Merc EFI vs Opti on used boat

[ccarlson]

Looking at ranger boats in the model year 1999-2002 range. Having a hard time finding one with a yamaha. More yamahas available on the 2003's and up for about 10-15k more.

So how much less would you pay for a boat that had the 200 horse Merc EFI instead of the Merc optimax?

I'm aware of the inherant problems with the opti's and the updates and such. I'm also aware the EFI will take more gas, be louder, and not idle quite as smooth but I've heard it is a strong running motor with less problems than the first opti's?

Thanks for helping a yamaha guy,

ccarlson

[iffwalleyes]

Depending on what year I know the 200 EFI had some problems.

[ChuckN]

I studied this long and hard as I am not a Merc fan, but now a Merc owner...a well used 175 efi, not a big block, but still a Mercury.

The efi models have a good reputation, IMO. I don't think I've ever seen a complaint of anything unusual like the opti issues. Sure, some may have issues, but major, persistant issues with efi...I say not.

They are louder, they do use more fuel/oil, but a lot of motors I've owned don't get good mileage. I'd rather use more fuel expense than use shop expense.

I certainly wouldn't touch an opti from those years...

I don't know what the price difference would be between the opti/efi, simply because those '98-2001 big block opti's are going to be hard enough to sell, IMO.

Good luck in your search Yamaha guy.

[PerchJerker]

I've had an EFI and now have the Opti. Both have been 175s, not the big block 200+, so not exactly the same as what you're looking at. Both were great motors, no problems or issues with either.

As far as I know all the EFIs are/were bulletproof, made to run hard and fast and last a long time. I liked my EFI motor a lot.

As you stated there were problems with the big block Optis from those years. I'd be careful about buying one, but if you can check the motor's history and get comfortable with it there are probably some good deals to be had. Making sure there wasn't carbon build-up was important with these motors.

I can't help you with pricing since I haven't shopped rigs that compare to what you're looking at. But I would think that there shouldn't be much price difference between '99-'02 EFIs and Optis - $1k-$2k is probably all I'd expect given the age and the motors you're talking about???

Good luck with your shopping.

[ccarlson]

Thanks guys for the quick response. You helped re-assure me on what I had suspected and heard in the past. I did just make an offer which was accepted so I'm going to pick it up this weekend. With most of these boats having opti's, I was hesitant about their problems. But, the EFI is basically the old technology and I was also worried the value would really affect my ability to re-sell it in a few years without taking a major hit.

What happened to Yamaha's market on these boats in the early 2000's?

Can anyone tell me if this 200 efi is a big block or small block? It looks fairly narrow which makes me think it is the small block but I had always thought that once you hit a 200 horse, you were into a big block? Maybe the 225 is the next size up?

ccarlson

[marine_man]

The 200 is still the small block at 153 cu in displacement. The big block EFI was the 225 at 185 cu in. The 200 shares the same block with the 175 efi.

And as far as the EFI's go.. they're a good motor. They're better than the comparable Optimax for this time period, as others have said.

Should be a good rig!

marine_man

[Black_Bay]

Get your self some Amsoil HP Injector oil and that motor should last a long time.

[ChuckN]

I concur with Amsoil! There is a HUGE difference in performance, less smoke, idling...

[PerchJerker]

I didn't realize the 200 EFI was the same block as the 175 EFI. I think that's a good thing as that V6 EFI was solid.

I should have posted this earlier, but hopefully you can have a compression check done on the motor just to be sure.

I ran Amsoil in my EFI for a year, then switched back. I didn't notice any benefits from it at all, and 2 boat mechanics that I trust steered me away from it. I know I'm in the minority here, but no Amsoil in my boats.

Congrats on the new boat. Got any photos or details to share?

[iffwalleyes]

I don't think amsoil is necessary either. No doubt it is good oil but I not sure about it.

[ChuckN]

Nobody said "necessary". Just saying our $.02...

I love Amsoil because it just works against carbon deposits, may main concern in 2 strokes. I couldn't say that before with petro tcw3 oil. It's hard to say how many gallons a year, over the years, I go thru in the boat, sleds, etc..

Sure, there are other brands of synthetic. I just choose this brand.

[theoilman]

I'm curious, what other oil or oils are you comparing to the AMSOIL?

[ccarlson]

Actually I've been an Amsoil user for over 20 years in everything I run. I swear by it. Never had one spec of trouble with any engine or gear that has had Amsoil in use in all those years. Started out using the 100/1 mix oil in some old small mix outboards and mechanics couldn't believe how good the the leak down test numbers were on these motors after I told them how many hours I had on the motor running 100 to 1.

Anyway, I am going to do my own compression check when I get there and will also drain the lower unit oil to inspect (have to switch it over to Amsoil when I get home anyway ). The motor has very low hours on it which I believe to be true since the boat is in showroom condition. Only time will tell for certain.

Thanks again for all the help. Maybe once I have the boat in hand and everything looks good on the final deal, I will post a picture.

ccarlson

[ChuckN]

What did you end up buying?

[ccarlson]

ChuckN,

Thanks for asking.

Just got back from picking up the new boat. 2000 Ranger 619DVS with the Merc 200 efi, 9.9 merc 4 stroke kicker, minn kota bow mount, etc. Looks great. It is various red tones with the black bottom.

Stopped at Cabela's on the way down and they are shipping the new vantage 80 and kicker bracket for it since they were out of stock on both when I stopped. I'm a backtroller more than a bow mount user.

My wife wasn't happy though when I told her we would take off the nice factory swim ladder to make room for the vantage. Sorry, just can't fish out of a boat with a swim ladder!

Loved my old Ranger 690 so hopefully this boat will be as good. Definitely more room and the dual console will be nice.

I hope to tow it over to Battle Lake this summer too to hit Ottertail or W. Battle. You think a Skeeter guy would ever be seen in a Ranger ?

ccarlson

[ChuckN]

Nice rig! I've been caught in a Ranger.

Let me know when you're around, I could show a Ranger guy how to fish.

[marine_man]

Sounds like a nice rig... Congratulations!

marine_man