225HP,Mercury Pro XS or Verado?

[garage_logician]

As you might guess from my other post I am considering a new Ranger. At this point we are leaning towards a Reata 2050 and the max HP is 225. The dealer I am working with like the Mercury engines which boils down to the Pro XS or the Verado.

My understanding of the differences between the 2-stroke and 4-stroke is this

4-stroke

1) quieter

2) better fuel consumption

3) better, more precise, throttle control (drive by wire)

4) better idle and speed control (think, muskie trolling)

2-stroke

1) better hole shot, more torque

2) cheaper

3) better midrange

So, in speaking to the dealer he told me that the Pro XS is going to be a bit louder but that fuel consumption would be a little less(!) at 5500RPM. I did notice that he did not say anything about mid-throttle, take off, etc..

The Pro XS is also cheaper but by how much I am not sure. I have heard anywhere from 1500-2000 in passing conversation but I have not asked the dealer about the exact difference. Part of me thinks that the 4-stroke is cleaner and will probably be a better engine for the long haul. I tend to keep things for awhile (my current boat is now 20 years old).

I would love to hear any comparisons, anecdotes, opines. I am sure that many of you have had the same considerations when making a purchase and I would love to hear your thoughts. :-)

Thanks!

[bASS_BLASTER]

I'm a bass guy and like the roar of a pro xs. If you're into quiet motors, go with the verado. Both are great motors so it just comes down to preference.

Here's another thing to factor, weight.

225 Pro XS = 505lbs

225 Verado = 635lbs

[Transporter]

SmartCraft with DTS (Digital throttle and shift) are available on the Optimax XS as options, SmartCraft has troll control which can hold a specified RPM or MPH while underway. These features were here before the Verado. For whatever reason they were seldom mentioned or offered by dealers in this market.

[JohnMickish]

If I were the one buying that boat, it would be Verado all the way. I do not run a Merc, but if I did I would not even think about the Pro XS. The Pro XS is a great motor, don't get me wrong here, but the Vrod is just sweet, quiet and smooth.

Take a test ride in a boat with a big HP Vrod and you will know what I mean. They are not cheap to purchase but IMO well worth it.

I spend a fair amount of time in front of a Vrod as my buddy has a 250 Verado on his Ranger 621. I run a 250 HO Etec on my 620, and I really enjoy the performance of my engine, I like the way his sounds.

The Verado is very, very quiet which is a HUGE plus to me.

[BrandonN]

Yea if your spending that kind of money do a test ride with each motor. I like the verado