I have a 2000 Cobra 201D with a 225 Merc EFI that has a blown powerhead. The horsepower rating for my boat is "UNL" which I assume is unlimited. There is a 2003 Yamaha 250 OX66 that is in my price range, but it does not come with the controls. What is the ballbark to install the motor with new controls (I assume the Mercury controls will not work)? I assume the 250 is heavier than the 225, how is that going to hurt? Is the OX66 a piece of junk? Your thoughts and opinions please.

I have a friend that has a Yamaha OX66 and seems to always have it in the shop for some reason....I would call around and see if some dealers have some good deals on used or new motors...

I might be a little biased, but stay with the black motor. Yes, I am a Mercury man.

The ox66 is the same as the rest of the Yamaha's, it's carburated. The weight should be close to the same. 200,225,250 all use the same block, they just change the amout of fuel delivered to produce horsepower. The merc controls will not work but, you may can find a dealer that may swap you your merc controls for Yammy's. If not, usually a set of used controls usually runs about $300. The Yammy is a fine motor.

check with dwayne at.texas machine works gp,tx. 972-602-4500
also trackerboats.com lookup dealers repower new old stock motors

I think this is going to be more trouble than its worth. Lots of things different. You would need a control with a complete ign. wiring harness, yamaha oil injection tank, lines, mount and harness. I am guessing 1200.00-1500.00 to get the Yamy on the boat. I decided to look at Yamaha on the 2003 models and they show 9 different 250`s all fuel injected: http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/parts/home.aspx

OX66 is a EFI, not a carb motor.

You can find controls and harness on Ebay and other sites, I think you can probably get rigged for less than five hundred bones.

You would need to talk to Ronnie at TMW. I have seen him make 200hp 3 liter Merc's make over 300HP on a dyno. If you want REAL hp Call Ronnie you will be glad you did!

What are you hoping to achieve? Are you looking to increase performance or to just get back on the water a in-expensively as possible.
I think both answers are staying with the Merc unless you want to throw a buttload of cash to the Yamaha gurus in Nixa, MO.
You should be able to get a rebuilt powerhead for less than 4K.
BTW, what is "blown" hole in piston or hole in block?

Why did it blow? Did a ring locator pin work out or did an injector clog? Are all 6 pistons scored or just one bad apple?
Lot of different ways to solve this issue but the whys will answer the whats.

The objective is to get back on the water as cost effeciently as possible. There is a hole in the block, and I was quoted around $6,000 dollars to fix it. For less than $6,000 bucks I can buy a comparable used motor.
The cause of the malfunction is unknown, and when I took it in for a quote they did not tell me. I guess it would be worth my while to pay somebody to tell me? Or would it just be an educated guess?
I wonder if it would be more cost effecient to slap a brand new motor with a warranty, so if the powerhead blows within the next five years I am not out of pocket another $5,000, but I don't have the money for a new motor and my wife is not supportive of going into debt for one.

I believe that i would definatly get away from Merc while you have the chance whether it be Yamaha, Evinrude, Honda or what ever. Good luck on what ever you decide.

Just my .02 worth.....Mercury is still ok..that is all I have ever run...no problems...as far as warranty..yes..good idea...look at Jaco's marine..you can buy a new 225 Merc from them at a pretty reasonable price

I stand corrected. The OX66 is fuel inj. I had a brain fart.

I would go the new power head route.