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Another Speed/Performance Question

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Shakemon

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I know, I know... there has been a lot of past discussions on speed/performance with different set-ups. My question is... I'm switching from a 2018 23R Swingback ESP with no arch to a 2026 25RX Swingback ESP with an arch. My 23R had the Merc Verado 250hp (inline 6 cylinder) motor and I was satisfied with the performance. It had good acceleration. In ideal conditions the top speed was in the low 40s. The new 25RX SBA ESP will be quite a bit heavier due to the longer length and the arch. It's hard to say how much. From the brochure the boat without engine is going to be somewhere between 300 to 900 lbs heavier from a 23ft ESP to a 25ft ESP. That's quite a range. I've heard the arch itself is maybe 500 lbs? I'm tentatively planning on going with the Merc Verado 300hp 4.6L V8. I just don't want to degrade in performance. Will the 50 hp increase be enough to offset the longer, heavier boat? I don't want to option up to the Verado 350hp 5.7L V10 if I don't have to in order to get at least the same performance I had on my old boat.
 
That added weight is like adding a few more people each time out that cant be moved around .
If it were me and had a choice Id go with the 350 and have no regrets. In 2014 I under powered a 23 RCW with a Sport Arch. First season I wanted to repower and it would have been more cost effective for a new boat .
 
Thanks for your reply Jack M. From your comments, you're thinking the additional 50 hp will not be enough to compensate for the added length and weight in order to provide as good of performance as the 23R without arch. Or maybe your thoughts are also that the 23R without arch with 250hp may be a bit underpowered as well?
 
R 23 with a 250 is fine , I have a 23 QCW with a 250 Verado & the SPS + Package I hit mid 40's . 2 people and a full tank . Longer boat with an arch , I would have to go with the added 100 hp .
 
Hopefully others with a similar set up you are considering respond.
 
My “guess” is what Jack is recommending. That said, like Jack said, hopefully we can get some people with a more comparable boat to your 2026 to chime in. That extra couple feet, but particularly the arch, can really impact speed/performance.
 
This may not be a complete apples to apples comparison, but a 2019 25RXSBA ESP (which I think is your model, just older), Mercury marine has a performance bulletin with a 450R, and it ran 56-57mph.

Performance Test | Mercury Boat House Bulletin

performancedata.mercurymarine.com performancedata.mercurymarine.com

Here is another test of a similar 2025 25 RX ESP but no tower or swingback option. Power was 350hp Yamaha. Top end was 47mph

boatingmag.com

2025 Bennington 25 RX Sport

The Bennington 25 RX Sport blends performance with top-shelf handling and sleek styling.
boatingmag.com boatingmag.com

Given this data, I would agree with Jack, Jeff, and others that you will probably want to upgrade to the 350hp motor to keep your similar performance in the mid 40mph range.. As they have stated, HP is never cheaper then when buying new.

Hope this gives you another data point to consider.

Keep us posted on your decision
:)


Todd
 
Shakemon said:
I know, I know... there has been a lot of past discussions on speed/performance with different set-ups. My question is... I'm switching from a 2018 23R Swingback ESP with no arch to a 2026 25RX Swingback ESP with an arch. My 23R had the Merc Verado 250hp (inline 6 cylinder) motor and I was satisfied with the performance. It had good acceleration. In ideal conditions the top speed was in the low 40s. The new 25RX SBA ESP will be quite a bit heavier due to the longer length and the arch. It's hard to say how much. From the brochure the boat without engine is going to be somewhere between 300 to 900 lbs heavier from a 23ft ESP to a 25ft ESP. That's quite a range. I've heard the arch itself is maybe 500 lbs? I'm tentatively planning on going with the Merc Verado 300hp 4.6L V8. I just don't want to degrade in performance. Will the 50 hp increase be enough to offset the longer, heavier boat? I don't want to option up to the Verado 350hp 5.7L V10 if I don't have to in order to get at least the same performance I had on my old boat.
Click to expand...
Good morning - I have the exact boat (2019) you are referring to - w/ 300 Yamaha & I am about 42 mph w/ large men & 1/2-3/4 full tank (56 gallon tank) !
 

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You definitely hit a steep curve with pontoons once into the 40's and 50's where you need more and more HP for a diminishing amount of speed gain. There is a lot of drag going on with the nature of the open living room and of course pontoons don't make for a great planing hull. For the extra $10K personally I'd live with a little less top speed and see what other cool options are available, or put it into another toy (I have a few other expensive hobbies!)
 
Shakemon said:
I know, I know... there has been a lot of past discussions on speed/performance with different set-ups. My question is... I'm switching from a 2018 23R Swingback ESP with no arch to a 2026 25RX Swingback ESP with an arch. My 23R had the Merc Verado 250hp (inline 6 cylinder) motor and I was satisfied with the performance. It had good acceleration. In ideal conditions the top speed was in the low 40s. The new 25RX SBA ESP will be quite a bit heavier due to the longer length and the arch. It's hard to say how much. From the brochure the boat without engine is going to be somewhere between 300 to 900 lbs heavier from a 23ft ESP to a 25ft ESP. That's quite a range. I've heard the arch itself is maybe 500 lbs? I'm tentatively planning on going with the Merc Verado 300hp 4.6L V8. I just don't want to degrade in performance. Will the 50 hp increase be enough to offset the longer, heavier boat? I don't want to option up to the Verado 350hp 5.7L V10 if I don't have to in order to get at least the same performance I had on my old boat.
Click to expand...
I’ve got a QX25 with Arch & 300 Yamaha. Little disappointed with the performance. Can’t get past 38 mph.
 
Correct me if I'm wrong, but doesn't the 350hp Verado require premium fuel for optimum performance?
Not sure if that's a concern, but certainly an increase in operating costs on top of price increase to go rom 300hp to 350hp.
 
We’ve always put marina rec fuel in our Mercury Verado. Great for the motor. Not so great for the wallet. :D
 
Unless the dealer filled the tank with ethanol at delivery, mine has never seen a drop of ethanol .( I doubt he did)
I've seen how fast phase separation can happen using a mason jar .
 
markpierson said:
I’ve got a QX25 with Arch & 300 Yamaha. Little disappointed with the performance. Can’t get past 38 mph.
Click to expand...
That is a heavy boat. A guy I know on my lake has a R25 swing back with arch, Yamaha 450 and he can't get past 47. My point is his boat with 150 less HP would probably be where you are. Check what your max rpm's are when you are at WOT to make sure you are propped correctly.
 
I’m pretty much in the minority, but although mine will do 40-41, it’s not very enjoyable to me and my guests on a sustained basis due to a lack of a windshield.

However, if speed is a performance metric that is important to you, I’d go with the 350 because otherwise you’ll surely have regrets.

For comparison purposes, I’ve got a 4000 LB. ESP with a 250 Verado. Overall, I’m quite pleased with its performance, particularly torque.
 
Check out List Your Specs Here post (search that in titles), lots of great info on MPH. The M350 is a newer design by 4 years, is about 95 lbs heavier as Poto noted above, bumps up WOT 400 to 600 rpm. A big point often missed: the Alternator is 150 amps vs 115, much better suited if you expect to run a big audio system or have long hang times at the sandbar.
 
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