E-Tec HO, 200 HPDI all on identically weighted Pantera Classics 1. Top Speed 75.2 mph – 200 HPDI (with 27″ Trophy and allowed to run above the 2005 recommended 5500 rpms, no longer applies to 2006 motors and beyond, 73.9 mph restricted to 5500 rpms) 74.5 mph – 200 E-Tec (with 28″ Raker II) 74 mph – 200 E-Tec (with 27″ Trophy) 73.9 mph – 200 Opti (with 27″ Trophy) 2. Acceleration I (0 – 30 mph) 6.74 sec – 200 HPDI (27″ Trophy) 7.49 sec – 200 Opti (27″ Trophy) 8.24 sec – 200 E-Tec (28″ Raker, no runs with the 27″ Trophy were recorded but certainly would have been better) 3. Acceleration II (40 – 60 mph) 6.8 sec – 200 Opti (27″ Trophy) 7.4 sec – 200 HPDI (27″ Trophy) 7.6 sec – 200 E-Tec (28″ Raker, no runs with the 27″ Trophy were recorded but most likely would have been better) 4. Fuel Economy (average mpg) 4.5 mpg – 200 Opti (27″ Trophy) 4.1 mpg – 200 HPDI & 200 E-Tec (both 27″ Trophy) 3.7 mpg – 200 E-Tec (28″ Raker) So, theres your performance numbers. Honesty, pretty close for all of them. However, there were other issues noted like the improved handling characteristics of the HPDI and E-Tec due to harder engine mounts over the standard Opti. As far as Im concerned, I think theyre all very close, and each has its strong points. Its too bad the E-Tec wasnt fully tested with the 27″ Trophy prop as that would have made the comparison as similar as possible. It seems it and the HPDI are torquier and have a little better power overall while the Opti spools up better (i.e. lighter flywheel and other reciprocating parts). With the combination of lower reciprocating weight and overall power, it is more fuel efficient. If they ever did make a 200 Opti Pro XS, I would think they would work on increasing overall power (not peak power, which is already maxed out at some particular rpm) while probably putting stiffer engine mounts and the Torque Master on the lower end, but from the sound of it, it doesnt seem that they are looking at that. Whichever way you go, make sure your mechanic you plan on servcing your rig is gung ho about your motor choice. That has a lot to do with it.

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