How many of you guys would shy away from a used Yamaha vmax in the 2000-2003 range? I've heard of several yammies blowing on Tyler recently and new opinions. Ther are a lot of used Skeeter boats I would consider buying but the Yamahas scare me. Thoughts?

If is is an OX66, it is probably one of the most bullet proof outboards Yamaha has ever built. Purchasing a used engine is fraught with potential problems because you never know how the engine has been maintained & operated.

Have it gone through by a good mechanic and like the above post said if its that engine those are good ones.

Just my opinion - Operator abuse & poor maintenance has considerably more to do with engine failure than what name is on the engine.
I've owned 4 Yamaha's, and never had ANY serious problems from any of them. 1990 Yamaha "Precision Blend" 150, "98 VMAX "Carbed" 150, 2000 VMAX 225 OX66, and now a 2008 VMAX HPDI 250. ALL darned good engines.

I bought a used 2002 Skeeter Zx225 with a 225Yamaha OX66 back in October and have run this motor at least 3 or 4 times a week since then with zero problems.

Bought a used Skeeter in 2006 that has a 2003 Vmax 150(carb). It has been solid. Never an issue with.

But like the others say, it has less to do with the name on it than how the previous owner(s) took care of it.

Have it looked over by a mechanic before you buy.

I have a 2000 model and I think I have had $300 in repairs on it since it was new.Right fuel additives and oil is what I think has helped this motor run like a top since I bought it.Also,I don't run it like I stole it.

Go for it. Just make sure you use Stabil or Biobor in it everytime you fill up. Those engines are tough but ethanol will mess any of them up.

I have a 2000 model VMax 150. I bought it used in 2004 and I fish every weekend. I use Ring Free and bite the bullet to pay for Yamaha 2-cycle oil. I also run Stabil ethanol treatment in it. I've probably spent $500 to $700 on motor repairs in almost nine years.

I have an '03 OX66 on my Skeeter. Bought it brand new and have spent a grand total of $0 dollars for repairs. Maintenance is another issue... I have run countless hours and have used Walmart oil for the last 6 years or so. I do use Ring-Free regularly but other than that, that dude is bulletproof... i don't let gas sit in it and run each tank dry before I switch, for what that is worth..

Let someone give it the careful eye (Boat Center / Bryan) is my recommendation
I have run them for 20+ years, from a 115 up to 225, maintained em like you should

$ 0 engine repair dollars

98model 200 hp, zero problems and 15 yrs old.

Had a 03 0x66 200..tougher than nails..get a compression check and use ring free