2100 Br New setup

[flyboy]

HELP! I need advise. Last season, sadly after running a heavily modded 2000 Mercury 225 EFI on a 2100 BR FOR 9 years I melted a couple of pistons and badly ate my Block. My marine Mechanic is saying go for a used stock 2015 250hp Optimax pro XS with less than 200 hours that he knows. I will ask for a leak down and hour log if I drop the cash on that gamble. My question to everyone is what is the better setup? Results wise I was consistently getting 82 Mph Turning a turbo TXP OT 4 29 p with 15” of setback and my Titus coned fleetmaster with fat shaft mod (that was modded a couple of years ago for 2000$ after the shaft let go at 75 mph!). My motor has a 300 X ECU,Billet Simon heads (not sure how many cc’s) ,Poppet diverter, Simon lightened and balanced flywheel, and cut down exhaust can. So maybe 260 -270 hp?
When I bought the boat the guy was claiming 89mph on GPS Running a Labbed trophy plus 27p ..... only thing was it was on a river downstream .... still pretty good numbers with a Labbed Trophy plus 27p. Sadly I lost that prop when I sheared my shaft. More realistically on a lake it would run around 85 maybe 86 mph with that prop before I lost it. The current setup is running premix premium gas which I’m finding a bit of a nuisance and the wife and I are getting pretty tired of the noise from the cut can when just cruising. Don’t get me wrong I love to go fast but my mechanic is saying to expect 82 mph with the stock engine with better fuel economy and rock solid reliability. I do like that and am not prepared nor do I have the technical expertise to tinker with this. It is good to know your limits. However if I’m not happy I am open to having it professionally tweaked.


I don’t like to go backwards as far as performance (who does?) is concerned and LOVE how much this motor accelerates with that lightened flywheel from 30 to say 60 mph it REALLY puts you back in the seat and is a lot of fun hopping out of waves.
Any hands on advise with the 2100 BR or closed bow would be GREATLY appreciated. I want to make the right choice here. If WILDMAN is out there I would love to hear his comments as I know he’s the best when it comes to setting these boats up. I AM PARTICULARILY INTERESTED IN WHICH LU everyone feels will be better for my app. I feel that Fleetmaster is a pretty special unit and wonder which is better for bow lift for my bow rider which I feel lacks that as all bow riders do. Also blowout tolerance? I have no experience with the TorqueMaster re top speeds and blowout tolerance but know I have no issues with my 3 hole Titus fleetmaster (1.75) I currently have. One thing my mechanic is saying is this will not have much in the way of resale value if I decide to sell it after rebuilding as is and I agree. Other thing that is hard to argue is the tested reliability of a stock motor. Although 9 years of running is pretty good. Thoughts people? Your help/hands on expertise is ALWAYS appreciated. Also what is a realistic expectation speed wise for the 250 Pro XS and what can I do in the future if I want to tweak it? HELP!

 

[karzrus]

Well, I'm not an expert but I do have a 250xs 2100 br. I would try and find one with a Sportmaster leg but they are rare. 300xs are easier to find with a sporty. Mine has the TorqueMaster, they do have low water pick ups in the nose of the bullet but they also have the 6 per side lower leg water pick up openings and most recommend plugging the top three on each side if you want to run the motor raised so the prop centerline is at or above the pad on the hull. Likely you were there with your set up to hit those speeds, so you will want to duplicate that.

Sounds like you already have the basic speed formula for a 250 or 300xs on a 2100 with 14-16" of set back, running the prop shaft centerline even with or 1" above the pad and a 27-29P Trophy plus.

Everyone likes the fuel economy of the xs motors and they are pretty reliable but do have some known issues. Compressors seem to be a bit of a weak point and coil packs can be an issue too. Like you did with your old motor, I find my 250xs a bit too loud anytime I'm going medium speeds cruising or pulling tubes and skiers, but I think it may be a little quieter then what you had.

Over all I don't think you will give up much or any performance with a 250xs as they make 270 - 285 hp as well. You will certainly gain some if you find a 300xs.

250xs are set up to run 87 octane, but to get ethanol free fuel I have to buy premium anyway, so no savings there for me. But maybe your location is different?

Good luck

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

With your current setup and a 250XS you will definitely see speeds in the low 80's all day long. Step up to a 300XS with more setback and you will climb into the 90's with the right prop. Just for comparison, my old Pulsare 2100 long deck with 13.5" of setback ran 77+ with a bone stock 225Xri and a Trophy Plus 26. My yellow Starflite ran 81 with a Pro XB 250 and a Trophy Plus 27..

