Maybe I can weigh in on this since now I can say I have owned an 89' with the 25xp and a 2001 with the M35BC.
With the 25xp, 3 blade fixed prop (pitch unknown), 2500 rpm, fresh bottom, 5.2-5.5 kts. By end of season I would only get about 4.8kts. Calm waters, no tide.
With the M35BC, 2 blade, 2500 rpm, VC-17 bottom paint, 6.5-7 kts. Nearing end of season, nearly no difference. Calm waters, no tide.
I can say without a doubt the 25xp struggled as soon as there was any chop, wind, dirty bottom, etc. The M35BC has the extra power that seems to push you through the chop and wind with ease and remain at cruising speed.
I've read for years about people with the 25xp motoring at 7+ kts. Good for them, I have never even come close.
With the 25xp, 3 blade fixed prop (pitch unknown), 2500 rpm, fresh bottom, 5.2-5.5 kts. By end of season I would only get about 4.8kts. Calm waters, no tide.
With the M35BC, 2 blade, 2500 rpm, VC-17 bottom paint, 6.5-7 kts. Nearing end of season, nearly no difference. Calm waters, no tide.
I can say without a doubt the 25xp struggled as soon as there was any chop, wind, dirty bottom, etc. The M35BC has the extra power that seems to push you through the chop and wind with ease and remain at cruising speed.
I've read for years about people with the 25xp motoring at 7+ kts. Good for them, I have never even come close.