How many hours is a lot for an outboard motor?

[snsellers1]

I am looking at a 200 optimax with 381 hours and 171 idiling. I am thinking that is a lot but not quite sure? What do yall think?

 

[cast4bass]

I have almost 600 hours on my 225 Optimax and it runs great. As long as it is maintained I think you are good. Optimax is a good motor. I had one on a Saltwater boat years ago and it always ran great - of course I do maintain mine

 

[bigkuntry1282]

how do you find out how many hours is on it? i have a 2007 150 yamaha vmax

 

[snsellers1]

I have heard that some boats have the counter in the dash and others have to be plugged into a computer by either a dealer. Somebody please correct me if im wrong.

 

[WLG]

I have a 1983 Evinrude 115 that has been run most every week of its life. I have no Idea how many hours it has on it but I dont hesitate a bit to go ANYWHERE with this motor. I have always maintained it well which is the KEY to the longevity of any engine. I would ask to see maintenance records.

 

[chillerman69]

The 200 Optimax should be the longest lasting of the 3.0 Litre engines. Getting more horsepower from the same size engine is almost always harder on them in practical use. If the motor has been maintained, you could/shoild easily get 2500 hours out of it. Did the readout show any hours of running hot? I think that motor will show that. If you do a compression check or a (much better) blow by test and all is well, get it, if price is right. There are very few moving parts on the 2 strokes and an electrical issue can strike any motor, any time.

 

[AreTheyBiting]

To get the Optimax hours you must have a way to read the PCM.
If you have the smart craft monitor it will tell you the hours on the motor
If you don't have one it must be plugged into a computer

I have a smart craft monitor and will not own a modern motor without one
aside from the hours, I have access to Temp readings, gas used, water pressure, exact RPM, voltage, and in addition too a warning buzzer I get Icons that better identify a problem

The Optimax is a good engine and will last a lot of hours if properly maintained and monitored

 

[powell4786]

Isold my 225 optimax it was a 05 model had 450+ new lowerunit and compressor got 5500 out of it that will kinda tell u what its worth 300 hours aint alot at all.

 

[snsellers1]

Thank yall! I really appreciate all of the good info! That will help me in my decision! For an 08 motor that just seems a bit high and for the 171 hours idiling I wonder why he idled so much.

 

[m17glock]

and for the 171 hours idiling I wonder why he idled so much.</p>

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side imaging..... i bet whoever had it had a side imaging unit . they do their best work at idle speeds
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[Hook1]

m17glock - 2/15/2012 4:39 AM



and for the 171 hours idiling I wonder why he idled so much.</p>

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side imaging.....         i bet  whoever had it  had a side imaging unit . they do their best work at idle speeds 
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emoThumbsup My thoughts exactly! emoThumbsup

 

[brushhog]

i got a 225 in my shed thats has over 450 hrs on it never been in the shop,,,my buddies up north have merc's with loads of hrs @ idle,walleye fisherman often troll in gear at idle for them eyes,,,,

 

[brushhog]

tt

 

[snsellers1]

Thanks m17glock and Hook1! That makes a lot of since I didnt even think about that! I bet yall are right! And thanks for the info brushhog. I guess with any motor its all about maintenace and of course everybody gets a lemon every once in a while...

 

[TOMMY 20RXD]

500 :emoticon: