I'm looking to be buying a used ranger 522 here in the next month or so, but my main concern is that it has a merc 300 on the back, and since I fish the college series primarily, I am not allowed to use a motor greater than 250hp in the FLW and BASS events. Either way, I was curious to get some feed back on if yall think that it would be tough to swap a motor relatively cheap... I would look into getting another boat but it's a family friend who is making me a really good deal, so that's the only way I can even consider doing this while going to school. Any info or advice yall could give would be great!

I've owned two Bullets with the Merc 300 ProXS. It will most likely be costly to swap since there are fewer & fewer guys wanting that motor. It is a great motor no doubt but people are afraid of them. It gets great fuel economy (as long as you run 5,500 rpm or below) but people are still afraid of them. It is reliable but people are still afraid of them.

Your best bet is to post that you want to trade on the website FastBass. There are a bunch of go fast guys on there that know the motor and would probably swap with you. It you get lucky, you won't have to pay someone to swap for a 250 ProXS.

a guy is selling a 250 cowling. swap those out and problem solved.

^^^ haha perfect solution right there.

That's good advice, teach the young guy how to start cheating at bass tournaments.

If you can't find a swap and can swing it buy a 250 and sell your 300. I'm thinking a boat dealership might help you out.

Like that 300 is going to make the guy catch any more fish than if he had a 250, that's retarded.. If its a good deal on the boat, get it, instead of buying a cowl, just buy a graphics kit...

I would find a different boat before I'd go through that much trouble, is the 250 new?

Mind blown......LOL

Couldn't use my dads boat while fishing college for this very reason, he has a 21i with a 300 Yamaha on it. I would def look into trading it, it isn't worth getting caught or in trouble for breaking the rules even if they are stupid. I commend you for trying to do the right thing, hopefully you can find someone willing to swap

Its amazing how some people are telling you how to beat the system. There are reasons they have rules in society and even fishing clubs, whether we think they stupid or not. Take InTheClear's advice, find a different boat if its going to be that much trouble. You dont want to be known as someone who cheats in tournaments, that rep will follow you forever.

Some tournament organization's will not allow over 250 hp.

Don't risk winning disqualification of failing the lie detector test. Great job on your honesty. Try the classifieds here, and see if a dealer can cut you a trade too!

You guys are killing me here... If you thought I was serious come on. It was a freakin joke.

I'm sure most knew you were joking.

I got the joke. Lol. Some of these guys take things WAY too seriously.

On a similar note, I WAS interested in a Skeeter "225" since I thought it would have been with a 225 or 250, but it's the same way. A 300. Kinda sucks. But, it is what it is.

But, and I'll say this and probably get roasted on here...Do you guys really think that some of these top level pros "250's" actually make 250 horsepower? Or do you think with a little porting and polishing that these motors are making upwards of 290? Just wondering. Some of the boats I've heard running across the water at BASS events, and idling, sure sound like they've been massaged a little.