 

[ckaluger]

We have a 1995 2100BR with an 07 250 ProXs, and it is a great combo, 80 MPH and unbelievable fuel economy. My motor is completely stock, and run a worked 27 pitch Tempest plus.

 

[flyboy]

Well, I'm not an expert but I do have a 250xs 2100 br. I would try and find one with a Sportmaster leg but they are rare. 300xs are easier to find with a sporty. Mine has the TorqueMaster, they do have low water pick ups in the nose of the bullet but they also have the 6 per side lower leg water pick up openings and most recommend plugging the top three on each side if you want to run the motor raised so the prop centerline is at or above the pad on the hull. Likely you were there with your set up to hit those speeds, so you will want to duplicate that.

Sounds like you already have the basic speed formula for a 250 or 300xs on a 2100 with 14-16" of set back, running the prop shaft centerline even with or 1" above the pad and a 27-29P Trophy plus.

Everyone likes the fuel economy of the xs motors and they are pretty reliable but do have some known issues. Compressors seem to be a bit of a weak point and coil packs can be an issue too. Like you did with your old motor, I find my 250xs a bit too loud anytime I'm going medium speeds cruising or pulling tubes and skiers, but I think it may be a little quieter then what you had.

Over all I don't think you will give up much or any performance with a 250xs as they make 270 - 285 hp as well. You will certainly gain some if you find a 300xs.

250xs are set up to run 87 octane, but to get ethanol free fuel I have to buy premium anyway, so no savings there for me. But maybe your location is different?

Good luck

Thanks for your detailed reply. I appreciate it. I will probably keep my Titus conned fleetmaster and put it on the 250 Pro XS as it has the LWP IF it fits. He did mention what you said that some of the holes need to be plugged. The speed range Merc recommends for the TorqueMaster of UP TO 85 mph concerns me as I have had the boat up to that speed and don’t want the blowout.

I did have a Labbed 27p Trophy Plus and it was the best prop for speed but that let go at 75 mph and took out my prop shaft so will be looking for another when I get set up! The other prop is a Turbo TXP OT4 29 p and that pushed me to 81 on a regular basis.

My motor was pretty loud primarily because the can had been cut so it is nice to hear that it will be quieter. I am SO looking forward to a more stock motor but the specs for a 250 XS show 91 DB at 6000 RPM so not sure how much quieter it will be. We’ll see.

I am looking forward to ditching the premix and getting the better fuel economy and reliability of that proven motor and saving on the oil with the oil injection, running premix is smelly and expensive.

I do and will run shell premium so as not to worry about ethanol it would be nice to save the 15 or 20 cents per litre running regular but I am not up for all of the issues of ethanol in my gas .... there are a few more BTU’s in straight gas as opposed to gasohol not a lot (maybe 1%) but it is peace of mind and no headaches especially when you are talking a lean burn down. Believe me you don’t want that! My motor melted two pistons and trashed a couple of reed cages and ate the bottom end so my block is kaput. OH WELL IF YOU WANNA PLAY YOU GOTTA PAY!

What is your setup and what kinds of speeds are you running with your BR KAZARUS?

 

[flyboy]

With your current setup and a 250XS you will definitely see speeds in the low 80's all day long. Step up to a 300XS with more setback and you will climb into the 90's with the right prop. Just for comparison, my old Pulsare 2100 long deck with 13.5" of setback ran 77+ with a bone stock 225Xri and a Trophy Plus 26. My yellow Starflite ran 81 with a Pro XB 250 and a Trophy Plus 27..

Thanks for the info I appreciate it. I do remember reading a lot of your posts what have you stepped into now?

 

[flyboy]

We have a 1995 2100BR with an 07 250 ProXs, and it is a great combo, 80 MPH and unbelievable fuel economy. My motor is completely stock, and run a worked 27 pitch Tempest plus.

The Tepest is one of the props I’d like to try ..... how is it to handle and what is your setup (setback and LU) A lot of people comment that it can be a handful but is good for speed. If you have the TORQUEMASTER any issues with water pressure and what pad height are you running? Thanks for the info BTW I appreciate it.

 

[JUPITER PULSARE]

Thanks for the info I appreciate it. I do remember reading a lot of your posts what have you stepped into now?

