23 CC Engine Mounting

Fr. Frank · #1 09-10-2008, 08:39 AM

The Porta-Bracket is EXACTLY what you are describing. It can be mounted to a transom with a standard cutout, and gives you amazing control over height and angle.

PS: The ProXS IS an Optimax motor, the difference between the two is the programming. The standard Optimax is 8-10% more fuel efficient than the ProXS, and 10-15% more efficient than any other equal power engine, according to my local Mercury dealer, (who runs an '07 ProXS 175 on his bass boat). He was having just this discussion with a customer over buying either the Zuke 250, the Verado 250, or the Optimax 250 for his 23 Coastal.
The Verado was the lowest priced motor by $600.
The Optimax the lightest weight by 80 lbs.
The Zuke had the longest warranty - 6 years. BTW, He bought the Zuke.

Trey1096 · #2 09-10-2008, 02:11 PM

I’ve got a couple of other boats that I use when planning on fishing shallow water, but I live near Atlanta so I have to plan trips.
Sometimes the weather might not cooperate so we have to stay closer to shore.
Also, there are places that I go to catch bait that you have to get through some pretty shallow water to get to.
Also, the water gets pretty skinny at a few places we like to pull up to the shore.
It’s not just a fishing thing, it seems that it would improve the all around capabilities of the boat.

I like the lift of the Porta Bracket, but I’m not crazy about the moment it would put into the transom and the fact that the pump is separate and mounts in the boat.

I’d not thought a lot about the additional fuel usage by the XS engines. One of the big reasons for the repower is fuel. I have read somewhere (on the net so you know it’s true) that the 250XS puts out around 245hp so, logically, it would have to use more fuel.

I think I’ve pretty much decided on a standard 225 Opti.

I’ve heard a lot of good things about the Suzuki’s, but I’ve also heard from one person that the service in our area isn’t stellar. Anyone else around Atlanta with a Zuke?

Trey

reelclassic · #3 09-12-2008, 09:47 AM

TurfTime (from this site) Lives near atlanta as well and is always looking for someone to fish with him on his 23....You should try to contact him. Everytime he plans a trip to the gulf it falls through!

WillyC · #4 09-12-2008, 01:43 PM

Just a heads up. There's an 07 225 optimax on the hulltruth with all controls, wiring harness, oil tank and ss prop for $9500. It only has 40 hrs. Might be worth checking out. -will

Trey1096 · #5 09-22-2008, 08:32 PM

I just bought the 225 Opti on THT.

The deal contains everything except gauges and the prop. I didn’t want the non-SmartCraft gauges and the prop is a 15x13. My dealer said the engine would be an ‘08 if Merc still used year models, and it’s got a warranty till 2013.

The only thing now, do I use a jack plate, or build up the transom for the 30” engine?

The transom didn’t have any flex when I stood on the engines, but I’m going to drill a few holes to check for water. If it’s dry I’ll go with a jack plate. If it’s wet, I have to be a little more invasive.

Trey