GS righed with 2001 225 Rude Ram vs 225 Promax

[krank21]

Hey there,

So I got us a 92 GS a couple months back. The hull os rigged with a 3.3L 225 Evinrude Rude Ram. I know, I know, not recommended by the folks at Allison. I’ve been looking around and have a lead on a 225 Promax for $7500 Canadian which seems close to an even trade once I sell the Evinrude.

What I’d like to know is, Rude to Promax, other than the obvious weight difference, what other differences are there between the two?

Here’s the thing, the rig I have was extremely well maintained. The Evinrude is a 3.3L but it weighs in at 454lb which is only 14lb over the max recommended by Allison. Is the issue of it being less than a 3L weight related or anything else? If it’s strictly weight, would 14lb really make that big a difference?

Aside from the 60lb loss of swapping to the promax, is there any other gain? Power, RPM gain, anything? Maintenance frequency considered as well, would you guys swap out yo the Promax for any other reason than wanting to move to black?

Hope you can guide me into the right decision.

Side question to this, if I did mov over to the Promax, would it be possible to swap out tge midsection to an above water exhaust setup?

Many thanks guys! Hope you can help.

Roger

 

[ssv1761982]

How about some performance numbers on what you have now? Give us a baseline to do some comparisons. I would think the torque of your motor would let you swing a pretty big prop.

 

[krank21]

How about some performance numbers on what you have now? Give us a baseline to do some comparisons. I would think the torque of your motor would let you swing a pretty big prop.

I haven’t had enough seat time to open it up yet but the past owner had it running in and around 90. It’s currently setup with a 13 1/2 4 blade 27 Renegade that’s spinning at 6k or so.

I’m fairly new to performance boats, last was a 16’ Sidwinder powered by an 87 johnson 140 that topped out just under 60 so I have some seat time ahead of me before venturing over 70. My concern really is that it’s out of spec based in what Allison has noted as warning on their site. I just want to be safe as I get speed up. Any reason for concern?

 

[Lotus 50]

JR is happy with a 300XS, same hull as yours. The 300XS is heavier than your motor.

My free advice is to learn to drive with the big Rude and see how you like it.

There are pluses to the Promax. Sportmaster gearcase will last longer surfaced. Solid engine mounts should handle a bit better. It will rev a few hundred rpm higher (6800) which allows you to run aa lower pitched prop.

But if your current motor is well maintained and your set up is good, why re rig?

Where in Ontario? My SS2000/200XS is near Casino Rama

 

[krank21]

Ahh that’s good to hear, I wasn’t sure how critical the weight was at high speeds. I’m out in Carleton Place near Ottawa. We have friends that we visit often that live right by Rama, just north if Brechin. We will most definitely be out that way next summer, it would be cool to meet up. I saw my first Allison on Paudash lake actually, it’s wat got me looking for one. I cannot wait to some hours in next season, it’s killing me to look at it in the garage.

 

[Lotus 50]

I bet my 200XS is within a few pounds of your Rude. Maybe we will see each other next summer.

 

[krank21]

That woukd be great! I could use some pointers I’ll send you a note whenever we head out there

 

[Jr in Jax]

There were three Allison '03 hulls with 300XS's on them at the Suwannee river rally today and as far as I know everyone is happy with theirs, I certainly am happy with mine. I would try out the heavier engine for at least a season before I changed.

 

[David Lanham]

Does your Rude have a coned case? I'm guessing it does if this rig has ran 90 as reported.

How about solid engine mounts? A must for safe handling.

I've ran a 27 Renegade on my ProSport - 225 Promax a few times. Runs fairly well, great wheel for learning how to drive an Allison. Mine ran upper 80's at the 6750 rpm limit.

Prior to the Trophy days, Allison recommended the Renegade to help new folks learn how to drive it.

 

[ntxwaterfowl]

Does your Rude have a coned case? I'm guessing it does if this rig has ran 90 as reported.

How about solid engine mounts? A must for safe handling.

I've ran a 27 Renegade on my ProSport - 225 Promax a few times. Runs fairly well, great wheel for learning how to drive an Allison. Mine ran upper 80's at the 6750 rpm limit.