Pulsare 2400 Bowrider with a Verado 300 Pro running a Bravo One 24 at a measley 71mph on GPS..It's not as fast as the 2100 but handles much bigger water.

The other "stepped into" boat is my 1984 2800SX Outboard that now wears a pair of 2002 Mercury 250 efi's...speed remains to be seen once I mount some Bravo One FS 28's on her!

 

[nastybug]

Hey FlyBoy, I had a 2011 pulsare 2100 closed deck with a 2010 250 ProXS. 12 inch set back bracket and 5 inch setback with jackplate. total 17 inches. Ran the prop at 1.5 inches below the bottom. The torque master lower handled the height just fine. It has water pick ups on side and in the front of the bullet that always gave me plenty of water pressure. I ran a 27 inch Fury stock which very few people do but I got 82mph any day of the week and saw a best of 84mph twice. All GPS recorded of course. The Pro XS is an awesome motor runs on 87 octane I believe but I always used 91 or greater. The closed deck I liked cause of the look and it will run a bit faster than the open bow for the most part, but for conveniences the open bow is great when you have more people and you are all laying out anchored somewhere. You can always snap a cover on the open bow that may help a bit with top speed. Good luck Steve.

 

[flyboy]

Hey FlyBoy, I had a 2011 pulsare 2100 closed deck with a 2010 250 ProXS. 12 inch set back bracket and 5 inch setback with jackplate. total 17 inches. Ran the prop at 1.5 inches below the bottom. The torque master lower handled the height just fine. It has water pick ups on side and in the front of the bullet that always gave me plenty of water pressure. I ran a 27 inch Fury stock which very few people do but I got 82mph any day of the week and saw a best of 84mph twice. All GPS recorded of course. The Pro XS is an awesome motor runs on 87 octane I believe but I always used 91 or greater. The closed deck I liked cause of the look and it will run a bit faster than the open bow for the most part, but for conveniences the open bow is great when you have more people and you are all laying out anchored somewhere. You can always snap a cover on the open bow that may help a bit with top speed. Good luck Steve.

Thanks for the scoop.I decided to ditch the torquemaster and go with my Titus coned fleetmaster with LWP Just coz I DONT WANT A BLOWOUT. My motor is going to be the bastard child when I'm done but I won't have any issues with water pressure or blowout.
Soon after I get the unit back and I get used to this new motor I going spend the day at my prop shop for a day of testing (tempest,Fury, Trophy and scorpian and my hydromotive 28 txp ot4)at the end of the day he'll get my best prop for labbing and thinning). Hopefully I still see 82 with this 250 otherwise I have been wondering about some form of aftermarket chip my mechanic
Mentioned. I hope my motor can turn my turbo 28 otherwise it might be up for sale.

Thanks for your help you have confirmed 27 pitch is a good starting point especially for my open bow. They tipically need more bow lift so it might be the trophy. I lost a blade on my labbed trophy 28, it was my best prop but that motor I suspect was doing 280hp so no problem Turning it. Re the bow rider well this is our family boat so we have room which is nice but I am a go fast guy but made the sacrifice for the family.

 

[ckaluger]

As posted previously, I do have a 2007 250 ProXs, on a 1995 2100BR, and under warranty, the compressor and coils were replaced, but at the time Merc was on about their 3rd revision of the compressor and coils, so no problems since. I have been nothing but impressed with the engine, tons of torque and the fuel economy has been great, and with the oil reservoir and injection, you have to be mindful to check the tank, it uses so little oil compared to premix. I have the torque master gearcase and prefer the tempest plus props.

Best of luck!!

Chuck

 

[flyboy]

As posted previously, I do have a 2007 250 ProXs, on a 1995 2100BR, and under warranty, the compressor and coils were replaced, but at the time Merc was on about their 3rd revision of the compressor and coils, so no problems since. I have been nothing but impressed with the engine, tons of torque and the fuel economy has been great, and with the oil reservoir and injection, you have to be mindful to check the tank, it uses so little oil compared to premix. I have the torque master gearcase and prefer the tempest plus props.
Was looking through the engine manual and it recommends a compressor air filter and fuel filter change every year. Sadly I did not pay attention to that in my last engine and it seriously ate itself last year. So, note to self ..... do some maintenance! It is way cheaper! Oh well 9 years without so much as any issue I suppose I should not complain.


