Knowing this is an old thread, I thought I would add some new info on re-powering an XB2003. I had the unfortunate experience of having a part of a piston skirt breaking off on my Mariner SuperMag 225 and punch through the bottom of the block and ruin the crank, one piston/rod and the head. While considering what to do, I found a used 2005 Opti 115 to see what would happen. I never fully got the setup right, but was able to pull about 50-55 with a 21 pitch Laser II. The Opti had an issue with piston slap that caused it to slowly fail (with only 125 hours). I had the skid planner on the boat and had to run the motor deeper than I would have liked....just didn't have time to find the sweet spot. That being said, I did like the fuel efficiency, noise level and trolling ability.......but dang it,,,its an Allison,,, Open that B-ch up!
Darris Allison said "Boat should perform in the 60s with a 115. It has a 2.07:1 gear ratio and should use a similar prop as your Super Mag; just won’t be as fast. Its worth a try. Otherwise a 25-26 Trophy. I ran a 90 HP Honda 60 on a 2003 about 12 years ago. 115 should run 65. "
Darris said I should consider a Pro XS 175 that I could possibly adapt my Sportmaster Gear Case.
As to the question of what the boat is worth. I can honestly say that every man, woman and child that experienced my XB2003 with the Merc 2.5,,,,was grins from ear to ear. She's like the Porsche 911 of boating. Hanging a 115 was like putting a Volkswagen motor in a Porsche, so sorry to purists. I've been thinking about selling her for about 3 years now. What's it worth to have a future collectible? I build classic ford broncos and I'm having a harder time parting with this boat. (it's not you,,,,it's me).
BTW,,,,don't run above 40 with the Bimini up! I added it because I spend a lot of time at Lake Powell Utah in 100+ Degree Days, and I'm a pasty white boy. I have been in discussions with some other engineers about converting it to a full electric boat with 50kwh of battery, 125 hp electric (DC) motor that can turn 10,000 rpm all day......new speed record?
Hopes that helps someone.