Opti 175 pro xs or 200 standard

[PCDOC]

Have an alumacraft trophy 195 on order with the opti 175 pro xs. The boat is rated for a 200.

My thought was maybe get the standard opti 200 (since merc doesn't make a 200 pro in a 25" shaft), but it's 70lbs heavier than the 175.

Will the 200 standard have enough of a wow factor over the 175 pro to make it worthwhile???? I was told it would be an extra $1400 for the 200. This will be my first NEW boat purchase and want to do it right.

Thanks

[hunterjoe]

For $1,400? Tough call. You're into a bigger displacement motor so it is possible to have a "wow factor". I don't know if the 200 Opti is a "strong" motor or not. In my situation I was going between the 150 and 175 ProXS which is built on the same block. The $1,300/performance difference just wasn't there for me. But if the 175 was a bigger block, I'd have gone that route.

The 175 ProXS is more like 190 HP (I've heard), and if the 200 is a regular 200, then I'd say probably not worth it. But if it's a strong 200, i.e. 210-215, then it may be.

Some will tell you to always max the boat. I don't feel that's necessary sometimes, like in my situation where the difference is tuning. But going from a smaller to larger block is different. My .02

[410shooter]

The 200 is heavier because its the big block version so to speak. The small block version has been bullet proof not sure I can say that about the big block ones. Just talked to another guy who popped the #6 cylinder. Love my 175 Pro XS so far and its been flawless, has a pretty good snarl to it, love it or hate it. Sure doesn't sound like a Verado.

[PCDOC]

I have heard the smaller block motors are tough too. The growl from the opti will not bother me... kinda looking forward to it. Just got rid of a merc 125 non_opti.

[Ned]

I think I'd go with the 175 pro xs. It's a known fact that the pro xs motor is pushing a 190hp. The reg opti can be + or - 10% of its rating so you could actually come out with less HP with the 200. Or you could get lucky and have one pushing 220. You feeling lucky?

[115 optimax]

Originally Posted by PCDOC

Have an alumacraft trophy 195 on order with the opti 175 pro xs. The boat is rated for a 200.

My thought was maybe get the standard opti 200 (since merc doesn't make a 200 pro in a 25" shaft), but it's 70lbs heavier than the 175.

Will the 200 standard have enough of a wow factor over the 175 pro to make it worthwhile???? I was told it would be an extra $1400 for the 200. This will be my first NEW boat purchase and want to do it right.

Thanks

The 175 Pro XS has a stronger bottom end and has carbon fiber reeds.These reeds are more durable and high performance.You can also run the Mercury non synthetic oil in the Pro xs.Go with the 175.

[Tweak]

You ever read a post and thought gee, I just didn't see it goin this way?

The 200 based on displacement alone is a great reason to get one. The lowest HP for block size is a great predictor of performance. The 200 is stout and will have more ability to get a boat on plane with a higher pitch prop because of the low end torque.

Your call. But the 200 has proven to be reliable except for the very early (2000?) model. I love mine.

If you want an xs, max the boat first.

[KennyPowers]

I was in the same situation last year and chose the 200 Opti. 3 things to think of... The 200 is a strong 200, so 215+, the big block gives low end punch for climbing waves and resale value, always max out your horsepower.
My 19' Triton scoots to the high 50's and if I messed with props and jack plates, I'd likely hit 60.

[alumalunker]

Pretty sure the reason they dont offer a 200 pro xs is because the 200 opti is pretty much maxed out hp wise already. Wouldn't be worth it to have a 200 pro xs