2000 225 EFI Merc Salt Water Series

[macojoe]

What do we know about these??? There is a guy on another board that is almost giving it away, and I wonder why??

I’m the second owner of the boat and motor that I bought in the fall of 05. When I bought the boat the motor had 127 hrs on it and no repairs listed with Mercury. The boat was at the dealer for over two years since it was traded. That’s why it has such low hours (less then 200). The motor runs flawlessly and comes with all controls and the ram for steering.

[THEFERMANATOR]

The only real downside to em is they are THIRSTY, fuel and oil. Good solid engines, but at $4 a gallon not many are signing up for an engine that will burn 15-18 GPH at cruise. These ridiculous fuel prices have dropped the market for the larger 2 strokes.

[phatdaddy]

Is that the same as the opti? i think merc had some problems with them up until 02,03.
Ferm's right, anytime you make horsepower, you burn fuel.

[THEFERMANATOR]

Is that the same as the opti? i think merc had some problems with them up until 02,03.
Ferm's right, anytime you make horsepower, you burn fuel.

It's probably not an OPTI. OPTI's(even the problem years) are bringing good money right now. The basic EFI's are about as reliable as they get, but drink like a fish.

[macojoe]

Thanks Guys!

I really do not have the cash right now, but this thing could be had for $2500 I am sure!! And to move up to something so new for so cheap, I thought I would try to figure out if I could.
You must be right cause some one asked him why he is selling he said

Just looking for better fuel Eco, the 225 does pretty good and runs like a champ but I got a great deal on the 250 I couldn't pass it up.

[randlemanboater]

You haven't even run the "new" motor you just put on have you MJ?

[macojoe]

:zip:

[Seacrets]

Saltwater Series are not Optis. MJ, you might want to consider wing nuts on your motor mount bolts. All kidding aside, those motors are tough. I think BS will tell you the same. If you don't have to put the throttle handle on the dash all the time the fuel consumption should be okay. I know what I would do if I had a heavy Sea Ox. Let's face it, most 2 stroke engines aren't very good on gas. Catch a few more fish to pay for the gas.

[macojoe]

See Saw See Saw See Saw What am I to do?? Time is money right now!! Fluke will be done this week till next year, Bass have been slow for even the best of the crowd, Sea Bass & Scup are now on the menu but not paying a ton.
I guess I will see what happens Sunday and decide then? Come on bigrunner!

[Seacrets]

Good luck guy.

[randlemanboater]

Well MJ? Did you do it?

[macojoe]

No, i got a motor from BS and it seems to pusk fine, its a 175 2.4Merc It the smallest I would ever put on there but it good for now, not that I have used it or anything.

Hoping to go home this week and maybe be ready for the fall run?

[nipper]

You say you are hoping to go home. Where have you been?

[macojoe]

I have been and still am in the hospital. had some compalcations and a small operation, I hope to go home in a few days?? But loks like the boating season is pretty much done this year.

[nipper]

MJ, I am so sorry to hear that. I know you had the problem with the foot. Is it the same thing?

[Perfidiajoe]

I run a Merc 225 EFi on a 23 Sea Ox WA If you are still some what interested
I can tell you what to expect, good luck, Joe

[macojoe]

Thanks!! The person never got back to me so I guess its gone.

Glad to see another Ox owner!! :clap:

[Perfidiajoe]

I got the Ox when I got rid of the v20, i REALLY LIKE THIS BOAT!

[macojoe]

Same here, I sold the V and got the OX and I to am very very happy with it! I bought a hard top for it and added trim tabs, as I was told these boats must have trim tabs for best performance!
Well I have been in some crap that I would have banged all the way home in the V and this thing is like riding on a cloud!

Mine is a converted Seadrive with bracket, so I have the full transom. I just really need to save for some good power! I had a 225 Eveinrude but it was old and had many problems. I got a great deal on a fresh water 175 Merc, and that's whats on there right now. It does mid 20's just fine but that said it is the smallest motor I would want on there!! I will up grade when money allows, but till then this will be fine.

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/MJ-hide/Picture_001_Medium_002.sized.jpg

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/albums/MJ-hide/Picture_004_Medium_002.sized.jpg

[Perfidiajoe]

I bought mine this past winter, It had a hard top W/ canvas, full transom W/ bracket, bennett tabs, & hydraulic steering. It's a 1987 the guy burned the power head. I had my 1995 Merc which neded rings, so I did rings & bearings, Bought some parts here & there to extend to 25 inch shaft from 20 inch. New merc controls & cables (Blown motor was OMC) Had to buy some parts for the steering. Then I found the gas tank was NG I pulled the deck, Not impossible on this boat, Had another tank made, & powder coated. Repaired one crack in the top frame. Used my electronics 10 year old chart plotter, 3 year old FF, his (came with boat) VHF S.H. Nova, My antenna. Bought an aluminum Trailer used of course, & I'm done for this year. Used the boat every weekend this year except this one. Spent about $8000. - $9000. total for everything, I love the boat, I believe it was not too much for what I have now. If you need information or just an opinion you can E-Mail me. I even have original owners manual. [email protected] Good luck, Joe

[macojoe]

Thanks, mine also has the hydraulic steering, and mine is a 1984. with the motor and hardtop and all new electronics I am right at $10K
When I got the boat the guy said the gas tank did not work, well I pulled the deck and cleaned the tank out and all new hoes, and found that the Vent was so rotted that the tank was getting any vent and that was the hole problem, closed all back up and has been just fine!

[Perfidiajoe]

Was that the 115 gal. tank? BTW are there any other people with Ox's around?

[macojoe]

My tank says 110 gal and yes the vent on the boat was rotted not the tank. No other OX's here we are it, well no Skools has one, a 17 or 18 Ox?

[bigshrimpin]

Gotta say that I was pretty impressed with the ride on that old flat bottom tub. It sticks to the seas like a big magnet and just rolls on through the chop. MJ's top really makes the boat.

[macojoe]

Yea Yea Yea were is my cooler?? :bat:

[bigshrimpin]

I start my new job tomorrow, so you'll have to wait till the weekend.

[macojoe]

:bat: wait wait wait that's all ever do!!:bat:

Just messing with you, I no hurry, But I do hope to get boat in water soon?? I see what the Doc says tomorrow?