Hopefully in the next few weeks I'll have enough money saved up to buy a Allison. My question is what would be a better choice a XB2002 or a XB2003. I found a couple of XB2002 that I would like to get if they don't get sold first. Both have no engines but just having a Allison gets me excited. What would be a good engine for a XB2002. I plan on hobby fishing ( no tournaments) and family outings. The wife likes the layout of the 2003 better but its not her money. LOL I like the 2002. Just wanting to see what you all think?
Which is the best Choice??
- Thread starter willyp
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Fl Boy in ILL
Active Member
2002 VS 2003
If you are planning on using this a a pleasure family boat then the 2003 has a lot more room, will carry weight better and the wife will have a windshield to sit behind, remember if she ain't happy then know body going to be happy.
If you plan on using it for just an occasional passenger and a lot of by yourself running then by all means get the 2002, its faster, smaller and a blast to rocket ship with.
Hope this helps
Rick
If you are planning on using this a a pleasure family boat then the 2003 has a lot more room, will carry weight better and the wife will have a windshield to sit behind, remember if she ain't happy then know body going to be happy.
If you plan on using it for just an occasional passenger and a lot of by yourself running then by all means get the 2002, its faster, smaller and a blast to rocket ship with.
Hope this helps
Rick
David Shook
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Since it isn't her money, without a doubt, the 2002 with a 300 Drag, a 28 to 30 inch Mazco, this should put you into the 110 to 115 mph range!!!!!!
Shook
Shook
allisondog69
Member
but a bug in the face 4 the ole ladyat 110 could put you into pontoon boat range also , i agree with the 2003 , i have an 2003 with 225 pm and take plenty fishin sking and still haul arse.David Shook said:
David Shook
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willyp,
Just going on man, allisiondawg69 is dead on, that 2003 sounds perfect for you and the family, your family will have plenty of room and comfort, and with a 280 you can put it in the 100 range, be careful and take your time, it's like a bicycle, it takes time to learn to ride, but once you do you never forget!!!!!!
Shook
Just going on man, allisiondawg69 is dead on, that 2003 sounds perfect for you and the family, your family will have plenty of room and comfort, and with a 280 you can put it in the 100 range, be careful and take your time, it's like a bicycle, it takes time to learn to ride, but once you do you never forget!!!!!!
Shook
hack02
Well-Known Member
Another thing, most 02's are set up for at the most three people. An 03 can carry five.
J
John Richied
Guest
If speed is your priority then buy an XR-2001
If fishing and family outings is your priority then buy and XB-2003
If you want the boat that can do both very well… I suggest an XB-2002, but since you have four occupants buy the side steer, then you can run with four in the boat.
If you buy an XB-2002 and hang a 225 on her you will have similar performance of an XB-2003 with a 280 and a lot less maintenance on the engine.
If fishing and family outings is your priority then buy and XB-2003
If you want the boat that can do both very well… I suggest an XB-2002, but since you have four occupants buy the side steer, then you can run with four in the boat.
If you buy an XB-2002 and hang a 225 on her you will have similar performance of an XB-2003 with a 280 and a lot less maintenance on the engine.
catfish123
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What will an XB-2002 with a stock 225 Promax run on top end? Won't a properly set up XB-2003 with a 280 run over 100?
fishnfireman
Well-Known Member
I will say the only 225/2002 that fishes with us. It is a stock 225X :arrow:
With a realtime T load It would not stay with my 2003/280--- not even close. :!: :!:
Now you strip the boats it might be closer
but we never run that way..
I guess you could say we are fishermen that like to go fast. Not the other way around.
The 280 will have to be re-ringed every 100 -150 hrs depending on who you talk to.......you also have to mix the oil. some of us had BAD plug fowling problems. others did not. After finaly sending the injectors to Brucato. They said they were the WORST set They ever saw. But if you happen to get a good one
They are well worth the extra maint....... just for the YEE Haa ..factor
With a realtime T load It would not stay with my 2003/280--- not even close. :!: :!:
Now you strip the boats it might be closer
but we never run that way..I guess you could say we are fishermen that like to go fast. Not the other way around.
The 280 will have to be re-ringed every 100 -150 hrs depending on who you talk to.......you also have to mix the oil. some of us had BAD plug fowling problems. others did not. After finaly sending the injectors to Brucato. They said they were the WORST set They ever saw. But if you happen to get a good one
They are well worth the extra maint....... just for the YEE Haa ..factor
catfish123
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What does this re-ringing cost assuming you have to have it all done at a boat dealership?
fishnfireman
Well-Known Member
((IF)) you buy the rings thru a dealer. JUst the rings are around 500 for a full set. I would guess about 8 hrs labor
Depending on if it has O ringed haad gaskets or not it could cost even more. I THINk the old style gaskets are a couple of c-notes.
Luckily I have a co worker who is a great Mech and we trade out some of the labor
I think the last set of rings he got at discount still cost about 300.
Depending on if it has O ringed haad gaskets or not it could cost even more. I THINk the old style gaskets are a couple of c-notes.
Luckily I have a co worker who is a great Mech and we trade out some of the labor
I think the last set of rings he got at discount still cost about 300.
catfish123
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Thanks for the information............I believe I will stick with my 225X and be content to have it only get my XB-2003 up to 94mph every now and then...........LOL
J
John Richied
Guest
And I use to be content with my XB-2002/1996 225 ProMax running 98.1 to 98.9 mph with two in the boat (400lb load) or 100 mph solo, but I am venturing off into the Nicasil world of Merc 280’s.
Don’t kid yourself, an XB-2002/225 can run with an XB-2003/260-280
XB-2003's are sweet boats and the cockpit looks way cool, along with the wind free ride. :wink:
Don’t kid yourself, an XB-2002/225 can run with an XB-2003/260-280
XB-2003's are sweet boats and the cockpit looks way cool, along with the wind free ride. :wink:
catfish123
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It seems there are always a lot of 280's for sale and a lot of guys wanting to trade their 280's for 225's............Why is that?
fishnfireman
Well-Known Member
willyp,willyp said:
In my opinion---Opinoins are like b-holes,,,
everybody has one , and some stink. :roll:
With that said -----and a family. the 2003/225 should fit you just right.
This rig will still run with all but a few. I fished a LOT of tournaments with the 225 before up-grading to a 280.... I was never out ran on top end by anything but my buds 2003/280 when I had the 225
I Ran a Bullet/300 one day--- I got by him on a curve but could not pull away
after i switched to the 280 he would not play....
J
John Richied
Guest
280's for sale....It probably has to do with the high maintenance of the 280’s and some guys with heavier boats find they need a 3.0 plus liter engine over a 2.5L. Randy at GPI seems to have the answer for that low maintenance. When he experiments it’s just not for more horsepower, it’s for the longevity of the engine and he backs it up with a warrantee.
It sure is COLD outside and this is a good topic.
It sure is COLD outside and this is a good topic.