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Have decided to buy the Scout 242 Abaco. Need opinions on power. I know some people run the 225 and some the 250. From the stand point of initial cost and fuel economy, is one better than the other on this particular boat.
I have had both engines in the last 3 years on a 22' Grady and now an F250 on a 22' McKee Craft. The performance difference is significant and favors the F250 by a considerable margin. I noticed no real differnece in economy but a significant difference is torque and overall power. My bucks would definitely go for the F250. Good Luck!!
__________________ Bert
17' Key West & 90hp Yamaha
i tested both motor's on my boat,the result's where near identical.the difference was getting on plane the 250 won and the 250 was about 3 or 4 mph faster.i do not know the MPG as niether had a fuel flow at the time.if it was me i would pay the extra 5 or 6 hundred buck's and get the 250.
I have twin F225s on my boat, which was the most 4 stroke hp available at the time. The boat now comes with F250s. When I looked at the performance bulletins to compare the two, there was no noticeable difference in top speed or fuel economy. I can't comment on the low range power curve comparison, but the 225s are more than enough power for my boat. She jumps out of the water fully loaded.
The primary difference in the engines is that the F250's have variable cam timing. The cam timing mechanism looks very complicated, yet I have not heard of anyone having problems with it. Advancing and retarding the cams does improve both to low end torque and the top end on the engine. I'd expect the F250 to offer better fuel numbers, but have not seen any real difference between the F225's and the F250's. The F225's were sold by Mercury as well, so most Mercury dealers should have the software to service the F225's.
There are many more used F225's available than F250s, so the F250's seem to command a premium in the resale market.
The primary difference in the engines is that the F250's have variable cam timing. The cam timing mechanism looks very complicated, yet I have not heard of anyone having problems with it. Advancing and retarding the cams does improve both to low end torque and the top end on the engine. I'd expect the F250 to offer better fuel numbers, but have not seen any real difference between the F225's and the F250's. The F225's were sold by Mercury as well, so most Mercury dealers should have the software to service the F225's.
There are many more used F225's available than F250s, so the F250's seem to command a premium in the resale market.
I was going to comment earlier on this but waited to see what other responses you received. As Kerno mentioned the F250 has variable timing; I don't know if this means it's an interference engine, but I know the F200/225 is a non-interference engine. This means that in the unlikely event the timing belt breaks the pistons will not hit the valves.
I have the F250 on my 22 Abaco (222). Great engine that has great mid-range punch. I noticed it when I sea trialed a 29 Abaco with twin F250s. I've been told HP ratings are plus or minus ten percent. F225 is 208 hp and F250 is 260 HP. I'm also told variable timing is a big deal on performance and fuel economy. I would go with the 250 every time........
Just looked up the Yamaha performance bulletins for a 242 Abaco. One with a F250 and one with an F225......
I've had two 242 Abacos. My first one, a 2003, had an F225. When I ordered my second one (the first one burned when it was being serviced), I opted for the F250, which I believe was about $700 more. The F225 was adequate, but the F250 performs noticeably better. I'd do the same thing again in a heartbeat, even though the F250 requires 89 Octane vs 86 for the F225.
I believe people are right who are saying the F225 is only around 208 HP vs 260 for the F250. All motors are a bit over or under their claimed HP. The F150 and F250 are both peppy, whereas the F225 is a bit weak. Still a great motor, but if you have the choice, definitely go for the F250.
Largesr upper keys Yamaha dealer salesmen who have demonstrated lots of
boats with F225s and F250s will tell you the F250 has lots more power,especially lower and mid range rpm.
One such salesman / frequent fisherman,repowered his Contender from
2xF225s to 2 x F250s. He said there is no comparison F250s are much better in all parameters.
It ain't all Variable valve timing but that does contribute the most.
Valves are bigger, intake runners are bigger and smoother, plastic,ecm controlled throttle body does not let it bog down accelerating hole shot,,area probably larger in cubic feet /min once wide open, exhaust improved and a water thrust outlet in the lower unit prop hub area, stolen from 300 HPDI.Also helps cool lower prop seal and bearing.
It ALL adds up.
Go with the F250. The difference is noticeable. I have a pair of F250's on my boat and a buddy of mine has the 225's on his same boat. When he is riding on mine he keeps repeating how he wishes he had the F250's.
As mentioned above the F250 is a variable timing engine. It also is an interference engine, meaning the valves will hit the pistons if the timing gets off too far. This however gives better compression (among other things) and generates more HP. The midrange torque is much better. Acceleration is allot quicker.
My Moto is, There is no such thing as to much Power!
I have a 242 Abaco with an F250. The boat I sea trialed had an F225 and it is adequate power, but the F250 is considerably more motor. Better hole shot, and top end for sure, but I think I am most impressed with the mid range acceleration when already on plane. Push the throttle down while doing 30mph and it will knock you off balance and pick up the next 15 mph quick. Scout's test numbers are right on too. When I open it up, I see 49 mph on the gps even with a decent load. Sure was fun last outing when I was able to out run a fat, bald, old guy on a jet ski!
Yamaha F225 vs F250 
