URGENT 99 Mercury Optimax

[Hiwassee Angler]

Me and my Dad are really interested in a boat with a 99 Optimax on it..Its a 225. I know I posted before but no one really gave me any good info...I hope somobody can set me straight on it...The motor has 250 hours in 10 years

 

[jbh3]

Best thing you can do is get it checked by a known good Optimax tech. He will be able to pull the data stored in the computer, see what, if any, updates have been done, check the compressor/belt/pulley, and just inspect the engine visually. As with any used engine, do a compression/leakdown test and have the lower unit drained and pressure tested. Yes, someone will have to pay to have that done. Probably 1-2 hours @ shop rate. A lake test would also be mandatory for me. Depending on the outcome of the above, you can make your go/no go decision. I'd count on replacing the impeller at least, unless you can verify the engine was serviced recently. Step over to the BBC 3 Liter forum (http://www.bbcboards.net/zerothread?id=488992) and read up on the care and feeding of the Optimax. If it's properly maintained, that engine should be good for a LOT more hours. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Oldman]

somebody tell when mercury made a good Optimax?i haven't seen one yet.lol

 

[dragfish]

Oldman - 1/31/2011 7:07 PM

somebody tell when mercury made a good Optimax?i haven't seen one yet.lol

Look around you on the lake! What percentage of boats have them?
Any rate-to help the man out, see Carter or Ty at Nichol's Marine. They know them inside and out.

 

[brushhog]

better off with a efi 225

 

[stratos21xl]

get the numbers off the motor(serial number) and have a dealer pull the warranty info in as well. That way you can see what kind of warranty issues and maintenance was or has been done on the motor.

 

[fishnboy]

I would def hook up to computer and run a compress test on it

 

[Hiwassee Angler]

The compression checked out on it and everything....The dealer has done the service on it its whole life...The boat is a trailer queen.... about 25 hours a year on the boat...Me and Dad use our boats were just afraid were gonna run it too hard and blow it.

 

[nickajack-smack]

You could not give me a hundred brand new efi motors. They r gass hogs

 

[stratos21xl]

you'll take that chance with any used boat you buy. Just remember what "BOAT" stands for Break Out Another Thousand

 

[brushhog]

,,,theres so many of them out there,your'e going hear both sides of the story,,if you beat the crap out of it,and dont take care of it your gonna have problems

 

[jbh3]

basspro96 - 1/31/2011 11:20 PM

The compression checked out on it and everything....The dealer has done the service on it its whole life...The boat is a trailer queen.... about 25 hours a year on the boat...Me and Dad use our boats were just afraid were gonna run it too hard and blow it.

That's about as good as you can do as far as checking one out. If you all like the rig and it's at a price you're happy with, I'd go for it. Sounds like you have a good dealer. Do what he says regarding regular maintenance, fuel, oil and fuel additives. Be sure you let the engine come up to temperature before you hammer it. That engine should serve you well for a long time. You'll love the fuel economy and low oil consumption.