Is it just me that is confused by your post ?
Line 1, says you bought a boat with a Yamaha 25hp but you traded it for a 9.9.
"The new 25 has a good price and a 126 pound overall weight does any one have any reviews for this motor. ---> Did you obtain or are thinking of buying another one ?

"I’m trying to limit more holes in boat and not go to mercury, they added two more when I got 9.9" ---> You have the 9.9 mounted. Are thinking of buying a Mercury 25 HP ?