Mercury Verado Pro Vs Optimax Pro Xs 2025
A-Jay reply :
I'm doing a little homework. Trying to figure out what motor I want hanging on the back of the new Lund 1875 Pro V bass boat next spring.
The pros & cons of 4 stroke compared to 2 stroke.
The Oil tank or oil changes. The hydraulic auto like steering on the new Verado compared to the time tested steering on the XS.
There are several ways to look at the differences and when it's all said & done it may all come down to personal preference.
Then I came to the weight of each and almost fell out of my seat.
Verado pro 200hp comes in at 635 and the XS lists at 505. OK, so what does that extra weight get me ?
Then I compared the 250 & the 300 Verado's weight - It's The Same as the 200hp ~ 635 ? WHAT ?
So basically All three Verado 's are the same they just chip them differently ? I'm kind of floored.
I went into this leaning toward the XS - fairly heavily. But not wanting to miss out on a chance at the newest technology, I started digging into the Verado.
I really liked what I was finding until I hit this gross weight disparity.
Am I making too much of this? Am I missing something ?
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
When I bought my Lund the Vrod carried a $2500 premium. I'm not sure if that still applies today. I hear the electronic forward controls on the Vrod are instantaneous with no delay. I believe you can dial in the speed as well if you were going to troll or take mama for a moonlight cruise. There's going to be no exhaust smell with the Vrod. The fuel consumption on the Opti is a better than the Vrod, performance curve is similar. Optimax oil is very pricey, but my 225 uses less oil than the 90 carbed merc on my last boat.
The ProXS sounds badazz. There is just a hair of a delay with the forward controls, but it puts me up on plane in a couple seconds. Had I done a lot of trolling, I would have picked the Vrod. I'm real happy with the ProXS. Like I told you before, they need a little babying in cold water
A-Jay reply :
On 11/13/2015 at 8:25 AM, slonezp said:When I bought my Lund the Vrod carried a $2500 premium. I'm not sure if that still applies today. I hear the electronic forward controls on the Vrod are instantaneous with no delay. I believe you can dial in the speed as well if you were going to troll or take mama for a moonlight cruise. There's going to be no exhaust smell with the Vrod. The fuel consumption on the Opti is a better than the Vrod, performance curve is similar. Optimax oil is very pricey, but my 225 uses less oil than the 90 carbed merc on my last boat.
The ProXS sounds badazz. There is just a hair of a delay with the forward controls, but it puts me up on plane in a couple seconds. Had I done a lot of trolling, I would have picked the Vrod. I'm real happy with the ProXS. Like I told you before, they need a little babying in cold water
Cool Thank you.
Prices look close enough now - I'm planning on going to a few of the outdoor & boat shows this winter.
I'll be picking the brains of the humans there who are getting paid to be in the know.
A-Jay
Tim Kelly reply :
No chance of getting it rigged with a Suzuki or Yamaha 200 I suppose? They look like they'd be a better match for the boat than the V rod or Honda that Lund offer in 4 stroke.
Fishing Rhino reply :
Regarding weight, I don't think you find much if any weight difference in the Optimax 200 - 300 horsepower. I doubt the only difference is the chip in the four cycle line of motors from the two hundred to the three hundred horsepower versions.
All internal combustion engines are nothing more than air pumps. The more air you get into them, the more fuel they can burn to produce horsepower. One way or another, be it larger or better porting, the 300 horsepower breathes better than the 250. Chips control the air/fuel mixture to optimum ratios, which primarily involves controlling the fuel injectors.
I'm surmising that the reciprocating parts in the 300 horsepower are significantly stronger, and maybe lighter, than those in the 225 horsepower engine. It costs big bucks to produce stronger and lighter components.
You can bolt on a turbo charger, a supercharger, or a nitrous injection system on your street car and gain a hundred horsepower. But the guts of the engine will not take the strain of that extra horsepower for long.
slonezp reply :
On 11/13/2015 at 8:27 PM, Fishing Rhino said:Regarding weight, I don't think you find much if any weight difference in the Optimax 200 - 300 horsepower. I doubt the only difference is the chip in the four cycle line of motors from the two hundred to the three hundred horsepower versions.
All internal combustion engines are nothing more than air pumps. The more air you get into them, the more fuel they can burn to produce horsepower. One way or another, be it larger or better porting, the 300 horsepower breathes better than the 250. Chips control the air/fuel mixture to optimum ratios, which primarily involves controlling the fuel injectors.
I'm surmising that the reciprocating parts in the 300 horsepower are significantly stronger, and maybe lighter, than those in the 225 horsepower engine. It costs big bucks to produce stronger and lighter components.
You can bolt on a turbo charger, a supercharger, or a nitrous injection system on your street car and gain a hundred horsepower. But the guts of the engine will not take the strain of that extra horsepower for long.
The entire Vrod line is supercharged. Merc uses the same block on numerous models of their 2 strokes and chips them differently to increase the hp. I imagine it is similar on the 4 strokes
Siebert Outdoors reply :
Make sure you look into maintenance schedules and costs.
