View Full Version : optimax
Bob M
03-28-2003, 01:29 PM
What is the story with the optimax's, seems like about half of the 2000 and 2001 225 hp opti's have had their power head replaced. Would you buy one after it has been blown up? how does the warrenty work with a new power head on a 2001 motor, does it start over?
Not trying to bash Merc, just wanted some info before I buy something.
It is okay, you can bash merc. Go Yamaha!! =)
"ah, looky there, I've gotta bite"
cbohn
03-28-2003, 05:18 PM
i believe once they changed the powerheads the motors were just fine. i probably would buy one if it checked out by a mechanic. when you have it checked out ask if the updates are all current and then you should not have any worries.
casey bohn
Pro-V
03-28-2003, 05:57 PM
If you want your boat in the repair shop all summer and a healthy bill to repair it,go ahead and buy it.Why buy a secound rate motor when you can own quality.Buy a different brand of motor.Anything would be better than the Opticrap.
captjoe
03-28-2003, 06:27 PM
Just checking to see what Merc did on your Opti? Did they fix it or did you have to eat the problems?
captjoe
03-28-2003, 06:28 PM
Oops-- the last message was for ProV
mrbreeze
03-28-2003, 07:13 PM
Half of the Optis have had powerheads replaced? Exactly where did you get that information? I'd be interested in the research that you have done to back that statement up.
Pro-V
03-29-2003, 03:27 PM
They gave me the same old song.They will cover some of the parts and I would have to pay for the rest including labor.Never again will I ever buy black again.I took a $3000 loss to trade the motor for a Yamaha.These optimax are so bad the dealers are staying away from them.Bad deal on my part.Who knows maybe they will get them striaght someday.
Opticrap
03-29-2003, 08:17 PM
Way to go Pro-V.. Black motors are junk. My 2000 150 has been a major pain.. Even after the field rep came and looked I still have problems.. And as for re-sale your right again having an optimax on you rig lowers the value.. Just try to trade in an opticrap.. Youll see. Even after 6 months my 9.9 needed a carb kit and merc wouldnt cover it. The float was and is sticking. Once I sell this Boat I will never touch another Merc... I'm proud to say I got three buddies to buy Yamahaha's this year and that is what I will buy next... Number one on the water "Not If I Can Help It"..
MERC #1
03-30-2003, 05:10 AM
I had my 2001 225 blow the powerhead and was replaced by Merc under full warranty. A guy from Indiana bought my boat that Fall and is still running the engine with over 250 hours on the smart gauge without a problem.
Sounds like a "few" guys have had some problems with their engine and because of a piss poor dealer they didn't receive the satisifaction they wanted.
Merc offers a 5 year unconditional warranty right now, for the company to step out and give that away tells something about the product. Obviously the problem is fixed, and Merc sure doesn't want to keep replacing motors for 5 years.
Rob
Trust me, warranties are of little value or comfort when you are out in the middle of the Great Lakes and it lets go. I suspect that wait times for replacement power heads will be longer as FonduLac is laying off workers, and 250 and 225 optis are very slow on delivery. It's a shame. Merc had OMC in the ground 2 years ago and had their chance to really make it. Now they are fighting the same powerhead demons the early Fichts had. What's that saying about history repeating itself?