150 optimax ????

[Isanti Fisherman]

I have a new 150 hp optimax sitting in the crate in the garage waiting for spring to sell my new 115hp optimax with 90 mins on it sitting on my boat.
Why is it the 175 and 150 are same everything in the mercury book?
what would you need to change to get that motor up to 175hp?Not that I need it it is going on my 1800 fisherman. But if it was cheap I wouldnt mind doing it?

[staylor]

As I understand it, the differences are major- and for a start you'd need to change the ECU and probably the entire throttle body- and these aren't cheap. The same issues exist with the idea of modifying the 135 Opti to make it a 150.
Doug

[John in Mn]

You won't find a dealer to do it. Mainly because it is illegal to modify the emissions system.

[Isanti Fisherman]

Thanks for the info.

[Senderofan]

I think you're going to be pleasantly surprised at the difference between the 115 and the 150. My 2001 1800 Fisherman had an XR6 150 Merc ( 2.5 liter v6). on it when I purchased it. Once I got it propped right...it had very good holeshot and if the conditions were right...I could squeeze 50.5 mph out of her (gps). That was with just me in the boat...but I also have a 15 hp 4s kicker on the back.

I'm upgrading to a 2009 175hp...but mainly due to the poor fuel economy of the older carb'd motor. I decided if I was re-powering...I'd hang the max of what is listed for the boat.

I'd say...give that 150 opti. a chance...I think you'll be very happy with it.

Wayne