Prior to the Trophy days, Allison recommended the Renegade to help new folks learn how to drive it.

That's interesting about the Renegade, I bought a 27 Renegade for my Johnson motor just thinking it might be better and I couldn't believe the difference between it and the 24 Raker. The Renegade to me drives 100 times better than the Raker did and even though it's more prop it seemed to plane just as quickly if not a touch quicker. Planning to try a 26 trophy next but still good to know that I was on the right track with the Renegade. Krank, if you can find one I would definitly try it out!

 

[hirk]

Chris Core lives near you, his shop is next door to Aim marine. He has an Allison xb2003 (same hull) and im sure would help you with learning to drive yours.

 

[dubmoney]

I would drive the thing for a summer with the current engine. All good advice above and will add emphasis to the things already mentioned. Does it have solid engine mounts, if there is are are rubber pieces where the clamp connects to the mid section it will cause movement that will be tough to deal with add higher speeds. That would be the number one reason to go to a promax, you may have to have solid engine mounts machined for your application. Gfinch is a member here and runs an Evenrude on his 03, I am sure he can be a wealth of knowledge for you. The second is the lower unit. Like mentioned above, it must have a cone added or 90 mph would be tough to accomplish by most accounts. For me half the fun of owning these boats is tinkering with what I have to achieve the best possible performance, you will most like likely find that set up, i.e. props, engine height, lower unit tuning, hull tuning, can take alot of time. I am on my third year setting up mine, and have loved every second. Welcome to the group and keep us posted.

 

[xb03]

I would not be worried about the weight of the Rude. I recently went to a 500lbs+ 3.2 300xs from a 400lbs 2.5 280 and I couldn’t be happier. It sips fuel and easily runs over 100mph, wish I’ve could of had one sooner.

 

[SLOmofo]

Well...... my .02 is drive it like you stole it!
How much set back, less is better. I couldn't get closer then 7" because of the splash well. I believe Bad Bait had a 4" on his XB2003.
The Renegade is the one I run on the Champion. I found the Raker was faster but the Renegade was over all better.

 

[smit2732]

Lear to drive with your current motor, up to about 75mph. Once your very comfortable with that, install solid motor mounts. It’s almost unbelievable how much better it’ll drive with solid mounts.

 

[xb03]

Over 500lbs with a 12” jackplate

 

[ROBERT CROSS]

As noted...run it, learn it, change it when you know exactly what your goals are.
Bob

 

[krank21]

I would drive the thing for a summer with the current engine. All good advice above and will add emphasis to the things already mentioned. Does it have solid engine mounts, if there is are are rubber pieces where the clamp connects to the mid section it will cause movement that will be tough to deal with add higher speeds. That would be the number one reason to go to a promax, you may have to have solid engine mounts machined for your application. Gfinch is a member here and runs an Evenrude on his 03, I am sure he can be a wealth of knowledge for you. The second is the lower unit. Like mentioned above, it must have a cone added or 90 mph would be tough to accomplish by most accounts. For me half the fun of owning these boats is tinkering with what I have to achieve the best possible performance, you will most like likely find that set up, i.e. props, engine height, lower unit tuning, hull tuning, can take alot of time. I am on my third year setting up mine, and have loved every second. Welcome to the group and keep us posted.

Thanks for the info!

Lower has a cone but I had a look and it's unfortunately rubber mounted. I had a look around online and the only thing I found was the upper for $150. I'd really like to swap this out, I'm sure it makes a great deal of difference I'd like it to be sturdy as I gain MPH.

Any idea on where I might find lowers? Or could I make them myself? I have a lathe and a milling attachement. Billet aluminum or brass work? If they're out there, I'd sooner buy them.

Let me know, thanks!

 

[SLOmofo]

I've drilled a hole thru the mounts and then drive a tight fitting pin thru them, cut off excess and install. it's still got the rubber surface to case that will give slightly. Theres a guy on Scream & Fly that makes a solid upper mount also makes the Taylor 16" mid section. Sam?

 

[SLOmofo]

It's best to do all or none. Having one end flex and the other solid can cause stress to the the mid. When you have solid mounts you will feel all the vibrations from the engine in the boat. Not a bad thing butt just something to be aware of.