Mercury Four Stroke

It has been a little over 3 months since I got the #Mercury 4 stroke 225 and I want to give a report on performance. I want to be honest in this blog so I have to say that in the first month or so I had an issue that took time to sort out. Between the quality of the motor and the model being so new, there was not lots of information out there for troubleshooting. Cannot say enough about Eddie Wooten at Anglers Choice Spindale for his relentless work to figure it out. Turned out the issue was not motor related at all, but the throttle cable was in a bind near the back of the boat and I was not able to get the throttle to open 100% all the time.
Once Eddie took care of this there have been no other issues at all, and I couldn't be happier with the performance. Hole shot is perfect and I can't tell any difference in it regardless of whether I have someone with me and the live wells loaded or not. I really don't see how the hole shot could be improved.
Gas mileage is very good, much better than the old EFI I have been running for years. I think about 18 gallons is the most I have used in a day of hard fishing with a good bit of running. Thinking back, I would have used more than one tank in my old boat (22 gallons). I have not made what I would call a long run yet (20 or so miles or more) wide open, but I am certain I will be pleased with that as well.
The power is great with quick acceleration. I am playing with the jackplate (I have a manual 10") trying to find the perfect spot. I have gotten the boat to 72 mph but had some chine walk after I reached 70. Playing with it I have eliminated the chine walk but top speed dropped to 70. 70 is plenty quick enough but like all fishermen I want to get all I can get out of it. At 70 the boat drives outstanding, and I feel very secure in my control of it.
So...I couldn't be happier with the motor and how it performs on my boat. I encourage anyone who is in the market for a new rig or a motor upgrade to take a good look at the Mercury 4 stroke. I am certainly glad I did...and I love not adding oil!