IGetWet

I would like to hear some input from owners of boats with the new Merc 520s, 540s, and 565s. I think I've read about everything I could on the 565s, not much out there on the 520s and 540s. Considering repowering my 496HO powered 25 Outlaw. 2yr warranty on those motors is really enticing.

The Ilmor 570 has also come to mind but a new Merc would be easier to replace an existing Merc, and I've heard great things about the DTS, and the new smartcraft displays look really nice - motor info + chart plotter.

I'd love to hear pros and cons. Thanks guys.

Knot 4 Me

I'd go with the 520 in a 25 Outlaw. I assume you have silent choice and everything will bolt right up exhaust-wise. Will also be the easiest on your existing drive.

IGetWet

Well my exhaust has already been modified, and the quick and quiet removed. I've added an imco extension box that moved the motor up 3" already. The price on the 520 is attractive but having to pay $6000 for some CMIs down the road is not. And with any of these motors, to be reliable I would have to upgrade the drive to at least a XR.

TruxtonFox

What is your end goal? Speed, cruiser, poker runs? What will your wallet allow, with upkeep and maint to keep it alive and running right. Are you planning on adding power later or just going to do a drop in motor and roll with it.

IGetWet

End goal would be a little bit of everything. The 25 outlaw is a very versatile boat. We're able to run in poker runs, get out on Lake Michigan, and still visit the smaller lakes for barge parties and tie ups. Heck, the boat will probably be used for tow sports at some point too. I've put a ton into setup - tabs, steering, re-rigging etc already, so now it's time for the fun part.

The maintenance part is one of the things I'd like to hear from somebody that has one or two of these motors. I do all my own maintenance so that doesn't scare. And from what I've read these motors are supposed to be about or even less maintenance intensive than the 525efi.

MINK

That might be the nicest 25 Outlaw there is, great job on the rigging.

I'd only want to do it once...so that being said I would go with the 565 as it has the most power - If your drive is healthy I would think it'll last the same as your other power options.

IGetWet

Thanks mink, a lot of work has gone into it that's for sure. I decided that this boat does everything we like well and that I would make it better and resist the urge to just buy something bigger that would limit our usable lakes.

I like the 565 as well, of course there's the price. Pretty sure the bravo X I currently have wouldn't last too long behind that kind of torque, plus I would not want to baby the thing either. Much more fun to fly across the tops of the waves than ride down in them.

SecondWind

I believe the 600SCi is cheaper new than the 565. Boosted power in a boat is always nice and power upgrades from Whipple are fairly easy. I'm under the impression rebuild intervals are similar between the two engines.

IGetWet

I would be shocked if the 600sci is cheaper than a 565, doesn't sound like mother Mercury to me. A guy that goes by wildcard09 on this forum had a 525 in his 25 outlaw, then upgraded to a 600 and said his cruise mpg was half with the 600sci than what it was with the 525. That whine/whistle is a sweet sound but I don't want to be gas pump hopping.

underpsi68

What's the price difference between the engines?