Mercury Optimax Problems?

[fishlakeman]

As mentioned in my previous post, I'm in the market for a new or used boat and came across a 2000 Pro-V 19 with a 200 hp Mercury Optimax (2000 model year). The boat is absolutely loaded and is in my price range, the only problem is the optimax.

I know there have been lawsuits and everything against mercury for their early models of the 2.5 and 3.0 optimax for their powerheads and direct injection failing. Does anyone know the specific years included in the problems? It sounds like this motor has a terrible history and I don't want to buy my first boat and have the motor dump out on me in 2 years. Would I be taking a huge risk in buying this boat with the opti? What are the chances that this motor would freeze on me, I mean is this a extremely common problem?

Any info on the optimax and their problems would be greatly appriciated! Thanks!

[ChuckN]

Hmmm, the big block opti's had the issues in '99, not sure if 2000 they fixed most of the kinks or not. I am not sure if the 200 was the big block, or not. I thought it effected more 225hp+, but I could be wrong.

The best thing to do is talk to the owner and find out the history. There were updates for those motors that would prevent the issues. Sometimes the serial number off the motor will tell you the history off the Merc's database if it has been serviced, recalls, etc. I know a computer can be hooked up to that motor to tell you all the hours and other info on the motor's computer too.

I'm not a Merc fan, but I bought an older Merc EFI and I'm happy so far. I was leary, but it seems to have a good reputation. As far as Opti's go, I can't run fast enough. Just my $.02.

[Kevin Turner]

Merc is trying to make the early Opti issues right. Give Merc's customer service a call to find out if there is any added protection or updates available on the 2000 model yr. There is no question that the early Opti should be approached with caution. MY .02

[Rost]

My dad bought a 2002 Opti- He got a letter in the mail stating that we will recieve 6 months of further warrenty with the motor due to the class action lawsuit. It must be from 1999-2002??

I agree with the others.. I would not touch an Optimax in that year. I begged him not to buy that thing!

[rangr]

I own a 2002 225 Opti and my dad owns a 2000 200 Opti both of these motors have run flawlessly the 200 has the digital package that allowed the motor to troll down to 450rpms. In 2000 when he bought it I wasnt so sure that was a good idea but a kicker motor was a little out of his price range. As of last fall the motor has close to 500hrs from WOT to 450rpms and the only thing that has ever been replaced is the plugs and the water impeller that didnt break but he thought he better replace it before it did. I bought my 225 Opti in 2003 fished 11 tournaments last year and countless hours every where else have about 130hr on it and the only thing I have had fixed was the throttle cable. You guys can run from Mercs. But if you didnt buy from a manufacture that had problems with motors you would be paddling.

[Valv]

I had a 1999 150 opti and a '01 135 opti, and I thought they were great motors, nothing wrong with them at all.

There has been issues with few motors, but have been fixed, and also were very rare. But the "rumor" got out in a hurry and scared a lot of people (I wonder if the japanese's helped on this).

Evinrude/Johnson had same issues on their first Fichts, in fact many people says (more rumors) that's why OMC went under.

I know many people that runs them, and after the correct updates, they are still nice and strong motors.

If I had to choose, I would buy them in a blink of an eye.

[Kevin Turner]

Fishlakeman's originial question was about the early Optis. There is no question one should be cautious when considering the early production runs.

Now, that being said, I would put the current Optis up against any OB available. Quiet, fuel effectient, and reliable...MY .02