New to me XB21, now which motor?

[motobuffy]

I just agreed to purchase a 2006 2+2 with a 3.0 225 sport XS. Supposedly, it has 275 original hours and has been checked out by the dealership. My current xb2003 has a less than 100 original hour 2.5XS (225hp) that I have owned for close to 10 years. It hasn't given me any trouble, none, zip, zero. The 2.5 obviously hasn't been used alot. but my expected usage forward would be 50 hours/year. Opinions as to which motor I should keep would be appreciated. The 2.5XS is a hybrid and was only made one year. I think I remember someone had a 2.5XS on his XB21. I would love to hear from him about that setup. My initial thought would be the 3.0. By the way, there will be a great looking maroon and white XB2003 for sale once I return home with the XB21.

 

[Blueally XB21]

Hi motobuffy, you will love the XB21 boat. I have a 225X on mine (2.5). It is a nice engine but I personally think the 3.0 is a better fit for the XB21 due to low end torque. The 2.5 may be a little faster on top end, not totally sure on that.
Can you send pictures of your 2003 you are going to have for sale? Price? My son is looking at 2003's. my number is (859) 707-9028. Thanks.

 

[motobuffy]

Hey Blue,
I just posted the 2003 in the for sale section. There are a few pics there. I haven't completely finished removing my electronics, so don't fall in love with what you might see. The ad indicates what will go with the boat. pics sent

 

[dubmoney]

Stick with the 3.0 liter. Get the Air Compressor replaced, ASAP.

 

[JWolff]

I believe Jay McDaniel had a 2.5XS on his XB21 when he bought it. Check with him. He also frequents BBC and Facebook often if you don't see him on here.

 

[motobuffy]

Thanks. If the 3 liter checks out, I'll keep it.

 

[xb03fs]

Sell them both and get a 300 in your life. I really want a 300 in my life.

I have a 250 and want more

 

[motobuffy]

Hit the water yesterday for the first time. No question, it is the 3.0.

 

[Allyfishing]

I too had a 2.5 liter 225 PM on my first Allison XB21 2+2. I loved that motor and if it had not developed a cracked block who knows how long I would have had it. I moved to a 3.0 liter 250XS on that boat and later hung it on an XB21 2 seater as I traded the 2+2 for it.

Stay with the 3 liter for these reasons only.....the 2.5 is done. Period!! Sorry but it is true. The 3.0 liter 2 stroke is done!! Period!! The 4 stroke is the newest baadd ass on the block!! Period!!

Run it like ya stole it and keep it maintained. It will serve you well if it is maintained. If and when it blows get a 4 stroke and you will be smiling all day and everyday.

 

[dubmoney]

Sadly, I agree with Allyfishing above. I can't wait to run the big Ally with a 300R, but man its a lot of money!

 

[motobuffy]

My only path to a 4 stroke would require a totally unsalvageable motor and a long lost uncle leaving me a mil or two.

 

[TxAllisonXB21]

I just agreed to purchase a 2006 2+2 with a 3.0 225 sport XS. Supposedly, it has 275 original hours and has been checked out by the dealership. My current xb2003 has a less than 100 original hour 2.5XS (225hp) that I have owned for close to 10 years. It hasn't given me any trouble, none, zip, zero. The 2.5 obviously hasn't been used alot. but my expected usage forward would be 50 hours/year. Opinions as to which motor I should keep would be appreciated. The 2.5XS is a hybrid and was only made one year. I think I remember someone had a 2.5XS on his XB21. I would love to hear from him about that setup. My initial thought would be the 3.0. By the way, there will be a great looking maroon and white XB2003 for sale once I return home with the XB21.

I have a 2003 year model XB21 2+2 that I ran a 2.5XS on for 3 years. It performed pretty well for me. I moved up a to a 2016 250 Sport for 3 years and loved it. Now I have a 2019 300R and well now that I have made the jump I don't see ever running a 2 stroke again.