Mercury Optimax motors

[ShadKing]

I'm purchasing a 2002 Lund 2025 with a 200 Optimax in October. The guy I'm buying it from is just getting rid of his 2001 (same boat) and did not have any problems with it. I have been hearing from a host of people that problems are arising with the Optimax motors. Should I be concerned? I am well aware of powerhead failures of the FICHT motors in 99-2000, but fished the MWT last year and a large portion of the field were fishing Optimax motors. Please advise me of any problems/successes of the Optimax. The motor I am purchasing will not have the troll-down chip option.
scott

[eyebuster]

I have a 2001 225 opti on my 2025, no problems at all with the motor and would have no problem buying another if need be..

eyebuster

[GARYboes]

Scott, I'v been running a 200 opti on my yarcraft storm for 3 years now and have had 0 problems. Thinking about trading boats this late summer and it will have another 200 opti on it. Good luck

[1fife]

speed wise-how does your boat run with the opti?

ever feel under powered?

prop?

[Mike]

I have a 1999 opti and it has been trouble free except for a bearing in the lower unit. I would buy another one in a minute.

[GARYboes]

Top end speed on my storm under normal conditions is 52 to53 m.p.h. Could pick some more speed with different prop but I'm running the high five prop which I feel is a good all around prop for this boat.Sometimes it seems a little sluggish on take off but that depends mostly on how full the gas tank (59gals) has, how much water is in the livewells, and how much gear is pilled around. Sure do like this setup for rough water which I seem to be in a lot. Only problem I have with this prop is that it doesn't back up with a darn. Back to the motor I'm very satisfied with the opti. Have heard there has been some problems most I'v heard about had to do with not breaking in right. I see a lot of them on the water and I haven't seen one broke down yet.

[Jeffro]

I heard an Opti blew during Spring Valley MWC?? Anybody know the details?

I've got a '00 225 opti that's had only a minor problem so far..fouled a plug at 39 hrs. Merc paid the dealer to install all new platinum NGKs. That was last year. It's been starting and running great since.

Jeff Zurawski
Downers Grove, IL
A Proud Lund, Mercury, Prestige, Motorguide, Lowrance, Bracketpro
Owner

[CJHughes]

Just got back from BassPro in Cinn. Ohio not one of their boats had a Opti on it , everything was EFI .

[IMUST FISH]

hey construction boy ! tell me again what was on that lund and the price. the one that is available now.

[Big Fish]

ShadKing, I've got a 2001 and no probs. yet. Interesting aside is that at the shows I try to ask all the dealers that handle more than one brand of motor which is more trouble and the majority have said the Optis come back to the shop less.. This is certainly not a scientific analysis, and I sure hope this doesn't start another mindless war but just an observation. My decision to buy a Merc. had more to do with my local dealers' service than the black paint. That and the dealer network in Canada where I fish. cw

[Yakaites]

The Opti was a 225 on my friend's boat at the MWC. He had blown the powerhead at the the last tourney last fall and had it replaced (rebuilt) over the winter. He blew the motor again on day 2 at Spring Valley after a decent finish after day one. Needless to say he is very frustrated with merc and the opti. Email me for more details.
yakd@charter.net

[Al]

I know there are a lot of guys who've had success with the OPTI and most of them are before last year. Last year was the first that the engines were leaned to meet the 2006 reqs by EPA> Last year, I saw the problems and lines at the trailers during tournaments. I know guys had trouble at the FLW and BASS in the north division, not to mention BFLs. I also saw the lines at the trailers for them at the RCLs. They stopped production last year because of the problems. Now they say they are cured, but I'd highly advise you to talk to someone who's been at a large event this year. I'm hearing similar reports from pros in FLW and BASS again. Before you go nuts and say I'm a merc basher, forget it, I've owned them forever and am a died in the wool black max from way back. I'm just telling you my observations and right now, they aren't real solidly in favor of Optimax.

[Rich S]

Actually there was 3 225 Opti's that blew at Spring Valley. The Merc trailer did an excellent job getting everybody back on the water. The 2001 has had the most problems with the powerhead. I have a 2000 and love it. I put alot of hours on and have had only minor problems. I will be getting another one on my next boat.

[Steve]

Only three 2001's blew at one event. Sounds a little like the Ficht problems of 1999 / 2000. One has to wonder if Merc has the problem solved for 2002.

[BigBass~]

Have 200 Opti on my ProV1900 and have had no problems. I really like the motor, but wouldn't think twice about getting a Yami! I would wait on considering a Ficht until the redo from the "purchase"!

BigBass~

[Chris G]

I have a '99 200 opti and have no problems. I fish 18+ t;ourneys a year and store the engine outside all winter. I would definetely get another 200 Opti.
Chris Gasser