200 Merc Optimax

[Jigspoon]

I am looking at getting the 200hp optimax. Anybody have one for a full season? Any problems? Does it burn less gas? Thanks

[river king]

i got my 200 optimax last july and i put quite a few hours on it with no problems at all and it uses alot less fuel i fished saginaw bay in late july went out 11 miles and trolled with 9.9 four stroke kicker for 7 hours and back in the 11 miles and used 7 gallons of gas hope this helps you in your decision by the way boat is 1900 se lund

[Chris G]

I ran a 200 Opti all last year and love it! Great gas AND oil milage. Took it out last Saturday for the first time in 2000. Started right up and ran perfect. And the best part, no smoke!I highly recomend one.
Good Luck in your decision!
Chris Gasser

[Nofish]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-11-00 AT 09:30AM (CST)[p]Hey Chris,

Thanks for stealing my thunder!! LOL (Don't you have a Sport show to be at? LOL)

Hello jigspoon,

I too have had my Opti Max out for the frst time since late in November. Backed the boat in, turned the key, the motor spun 2 times and fired right up as if I had shut it off 10 minutes before.

I got my 225 Opti last July and could not believe how good the motor is with fuel and oil, especially after the break in is done by the motor. I went from a 150 EFI to the 225 Opti, and by my wallet at the pump, I can hardly tell the difference.

Good luck.......R

[Stormsearch]

Hey Nofish,

Did you find the Opti to be smoother running or better starting than your previous EFI? Thanks.

[Nofish]

Hey Stormsearch,

Actually, I have found both to be true. The Opti starts better, runs smoother and uses less gas and oil than my EFI. (Which I should point out, the EFI is still an excellent motor)

Good luck.......R

[Tim/Iowa]

I have to agree with Nofish, I couldn't of said it better, everything he is saying is the same here. Maybe the only thing is that a Optimax does not start as quick as a EFI because the engine has to make at least one revolution before it will start not like a EFI which sometimes starts by just bumping the key. But let me say I really like my 225 and I think it uses less gas than my 150 EFI. (go for it) Hi Nofish