im looking at used boat with a mercury optimax 200 2006 with 200 hrs would that sound like high hrs or about normal??

Not bad for a 2006; ask for all service records, have motor checked out as well at the dealer.

80 a year is about average, 200 is nothing.

I agree with Pat. 200 is pretty low, especially for a 2006 model. I just bought a new boat in August and already have nearly 100 hours on it. But with that being said I would pay to have it checked out before I bought it. Best money you will ever spend on a boat. Have them do a compression check and a leak down. Either have it done or do it your self with a complete service of the boat after buying. JMHO

I hate the hour meter on boats cause it does not do the motor justice IMO. If you break it down in a MPH X Mileage it would be low at 600 hrs. Most of the hours would be under 3000 rpm also. Now another thing to look at is from a consumer stand point.

We would be totally stupid to buy a engine at the going price if it life was only 500 hrs so to me hours is not a issue on a engine. I put 250-275 hrs a year and motor is very tight.

When I go to sell it I look at book price which says nothing about engine hrs cause it is not important in book price but it is to certain buyers. IMO. I have a good friend that is a 35 year Mater Mercury Tech.

I ask him about this years ago and he said the most hrs he has seen on a engine that was running very good also was 2300 hrs. Just take care of one and they last a very long time.

Look around at some of the older engines that are still out there with carbs.

I'd almost be concerned if it was less that would mean it was sitting for long periods which IMO is worse than an engine that's been used regularly.