Chuck

Thanks for the input. What pitch of Tempest plus do you have and how much setback are you running? I have a 26 pitch Tempest plus I bought as a water ski prop. That may be ok for my prop guy to work up as I’m told he can pitch it up + 2” pitch wise. I’m not sure till I try it this week. I think I’d rather keep it as a ski prop and have the prop guy tune the proper size ( hopefully 28 pitch) for best speed. I am hoping this new engine setup will hit 82 mph, we will see. How do you find the Tempest plus for handling at top speed? I am told that 3 blades are faster but more of a handful. I have never run any 3 blades my best prop was a 28 trophy which let go and is at the bottom of a lake! My last motor was old school the guy I bought it off of ripped the oil injection off and I ran 40:1 premix. I’m looking forward to sipping fuel and oil and not smoking so much. The mpg of this engine is outstanding at 4 mpg @ 3000rpm. I am looking forward to it.

 

[zstevens]

Find / hire diver to go swimming for that trophy ! Ha

 

[kushog]

Fwiw I have a Yamaha 0X66 250 on my 2100br currently running a slightly modded Solas Scorpion 27”, or a 30” Bravo 1, both run 85-86 solo, 83-83 with a couple passengers. 2” above pad 16” setback.
Don’t get stuck on running a trophy plus, lots of other wheels out there that work good. Bravo 1 is my current favourite, hoping to try a 31 or 32” soon.

 

[flyboy]

Fwiw I have a Yamaha 0X66 250 on my 2100br currently running a slightly modded Solas Scorpion 27”, or a 30” Bravo 1, both run 85-86 solo, 83-83 with a couple passengers. 2” above pad 16” setback.
Don’t get stuck on running a trophy plus, lots of other wheels out there that work good. Bravo 1 is my current favourite, hoping to try a 31 or 32” soon.

Sadly I cooked my LU while testing a Labbed Bravo 1 30pitch ... it was too much prop
79 mph at 5500rpm. Kawartha prop is telling me the scorpion is the ticket. I'll try a 27 pitch as I know they run long. It'll be a couple of weeks before I can get back on the water. What kind of LU are you running? I'm thinking of switching to a torquemaster but am worried about blowout at speeds approaching 85mph? I think my Titus coned fleetmaster is toast. oh well if you wanna play you gotta pay!

 

[kushog]

Sadly I cooked my LU while testing a Labbed Bravo 1 30pitch ... it was too much prop
79 mph at 5500rpm. Kawartha prop is telling me the scorpion is the ticket. I'll try a 27 pitch as I know they run long. It'll be a couple of weeks before I can get back on the water. What kind of LU are you running? I'm thinking of switching to a torquemaster but am worried about blowout at speeds approaching 85mph? I think my Titus coned fleetmaster is toast. oh well if you wanna play you gotta pay!

Hey well if your dealing with Kawartha propeller you must be local to me. Get that thing running and make it to the Muskoka Checkmate rally! I'm running a Yamaha HPDI lower unit modded for low(er) water pick up, 1:75 ratio. If you can't spin that 30" something is wrong, motor too low maybe or do you have 1:62 gears in it? I would absolutely be running a sportmaster if I were you, or at least a coned unit. I usually boat on Sturgeon and Pigeon lake, where you at?

 

[ForbesZ]

my best prop was a 28 trophy which let go and is at the bottom of a lake!

I have a 28 trophy that I got from John at Kawartha propeller a couple years ago that I never use. I'd consider selling it if you're thinking about buying one. It's only had about an hour's use since I got it. It worked great on my 2000BRX/250ProXS, but the family is so much more interested in boating nowadays that I always have too many passengers to be running the 28. I've been using a 25 trophy which seems to be the best all around for what I do. It'll still get me into the mid 70's too.

Also I have been told that there's a Simon kit for the 3.0L opti 250 that makes it perform like a 300x if you're interested in more power & speed. A friend of mine put it on his opti 250/sportmaster and it pushed his SRV to 102 MPH. IIRC he said the Simon kit was $1200. Note that the SRV is a 20-ft v-pad boat - not talking about an STV tunnel. His was the yellow one in the Gloucester Pool area with kevlar & carbon fiber layup with the SRV letters done in clear gel coat so the carbon fiber cloth showed through. That was an extremely light boat though, so I am not suggesting that a 2100BR would break 100 with a 250XS and Simon kit. But I suspect it could push the 2100 BR somewhere around 90 with setup optimized.