Merc Pro XS pro/cons

Title says it all-looking for opinions on the pro xs outboard for anyone that cares to share? Thanks much!!

It achieves a higher rpm than the base 4 stroke. This allows you better top end and holeshot, more prop options, and way cool engine decals. When i bought my lund in 2018 the cost difference in the invoice for the pro xs model was $300. Big no brainer if you ask me.

KPE wrote:

It achieves a higher rpm than the base 4 stroke. This allows you better top end and holeshot, more prop options, and way cool engine decals. When i bought my lund in 2018 the cost difference in the invoice for the pro xs model was $300. Big no brainer if you ask me.

I can’t recall, but it’s still a 4-stroke correct? So it meets emissions standards, just a bit more oomph, but not as much as turbo Verado..?

I know several guys with the 4 stroke pro Xs 200-250 hp with no issues. They are very happy with the motors. I know another guy that’s had 2 of them on different boats and he’s had issues with both. I don’t know the details of the issues, but they had to do with the motor not starting and I assume it wasn’t a battery issue.

If I were looking at a boat with a Mercury, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Pro Xs. Good warranty and many dealers just in case there was an issue.

FryDog62 wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>KYLE P ERICKSON wrote:</div>
It achieves a higher rpm than the base 4 stroke. This allows you better top end and holeshot, more prop options, and way cool engine decals. When i bought my lund in 2018 the cost difference in the invoice for the pro xs model was $300. Big no brainer if you ask me.

I can’t recall, but it’s still a 4-stroke correct? So it meets emissions standards, just a bit more oomph, but not as much as turbo Verado..?

All ProXS are naturally aspirated 4-strokes now instead of direct injected 2-strokes. Original Verado was supercharged. Verado’s are now V8’s in 250 and 300HP and Supercharged L6 in 350 and 400HP.

Back to ProXS… As mentioned they do tend to run 200 RPM’s over the standard engines. However differences are all over the board depending on HP. In the case of the 200 and 225 for example the standard engine is a V6 and the ProXS is V8. The 150 ProXS has a transient spark ignition system. Some of the engine models the power is actual rated power, and then the ProXS is cranked up slightly to take advantage of the allowable up to 10% over rated. Regardless of the changes it’s all done to up the performance slightly over the standard. One other major change depending on HP would be the low or duel water pickups for running higher engine heights. While talking about gearcases it’s worth mentioning the 200 and 225 ProXS have a different gear ratio compared to the standard engine. Often a overlooked item, but can make a pretty significant difference in propping and whats available for “good” props in the pitch you need.

Basically if you want to pay more to shave a few tenths off your hole shot, and maybe gain a couple MPH on the top end go ProXS. Reliability should be nearly identical between the standard and ProXS.

Thus far, with several sold, the PRO XS has been very well received by our customers… The mid range and hole shot are very impressive.

Sorry I should have specified above, my reply was only concerning the 115hp model which I have first hand experience with.

As others have pointed out the difference is more drastic in some of the larger models. As anyone who plays with cars and trucks knows, horsepower costs money. In the case of the 115, the performance increase being noticeable at such a low cost to me makes it worth it. The dealer I worked with had no regular 115 4 strokes on the lot, they only ordered the ProXS when they could due to the miniscule cost difference at the 115hp price point.