Yep. Do your homework. You should find that top end speeds of the Pro XS and HO are similar, but I would give the edge to the Pro XS because it is likely going to be much better with hole shot and in loaded conditions. Fuel economy – Mercury Pro XS. You will also find that about 7 out of 10 Cats that come out of the plant have a Mercury hanging off the back. No doubt in my mind that a Pro XS will have the best resale value. Reliability……….you will find tons and tons of arguments over this one. Evinrude power head issues and gear cases vs. Pro XS coils. Personally, I havent ever had a bad coil and that spans a handful of engines over the past handfull of years with 75-100 hours of use each year. According to most, the coil issue has been cleaned up with a replacement of all coils upon failure of one. The Evinrude gear case should be resolved as well as of this past year. Though, the new gear case style might be a couple mph slower. If the decision was solely mine and unless there was significant cost differenc (thousands) between the two I would choose the Mercury every day of the week. Resale, resale, resale value! Good luck with your decision.
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