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.