Lots of 225 HPs on Checkmates, why not 250s

[INXS]

Being new to outboards I,m surprized that most people have 200 or 225 HP on there Checkmates. Is this due to any of the following, insurance, less mpg, hole-shot, or other reasons.

Thank You,

INXS

INXS/88 Starflite/225 Johnson

[ncst8er]

For some of us, that's the engines that fit the rating of the hull, so we don't have to deal with the insurance hassles. For those with the smaller models who are already exceeding the rating, I suspect it's a combination of cost, weight/size (using the lighter 2.4 & 2.5 engines) and dependability/driveability (the high perf. 2.5's typically require more upkeep & need to rev more for their power).

[JW]

The 225 EFI 3.0 motor is very inexpensive to buy and maintain compared to the 250+ hp motors. Anything above 225 and you're leaving the 'fishing' motors and going into the performance and racing motors..........

Checkmates owned: 1995 Pulsare 2100BR/1995 Mercury Promax 225 2.5 EFI. 1995 Persuader 183/4.3 LX V6. 1992 Pulse 171/1992 Mercury XR6 150 hp 2.5 liter.

[F150GT]

I would think popularity also, 250's are only just starting to be common on regular boats, before they were primarily racing or big heavey fishing boat motors.
as they become more popular on bass boats, they will probably start popping up. I know I would like one, but I dont want to spend $25k
to upgrade a 20 year old boat.
F150GT

[INXS]

I guess there's less 20" shafts on the 250s also. Is there much of a gain in the hole-shot and top speed with the 250s?

Thanks Again

INXS

INXS/88 Starflite/225 Johnson

[ncst8er]

Holeshot/acceleration is most impacted by a flat torque curve which, all else equal, will typically be the larger engine (the same as a 2.5 will generally out-accelerate a similar 2.4). However the larger engines often have different gear ratios, so they would have to be propped different to keep all things equal. I haven't seen anyone test for top speed increases between 225 & 250, but I would expect that it would not give more than 2-3 mph (if that).

[merc245]

I've been running a carbed 2.5 rated 245 for 9 seasons on 92 starflight. If not for smoke, noise, and being on my third powerhead. I wouldn't change a thing!