My buddy is buying a Optimax Mercury 200. Does anyone have an opinion ?

RedRanger, I have a 99 200 Optimax, it runs great. Excellent fuel economy for a motor that size, runs very clean; no smoke at start up and no oil slick on the water. I bought it new in Sept 2000, I'm real happy with it.

------------------
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UACvBOcX6M1ZgpxK5UwWhJT24u0A8ZvJTnq0eyC7wNu5!CBKvGdG0nc1fD1SZoIXuy8LHGh9aPjJaJTcixS!49okTvqW8ej15v1BaZPhZA2jKNCd0tFTOYyCtBkccLQZ/RoadRunner-18.jpg?dc=4675400504701073152[/img]

I'am helping a fishing buddy look for a boat, and a salesman said they were having all kinds of trouble with the Optimax.

The motor is a 99 Merc. Optimax, 200 HP that we are looking at.

They did have some problems with the 98 Opti. All those problems worked out. Find out how many hours it has on it and where there any repairs done to it. Most likely if it had problems it would be the powerhead. I had a 98 225 Opti on my Jag never had a problem. The motor still doesn't have any problems, I've talked to the owner and all he's ever done was preventive maintenance.

The best person to talk to about Merc's is Sherm he can be reach on a different forum and he is the link.
http://pub165.ezboard.com/fbbcboardfrm10

Good luck they are awesome motors. I currently have a 200 Opti and love it. Easier on my pocket book also.

Bascat

All DFIs had problems in the early models. Just have a Merc tech take a look and make sure all updates were performed. Should be good to go. 98-2000 Needed Updates on the motors.

RedRanger,

I bought a 2001 Ranger from a friend of mine back in June with a 200 Optimax. I can't begin to tell you how much better gas mileage I get with this motor. I have two 28 gallon tanks but I only fill one tank at a time and one stretch I fished for four straight weekends before I got gas. It does use more oil but like I said, the fuel effeciency is awesome. It also starts on a dime, unless you accidently unhook your kill switch and don't notice it.

YES!Dont't do it.

RedRanger, Is that the same salesman that was selling used cars last week? If not, he missed his calling!

------------------
[img]http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0UACvBOcX6M1ZgpxK5UwWhJT24u0A8ZvJTnq0eyC7wNu5!CBKvGdG0nc1fD1SZoIXuy8LHGh9aPjJaJTcixS!49okTvqW8ej15v1BaZPhZA2jKNCd0tFTOYyCtBkccLQZ/RoadRunner-18.jpg?dc=4675400504701073152[/img]

Bought a new Black 200 last year. I opted(pun intended) for the EFI. The EFI is a well proven performer and the gas thing is not much of an issue after you spend the 30 getting to the lake, 50 for new lures and 20 for food & ramp. I think the EFI performs better and had rather other guys try out the new technology. I fully expect the 4 strokes to be the motor of choice in the next 5 years.

My experience with the Poptimax was not a good one. After the powerhead on my 99 model blew for the third time in four years I replaced it with an EFI earlier this year and it has been running fine for almost a year now. If he does buy it, I hope it has a warranty.

FishGod, you should really get yourself into a Skeeter with the 225HPDI Yamahammer.

Only thing distinctive about the Skeeters is the slapping sound of the hull on the water and I am still scared of getting up on the cowl to kick on the kick starter of a Yamaha, Just kiddin, they are fine boats and motors. One of these days they may be as good as a ChampioN.

SkeeterMark, why should I downgrade?

What do you mean downgrade? You're already at the bottom with the triton.

J.Steve, the slapping of the water just means I'm not catching fish at the moment. So if I'm not catching fish why should you?