I have a 2004 TZX 190 with the VMax 150. My previous boat was a 1996 Champion with a 2001 Mercury 200. Same size boat and the Vmax out performed the Merc and i have always been a Merc guy. I bought boat back in May and just had impellar, plugs, gas filter, and lower unit oil changed and it runs even better. It does use a little gas but little oil. I am weird and probably don't need to but I fill up with super unleaded and use stabil.

Thanks for the input. It sounds as if it is a good engine for what he is wanting to do. He will be buying new boat and engine. Not used. Der Vorsteher, I have a 250 etec and I run plus and stabil every fill-up. Never had any problems.

running a 97 150 proV been a great motor. orig owner

I've got a 2002 150 Vmax carbed that I've run since 2012. Two impellers, and that's all I've had to do. Starts first crank after you get it going the first time, but can be tough to start after it's set up a while, especially if it's cold. First "big" motor I've had, so to me it uses a lot of gas and oil compared to the 90 HP I had before. IMO you're taking increased reliability in exchange for fuel efficiency. I'd say go for it.

When I bought my boat the service dept said do not use super unleaded due to the high octane lever, something about blowing the head or rings. You might ask someone or see what others here say, just in case. Rather safe than sorry.

Bought mine used in early 2014, not one single issue. Starts like a champ every time. 2011 Zx 190, sips oil and pretty good on gas

I have a Ranger 185 DVX with the OX66 150 on it and after 13 years the compression is still dead on and absolutely zero issues. No problems with mine in the cold it fires up within seconds. I do continually run ring free in mine as well. If that boat has the OX66 jump on it...great motor!!