A-Jay reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 1:35 AM, Siebert Outdoors said:Make sure you look into maintenance schedules and costs.
Have been. The dealer is my neighbor - good thing.
Between the two engines ~ it looks like a wash more or less.
Just depends on which way I prefer.
A-Jay
Siebert Outdoors reply :
That makes it a tough choice. I'd probably lean toward the one most economical to run. I looked at all the specs on Mercury marine and the biggest differences I saw were the gear ratio, weight, and the supercharger. With the 100lbs more weight I'm not sure how much benefit it would be with 100lbs more due to power to weight ratios.
Which one did your neighbor/dealer like better?
WIGuide reply :
If it were me and I had to choose between those two motors I'd probably go with the XS. The extra weight hanging off the back for me just isn't worth it. Yes the 4 stroke is quieter and has a few nice options, but I've heard a lot of the hype about the Verado isn't what it's cracked up to be. I know a few guys who ran them on bass boats when they first came out, and they actually were slower and burned more gas than the 2 strokes. I'm sure you're basing you decision based on dealer, but I'd be looking hard at the Yamaha SHO if I were looking at getting a 4-stroke. Those are pretty beastly motors and haven't heard many negative reports at all.
A-Jay reply :
Here's some basic stats ~
A-Jay
https://www.mercurymarine.com/en/us/engines/outboard/compare/?e[]=158&e[]=245
slonezp reply :
Set your sights a little higher http://mercuryracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3300_ROS_InfoCard_Final.pdf
A-Jay reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 8:35 AM, slonezp said:Set your sights a little higher http://mercuryracing.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/3300_ROS_InfoCard_Final.pdf
Nice but for me that would be like Forrest Gump driving NASCAR ~
A-Jay
slonezp reply :
That's the same block as the Vrod and only 15lbs heavier.
00 mod reply :
I have a 4 stroke on my little boat, but it in no way helps you with a 200hp purchase. What I will say is this, I will never go back to pull starting or a carb! Electric start and fuel injection is where it is at!
Now, Brian's boat, which I have fished a ton out of he last 2.5 years, has a 250 Opti Pro XS. We have had no problems with cold starts, although our cold temps here are in the 30's, unlike you! Mixing the oil is a thing of the past, just keep the reservoir filled and you are good to go! I cannot compare to a 4 stroke as far as fuel, because of displacement differences, but with the running we do, it does not seem to be as much fuel as when I was younger fishing with my dad and burning through fuel all weekend! I think you are making the right decision buying Merc as your neighbor is the mechanic. Take into account the warranties if you haven't thought of that!
Jeff
slonezp reply :
00 mod. By babying in cold water, has nothing to do with cold starts on the Opti ProXS, as it is a direct injected motor. Running the engine WOT without warming it up properly can cause catastrophic engine failure.
00 mod reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 11:08 PM, slonezp said:00 mod. By babying in cold water, has nothing to do with cold starts on the Opti ProXS, as it is a direct injected motor. Running the engine WOT without warming it up properly can cause catastrophic engine failure.
Got ya. I just thought that properly warming up an engine was common procedure- for any engine. Guess for some people, you just have to remind them.
Jeff
A-Jay reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 11:23 PM, 00 mod said:Got ya. I just thought that properly warming up an engine was common procedure- for any engine. Guess for some people, you just have to remind them.
Jeff
Thanks for the in put Jeff ~ the Break-in & every use warm ups especially - gotta do it.
A-Jay
Jig Man reply :
Yes the warm up is really important. My tech is a good friend who told me a long time ago that my Opti would keep on keeping on if I warmed it up to 120° even in the summer before I left the launch area and also after any extended fishing without using it. Mine is 13 years old and going like a charm.
Catt reply :
Coin toss! 
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 10:26 AM, A-Jay said:Nice but for me that would be like Forrest Gump driving NASCAR ~
A-Jay
Fishing is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.
JGBassinAL reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 11:23 PM, 00 mod said:Got ya. I just thought that properly warming up an engine was common procedure- for any engine. Guess for some people, you just have to remind them.
Jeff
I don't know about the Pro XS but my buddy had a HPDI and he had to let it warm up for a couple minutes before blasting off. He blew the power head and the Yamaha tech told him it blew because he didn't let the motor warm up. I had a Pro XS on my last boat and never had to let it warm up. I have a Yamaha SHO now and I don't think I would ever have another motor. It is an absolute joy to use! Plus I save a buttload of money on oil each year 
Al Wolbach reply :
I read about the Verado a several years ago and the biggest concern I had other than weight was the wireless controls. At that time the throttle and gear selector were wireless which concerned me, however I have not read any negative comments about them. At that time you could not run a hot foot type throttle control, only the factory hand controls. That was years ago and may have changed but I would research it before purchase. High HP engines without a hot foot type throttle would be a deal breaker for me....
slonezp reply :
On 11/19/2015 at 10:43 PM, Al Wolbach said:I read about the Verado a several years ago and the biggest concern I had other than weight was the wireless controls. At that time the throttle and gear selector were wireless which concerned me, however I have not read any negative comments about them. At that time you could not run a hot foot type throttle control, only the factory hand controls. That was years ago and may have changed but I would research it before purchase. High HP engines without a hot foot type throttle would be a deal breaker for me....
