I don't know. It's a Canadian boat and they may have gotten a deal on "old" stock engines or ordered it so far in advance they got stuck with the 225's. Speed is not an issue in BC waters. We have a lot of wood in the water and very choppy seas due to all wind/tide/currents. I cruise my Marlin between 23 and 25 knots most times. I rarely run her up to top speed because I prefer not to pound myself to death.