Opinions: Merc - Opti Max , 2010, 434 hours - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

HydraSportsPT · #1 09-14-2014, 07:17 AM

Gents n Gentle Ladies,
I am looking to upgrade to a Cc Contender, w Twins , 150 hp and found an interesting prospect.

Has any one had experience with Opti Max engines or know engines well enough to have an opinion.

I am not looking to debate 4 Strokes vs 2. Or Why I should buy Yamaha vs Merc etc.....just what do you know.

I realize every engine unique ball of fun......maintenance, type of usage etc.....just really want some insight as to what we know about these engines.

My 2000 Johnson has been flawless.....and I know no other engine besides a IO many years ago.......
Thanks in advance.
Perry

Gerry Zagorski · #2 09-14-2014, 08:32 AM

Mercury had some Opimax issues early on with pre mature power head failures. Here is a related post http://www.njfishing.com/forums/showthread.php?t=41225 . In fairness, all the manafactutures did with their early new high pressure injected 2 stokes. Yamaha with their HDPI and Johnson/Evenrude with Ficht. Most are now leading with their 4 stokes with the exception of Johnson/Evenrude who replaced Ficht with Etech

None of these above high pressure 2 stoke engines would be my first choice and most of the boats you see with these engines are usually selling for way less then their peers with 4 stokes because of the perceived issues.

HydraSportsPT · #3 09-14-2014, 09:30 AM

Thanks Gerry- yes the target boat is less than what it would loaded w a 4....its all about some compromise- age vs hp vs size etc....this is a 2010 and most of in put was about 2000-2007 etc....since this is a used boat I am hoping I can tell if the engines are dogs or well put together.

Flygaff · #4 09-14-2014, 07:00 PM

I have a set of 04 135 hp on my 25 center. I have had very good luck with my engines. I am looking to buy a set of 10 225 optis from Almars. Great fuel economy. I have had minor issues but I will buy merc again

260SEAVEE · #5 09-14-2014, 08:16 PM

My 225 optimax has over 4,000 hours and is still running strong!
Yes I did have some issues, but hell it's a machine. And it needed periodic maintenance.

Capt. Debbie · #6 09-15-2014, 11:02 AM

Really? Thats unbelievable. Or is the only original part left the engine cowel? LOL

I've never heard of that even in four strokes. Two strokes are about 1500 hours maybe.

And how did you run up over 4000 hours on it? I ran charters and that about 20-30 years of running.

Quote:

Originally Posted by 260SEAVEE

My 225 optimax has over 4,000 hours and is still running strong!
Yes I did have some issues, but hell it's a machine. And it needed periodic maintenance.