WOT speed on a '83 20' SF w/200

[Bigshrimpin]

Spareparts beat me to it. PHNX - 150XR6 is a Merc 2.5L two stroke . . . Same block as the 2.5L 200hp.

all indications are that Mercury is more of a sales organization than an engineering one

That might be true today, but no outboard company put more resources into engineering, testing and research than Mercury. LakeX, Placida Test Facility, mercury racing => 1960 - 80's . . . Merc built the fastest motors around. Their props are great too. I can't comment on the new motors other than the weight of the verado But their old two stroke motors and inline motors are/were very good and strong.

Yamaha - Yamaha's 2.6L motor is one of the most reliable engines, but the block was a masterfully engineered copy of the early OMC v6. 1983 lawsuit.