Mercury Optimax feedback please

[Ashman]

I am close to purchasing a boat I have been wanting for some time, it comes with a 2010 Mercury 150 Optimax.
I would appreciate any info on this motor that anyone can share with me.
Thank You for any feedback,
Steve

[jbird68]

I bought a boat last year that had a 2006 90hp Optimax. I was originally wanting a E-Tec but just couldn't find anything local that I liked. I've always had an Evinrude on my boats. But I haven't had any problems with the Merc. Winterizing was pretty easy, also. Just drain the fuel from the chambers and it was good to go. Manual shows how to do it. Started right up this spring. If you need a manual I found it easily in PDF format. I just printed it and put it in a binder.

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[Johnboy]

I have a 2005 150 Opti. It has been trouble free, starts almost instantly every time. You must have a 1000 cca battery for a starting battery. Let it warm up a few minutes before ever opening the throttle all the way. Bad things can happen if you don't. I would recommend that you replace the water pump impeller as soon as you get it.

[staylor]

I ran a 2002 Opti 150 for 10 years with no issues. X2 on changing the impeller right away, and if you're running a water pressure gauge change the impeller every 2 years or when the pressure in gear at idle goes below 1.2 psi- sounds low, but Opti runs a low pressure system. Also, if you get a warning beep after a long run trolling then weeds have gotten in and blocked the thermostats- which only are engaged at low rpm and get bypassed when rpm goes above 160 or so. Change the stats rather than trying to clean them. I went thru a set of stats every 3-4 years, but I troll thru a lot of weedbeds.

[Paulski67]

I have 2004 Optimax, and am just starting my 11th year with it.

It has been very reliable for me ouside of a bad fuel pump due to some bad corn gas, and also one minor fix on the internal oil tank many a years ago. I do annual maintenance and the occasional other maintenance, and have been rewarded with a great motor. Starts up every time, lots of power, and I like the growl also.

As noted, let it warm up for minute or two, I watch my temp monitor myself as I fish very early and very late in the season.

Good Luck.

Paulski

Good Luck

[reddemon]

Originally Posted by Ashman

I am close to purchasing a boat I have been wanting for some time, it comes with a 2010 Mercury 150 Optimax.
I would appreciate any info on this motor that anyone can share with me.
Thank You for any feedback,
Steve

I have a 2010 115 opti, no issues, like the dealer said and others, let it warm up plenty before hammering the throttle

[repoman]

I am still running my 1998 150 opti. The only major repair was three air injectors. Most likely from how my father winterized it, the boat is now mine and running great still starts right up. I still love the sound of the Opti's.

[Mark Pothen]

I had a 2003 Opti 135 Saltwater tiller. No issues with it at all.

[ziemann]

Decent motor. I wouldn't hesitate to own one.

I would suggest using the search tool. There's a ton of info that's been posted over the years. You'd be best served to search through those old posts.

[Ashman]

Thank you for the feedback,I appreciate firsthand knowledge. I have also been doing searches and it seems to be a overwhelming amount of positives to be said for this motor.