View Full Version : Any opinions good or bad on 175 optimax's
oly67
08-03-2009, 04:03 PM
Looking at a 2009 1850 Reata with an 09 175 Optimax. Any reasons not to get an Optimax in that size? Thanks.
Opti-Mist
08-03-2009, 06:38 PM
I've got an '06 and I'm quite happy with it. On a 1900 Pro-V w/21P Tempest Plus it will do 52 mph GPS @ 5200 rpm. I typically run 3800 - 4000 at 30 - 37 mph depending on current & wind. Fuel economy is 4 ish, oil usage is 50:1 as I run very little a idle or low speed trolling, when it's running I'm running to somewhere (no cruises to nowhere for me). Would I get another? In a heartbeat. The only thing is sound level - no conversations at running speed (but it is a GOOD sound).
Vikings Fan
08-04-2009, 11:28 AM
I have had three Mercury 175 Optimax outboards. A few minor problems in thousands of hours. (bad plug, stuck open thermostat.) That convinced me to go buy another one this year. A great motor by a good company to have on your side "IF" you do have any problems. A tip. Purchase the extended warranty. I did. at a dollar a horsepower the extended warranty isa good deal if only for piece of mind. It also makes selling your boat easier if you decide to upgrade down the road.
I've got an 07 on an 1860 Angler. So far, a great engine. Turn the key and it's running. I've read that you want to let the Opti warm up before pegging it - but after it warms up, punch it and hang onto your drink. As many others have said, get the Smartcraft monitor - it gives you much info including internal temp. With a 21 pitch HI-5, I can get my 1860 over 50. And one time I had 6 guys (plus me)jump in for a ride back to the marina - I wasn't sure how it would do, and it didn't jump out of the hole like it usually does, but it powered right up on plane - no problem.
These 175 Opti's are really good engines. I also have a 175 Opti on an 1860 Angler and it has been a pleasure to own and operate. She starts instantly and runs strong. The 175 Opti shares the same block as the 135 & 150 Opti's. Those have all been extremely reliable engines from Mercury Marine for many years.
Smitty
08-10-2009, 10:03 AM
I've got an '01 135 Opti (same block as the 175) and it's really been pretty trouble free and I LOVE the way the DFI engines start quick and consistently. The only thing I've ever had against mine is that the water pumps seem to need to be replaced more frequently than other outboards I've owned. I replaced mine this spring (rather than paying someone $250+ to install a $55 water pump) and was amazed that the pump/impeller is much smaller than my previous Evinrude outboards (replaced the pump on Dad's 60HP Evinrude this spring as well and it's nearly twice the size of mine).
Plan to replace the water pump every couple years, but other than that I've absolutely nothing bad to say about my Opti.