They gave a digital hot foot style control
Tim Kelly reply :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvbU4gmShak
New video. Such a great design.
A-Jay reply :
On 11/20/2015 at 12:21 AM, Tim Kelly said:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LvbU4gmShak
New video. Such a great design.
http://foxs.pt/1PPICIu
I'm very excited about this one. Hoping to see both models at this winter's outdoors & boat shows. I've been waiting several years for someone to come out with this design. For me, the fact that it's a Lund make this one a must see.
A-Jay
barroncooper reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 12:35 AM, slonezp said:The entire Vrod line is supercharged. Merc uses the same block on numerous models of their 2 strokes and chips them differently to increase the hp. I imagine it is similar on the 4 strokes[/quoteNo it's more than chips or ecu programming. The 200-300 opti uses the same 3.0 liter block but that's about where it ends. Exhaust port height and timing varies greatly. In the standard optis...200 and 225. The air and fuel pressure is 80/90 respectively and use blue wide plume direct injectors. The 250 standard opti is nothing more than a 225 pro xs essentially. The pro xs and xs models use 94/108 air/pressure, different heads, domed pistons and gray narrow plume direct injectors. There's more differences but these are the main differences
barroncooper reply :
Yep they will cold seizeOn 11/14/2015 at 11:23 PM, 00 mod said:Got ya. I just thought that properly warming up an engine was common procedure- for any engine. Guess for some people, you just have to remind them.
Jeff
D Fiene reply :
Unless you are looking to have your dealer install the verado pro, Lund only lists the 4 cylinder verado as an option. The i4 verado is only 510 lbs. quite a difference from the PRO. I ordered a pro v bass xs as well with this engine option.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/24/2016 at 11:08 AM, D Fiene said:Unless you are looking to have your dealer install the verado pro, Lund only lists the 4 cylinder verado as an option. The i4 verado is only 510 lbs. quite a difference from the PRO. I ordered a pro v bass xs as well with this engine option.
Hello and Welcome to Bass Resource ~
Thank you for your input. Since starting this thread back in November, I've decided to go with the Optimax 200 L. The Lund has a tall tramson 25inches and the 200 XS is not offered in that length - the 175XS & the 225XS are but not the 200 hp - weird but true.
I'm planning on completing the order mid-March.
Congratulations on your new boat ~ you must be completely STOKED !
A-Jay
Redlinerobert reply :
My search continues. This is great information though.
dwtaylor reply :
First and foremost, thank you very much for considering a Mercury powered Lund. The fine folks working here at Merc headquarters here in Fond Du Lac truly appreciate it.
Second of all, I would highly recommend the Opti ProXS 200 hp over a L4 Verado (175-200). Performance, weight, and economy will be better than the Vrod.
Contrary to popular belief, the difference between the 3.0L V6 optis (200-250) are not just "chipping." There are some part number/assembly differences between the models. They are very close, though.
tomustang reply :
I don't know why the 4 stroke vs proxs is such a hard choice. 4 stroke all the way, it's the future, heck even merc is discontinuing the proxs this year to phase in 4 strokes more
D Fiene reply :
You have me second guessing my choice. I've had a 4 stroke efi 60hp for the last 10 years. I was happy with the smooth quiet idle. A lot of lakes around me have a long stretch of no wake so it's nice to have the quiet engine. I'm really more concerned with reliability then the performance aspect. I can always prop it for a better hole shot if need be. So with reliability as the main focus what would everyone choose? How much louder is the pro xs at idle and mid range than the verado? Thanks!
slonezp reply :
On 1/26/2016 at 10:11 AM, tomustang said:I don't know why the 4 stroke vs proxs is such a hard choice. 4 stroke all the way, it's the future, heck even merc is discontinuing the proxs this year to phase in 4 strokes more
I don't know if it's still true but the Vrod asked a $2500 premium over the ProXS when I bought mine
dwtaylor reply :
On 1/26/2016 at 10:11 AM, tomustang said:I don't know why the 4 stroke vs proxs is such a hard choice. 4 stroke all the way, it's the future, heck even merc is discontinuing the proxs this year to phase in 4 strokes more
This is false.
tomustang reply :
On 1/26/2016 at 10:31 AM, dwtaylor said:This is false.
Do some homework before you say that.
dwtaylor reply :
On 1/26/2016 at 11:03 AM, tomustang said:Do some homework before you say that.
I am not going to disagree with you about the market trend going toward 4 strokes, as the sales volumes of 4 stroke Mercs are going up. However, the Opti ProXS is still a very good engine as far as sales go.
I am employed at Mercury, for what it is worth.
Bass newb reply :
On 11/14/2015 at 11:08 PM, slonezp said:00 mod. By babying in cold water, has nothing to do with cold starts on the Opti ProXS, as it is a direct injected motor. Running the engine WOT without warming it up properly can cause catastrophic engine failure.
Warm up consists of 30-60 seconds idling according to the manual.
It says nothing about avoiding wot at any temperature as far as I can tell.
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