265 Express Engine Options

[SeaVee]

Pulling the trigger on some 200 Zuk’s when I get back from MX. Would have loved to stick with Yamahas but the quotes are almost 10k higher. Going to do a refresh on the boat while I wait on the motors, so I’ll be leaning on the 265 cult on here for best practices, add on’s, etc. That 10k is gonna get me an AP, new radar , etc. 2000 265 with 900 hours on the rig

 

[Dear Prudence 2.0]

Hi all. Looking to purchase a 265 Express and see most have 200HP Yamaha with either I-4 or V6 and some 225HP. Does anyone have experience with the 200HP I-4 (inline 4)? Wondering if it would be quite underpowered? What’s normal cruising speed and rpm with the 200’s? Would you recommend holding out for 225’s?
Example: 2014 200’s I-4 with 75 hours or 2003 225’s with 670 hours and so far no exhaust problem discovered

Appreciate your insights on this.

I have twin I-4 200's on our new Freedom 255. Good power. I cruise around 20 knots at 3800 rpm in salt water. I have not gone to WOT, but I suspect she will do mid 40's KPH. The 255 has a hard top, sink, electric head, windless, etc, but is still probably lighter than the 265? Hope this helps.

 

[cmware]

Thank you all, I ended up purchasing a 265 Express with twin Yamaha 225HP, cruising at 26 knots (30MPH) and 4000 rpm and gauge shows consumption at 16.5 gallons per hour with both fuel tanks full. Quite pleased with the performance.

 

[Bennie (Ben) Braswell]

Pulling the trigger on some 200 Zuk’s when I get back from MX. Would have loved to stick with Yamahas but the quotes are almost 10k higher. Going to do a refresh on the boat while I wait on the motors, so I’ll be leaning on the 265 cult on here for best practices, add on’s, etc. That 10k is gonna get me an AP, new radar , etc. 2000 265 with 900 hours on the rig

I repowered my 2001 Gulfstream with a single 300 Suzuki and have been very pleased with performance since 2019. I do my own maintenance as the engine is very easy to service. I think you'll be very glad you saved the 10K. At the time I bought my engine the savings was close to 7k. Haven't had any issues with mine and I run salt water exclusively.

 

[vocz]

In the Seattle area. Suzuki isn’t economically option anymore. My last quote for Zuki DF300 was $24k a piece, so it’s very comparable to 250hp Yamaha and Honda. Take your pick.

 

[Paul1969]

I have a 2000 265 Express. Original motors were 200 HPDIs. Repowered with Yamaha 200 HP I4s in 2018. I4s are just as strong and more fuel efficient. Not underpowered at all. Top speed 44-45 mph. Cruise between 3,500-4,500. Boat gets over 2 mpg across the cruising RPM range. 3,500 = 25 mph, 4,500 = 33 mph. I've owned this boat since 2005 and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

These motors were designed for easy maintenance. Highly recommend them.

Hi good day, have a 1999 265Express and repowering with Yamaha twin 200 I4. What is the best suggested props

 

[Southwestledge]

Yamaha Reliance SDS Series
14 1/2 Diameter 15 Pitch

WOT with these props is 6000-6100.

 

[Paul1969]

Yamaha Reliance SDS Series
14 1/2 Diameter 15 Pitch

WOT with these props is 6000-6100.

Thanks for your prompt response. Will look them up.
My engines are coming with the 17P, how do you think they will perform?

 

[Southwestledge]

I'm certainly no prop expert perhaps someone else on the site can chime in. You won't really know the full performance characteristics until after you have completed the required break in period. Important factor to consider are how your boat is loaded. These boats hold a tremendous amount of fuel (250 gals) for their size. If you are running around with full fuel, several hundred lbs of ice, gear and 4 or 5 adults you might not achieve the desired RPM at WOT. That is very important for the long term health of your engines. Some will say over propping can also lead to "making oil."

 

[Mustang65fbk]

Give Ken at PropGods a call if you have any prop related questions that you can't figure out on here.

 

[Paul1969]

I'm certainly no prop expert perhaps someone else on the site can chime in. You won't really know the full performance characteristics until after you have completed the required break in period. Important factor to consider are how your boat is loaded. These boats hold a tremendous amount of fuel (250 gals) for their size. If you are running around with full fuel, several hundred lbs of ice, gear and 4 or 5 adults you might not achieve the desired RPM at WOT. That is very important for the long term health of your engines. Some will say over propping can also lead to "making oil."

Give Ken at PropGods a call if you have any prop related questions that you can't figure out on here.

Thanks, as soon as engines broken in, will call him

 

[DaveySea]

265 hull changed in 2003 to accomodate weight of 4 strokes. IMO stick with i4 200s on 2000-2002. Unless you get the new lightweight Merc V6s

Very happy with the Suzuki DF200AP i4.

Agree. I have the i4 200s and the cockpit scuppers are above the waterline on my 2000 hull.

 

[DaveySea]

I have a 2000 265 Express. Original motors were 200 HPDIs. Repowered with Yamaha 200 HP I4s in 2018. I4s are just as strong and more fuel efficient. Not underpowered at all. Top speed 44-45 mph. Cruise between 3,500-4,500. Boat gets over 2 mpg across the cruising RPM range. 3,500 = 25 mph, 4,500 = 33 mph. I've owned this boat since 2005 and would be happy to answer any questions you might have.

These motors were designed for easy maintenance. Highly recommend them.

Agree. Same experience with the same boat and engines.