Would you buy an Optimax?

[limitlong]

I have an 05 pro xs 225 and it has been a strong engine. Replaced compressor at 300 hrs and just normal service since. I use quickleen and marine stabil in each tank and now have approximately 500 hrs. I would not hesitate to buy one as long as the maintenance has been kept up to date.

[Whiteboat]

The 07 150 Opti on my Sabre FTD has been flawless. The early OptiMax OBs (prior to 06-07) were the ones I thought had problems. I know quite a few guys who still run OptiMax OBs and don't have major issues. Sure, 4 strokes have advantages, but they're certainly not immune to problems. The new Pro XS 4 strokes haven't been out long enough for anyone to draw the conclusion they're more reliable in the long run than a 2 stroke Pro XS or OptiMax.

Problem years for the bigger Optimax motors was 2000 to 2003

[ranger185]

I had a 2002 150 OptiMax that was trouble free for 11 yrs. Only thing to go bad was sensor in the engine oil tank and a thermostat. Was running great when I traded my Ranger for my P4.

[vabasscat]

2001 225 OptiMax no problems yet. Hoping it will go 10 more years before i replace it. I purchased it new.

[PMantle]

Have had 3 150s. All three were great.

[Stroker250xs]

Some seem to run better than others. My optipop blew twice I’m 300 hours.

[Bkp2609]

Im a firm believer that a motor is either real good or real bad. Dont buy a boat with a rebuilt powerhead. A motor with 400 original hours is a good motor and will probably go another 400. Have to use good oil, good gas( cant let the gas just sit in the tank for months) and do the routine maintenance. The cost to fix a 2 stroke is half of a fourstroke easily. The worst thing for a 2 stroke is low octane gas from sitting for long periods of time. It will blow in 5 minutes run time. I have a merc4s now with warranty. And as soon as it runs out i will worry everytime i go fishing thinking if it blows i cant pay 10k to fix it.

[Sabre1]

From what I’m hearing, the reliability of the 4S ProXS is very good. I hope to pull the trigger on one this week.

[Cullbynoon]

I bought a 2019 225 4S Mercury under warranty thru 2023 and have the ability to extend warranty further for $1400. Almost bought a 2018 2 stroke. Extremely happy with the growling start up of the 4S Merc! Puts a smile on my kid every key turn!!

[Sabre1]

Picking up a 2019 Puma FTD with a Merc 4S 250 later this week. Guess I need to change my name since I sold the Sabre.