Can someone tell me how much more a new boat with the ProXS will cost versus the regular 225 Opti?

Thanks

No but I would go with the ProXS.  I'm not up on the black motors real good but I think the Pro is a 3.0 litre and the Opti is a 2.5.   If I'm right, there's going to be a tremdous difference in hole shot on a heavy boat.  Nothing takes the place of cubic inches when it comes to getting one up and moving.  

I've also heard lots of bad stories about the Opti motors, it seems like a 50/50 chance of getting a good motor. there are quite a few in our club and about half of them have had lots of trouble with them, I think the ignition systems on them are the main issue (very expensive). the "black motor" people do make some really nice models in addition to the opti. just stay away from that particular model.

Like he says, they don't call them "Opti-Pops" for nothing.  

Kinda like the early FICHTS, you're lucky if you got a good one but they did finally work out most of the problems with them (after about 2003).

The 225 Pro XS is ~$1300 over a regular 225 Opti. Both are 3 liter DFI engines that run on 87 octane fuel. Depending on the rig expect 1 to 3 MPH gain with the XS. BTW, reliability is fine with either choice. Good luck with your choice.

CBedo- My understanding is the XS model produces a little more horsepower at the prop than the standard Optimax model of the same displacement.  I've got over 60 hours on my Optimax 225, and have not complaints, but it does like to drink that special blend of 2 stroke oil.  

Alot of the blown powerheads maybe caused by how the motor was broken in.

But the 100 hour maintenance, $700-750 was a surprise.

I like my Merc, and yes I did baby it for the first 10 hours just like the manual said.  I think you'll be happy if you get one hooked up to your rig.  Just my .02