Mercury Optimax

[Sam]

I'm lusting over a new motor for my old Hydrasnort X-270. It's 17 footer and I'm currently running a 1979 Johnson 150 which has been an absolute jewel but, alas, it's like me it's getting old and it uses a lot of fuel. I think it's rated at the powerhead so it's probably comparable to maybe a 135 in the newer models which are rated at the prop I believe. I might even drop down to a 115 since the Mercury 115 is a 6-cylinder and, so I here, has a lot of torque.
Anybody running a 115 or a 135 OPtimax on a 17 foot glass boat? I'd like to know how you like it powerwise and also here what kind of fuel ecomony you're experiencing. Thanks, Sam

 

[ArmySarge]

I had a stratos 17 ft fs with a 150 optimax and 6 in jack plate. performance wise it was quick outta the hole, top end depended on nerves and how much of the "pucker factor" you wanted. fuel economy was about 7-9 mpg depending on driving habits. that was a good set up.

 

[beetlespin]

I have a 225 pro xs optimax and its ther best motor I have had. I have had a 2006 225 hpdi and a 2006 225 HO etec and I like the XS better. I think there is a small refinery in the engine somewhere because fuel mileae is incredible. Everything else is good too.

 

[Sam]

Thanks for the feedback. I occasionally wind my old Johnson 150 out but I more into quiet and fuel economy now than outright speed. I putter around a lot too looking for fish and that makes the old 150 want to load up and sputter. I slip him in neutral and rev 'em up to clear his throat ever now and then. Aint too good on fuel but it does tend to run the mosquitos away.
Sam

 

[Dropshot]

I agree with Sam...My efi 175 is 10 years old, but it can smoke away the mosquitoes.