I can't speak to the 25' but the "real world" result of swapping out an OX66 250 for a Honda 225 on my 2320 EC was:
1. I got rid of a now unnecessary kicker motor, so there was no weight difference between old and new setups, except the weight is now centered and farther back. The scuppers ship water, but they always have. (I have an older 2330 with the gas tank in under the back deck)
2. I can now talk on the phone while driving and have the cabin door open
3. My passengers don't get seasick from the engine exhaust swirling behind the cabin
4. I no longer have two stroke oil taking up space in my cabinets, and I don't have to stop mid-channel on my way home to refill the oil tank in 4-6' seas, spilling oil on the deck and all over the inside of the bilge
5. I went trolling for salmon all day yesterday - 20 miles out, 8 hours of trolling, 20 miles back. Total burn was 17 gallons of gas, and the Honda purred along at idle all day long pushing the boat at perfect trolling speed for salmon (1.5 mph to 3.5 mph). No need for a "trolling motor". Overall fuel consumption has gone from somewhere around 1.4 MPG (statute) + 1 gal oil/30 miles to around 2.2 (and no oil). With a light load and two guys fishing, I regularly cruise at 26 mph SOG (statute) and get 2.4 to 2.5 mpg. Again, I think this will improve with a better prop. I'm pretty much making the payments on the new motor with the money I'm saving on gas and oil every month.
6. I no longer have to carry 100 lbs of tools and test equipment every time I take the boat out, and I no longer worry about making it home from each trip because of a finicky and unpredictable 2-stroke motor with a 1st generation computer and fuel injection system.
7. Hole shot is not quite as good, but I addressed that with a perma-trim. I'm still using the "El Cheapo" Titan stainless prop that came with the motor. I suspect it will be improved once I upgrade the prop to something like a Mercury Enertia.
8. Overall power and "driveability" is as good or better than the 250 2-stroke. Smoother power band, more low-end grunt, and at the top end, the VTEC really kicks in and moves the boat just fine.
I don't think I'd necessarily tell someone with a Trophy or Proline fiberglass "pop-out" boat to spend the money to re-power, but with a Parker, you have a hull that will last forever and something worth making the investment in a motor. That was the way I looked at it.
Good luck with your decision!
Brent
