Thread: Newer OB Advice

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  1. #1
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    Newer OB Advice

    I found a 2017 Mercury 115 4 stroke command thrust, 20" shaft for sale. Has 600 hours on it. Any input on how well this would push an 18' Xpress H56? Thinking of replacing my 2003 Optimax 135.
    2003 18' Xpress H56, 2022 Tohatsu MFS140 / Serial #071184BB

  2. Member MIKER2702's Avatar
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    #2
    id keep the v6 135 if it was me.
    how many hours on yours ?
    1998 bullet 20xd 2006 225 sport xs

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    #3
    Quote Originally Posted by MIKER2702 View Post
    id keep the v6 135 if it was me.
    how many hours on yours ?
    368 hours on mine.
    2003 18' Xpress H56, 2022 Tohatsu MFS140 / Serial #071184BB

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    #4
    I'd stay with the 135 opti as well

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    #5
    If I recall, you were having issues with finding the right setup and/or prop to get it to ride better/faster. Maybe consider looking into a 150hp instead of reducing the hp.

  6. Member mittenbass's Avatar
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    #6
    Also, the lower unit on the command thrust outboard is intended for low speed applications, such as a pontoon boat, and would be less than ideal from a performance standpoint.
    Brad Luchsinger

    2003 Allison XB-21 BasSport 2+2
    2004 Mercury Racing 250XS


    1998 Xpress X70
    1998 Yamaha Vmax 150 TRP

    2002 Triton 200XP

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    #7
    Quote Originally Posted by jgleu View Post
    If I recall, you were having issues with finding the right setup and/or prop to get it to ride better/faster. Maybe consider looking into a 150hp instead of reducing the hp.
    Roger that buddy. I'm just thinking reliability lately. My engine is running fine and I'm keeping up with the maintenance. Guess I get a little wary reading about the compressor failures and such.
    2003 18' Xpress H56, 2022 Tohatsu MFS140 / Serial #071184BB

  8. Member MIKER2702's Avatar
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    #8
    Quote Originally Posted by MDean89 View Post
    Roger that buddy. I'm just thinking reliability lately. My engine is running fine and I'm keeping up with the maintenance. Guess I get a little wary reading about the compressor failures and such.
    understand that alot of crap on optimax can go wrong.
    1998 bullet 20xd 2006 225 sport xs

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    #9
    Quote Originally Posted by MDean89 View Post
    Roger that buddy. I'm just thinking reliability lately. My engine is running fine and I'm keeping up with the maintenance. Guess I get a little wary reading about the compressor failures and such.
    You still have low enough hours on it. I think it will be fine. But, I agree with mittenbass, the command thrust would slow you down.

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    #10
    There is just as much that can go wrong with a four stroke. There is no way I would get rid of the V6 for the F115 although I have one on my H17. If you check the air compressor for bearing slop once a year you should catch it before it fails.

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    #11
    [QUOTE=ddement;[URL="tel:12605243"]12605243[/URL]]There is just as much that can go wrong with a four stroke. There is no way I would get rid of the V6 for the F115 although I have one on my H17. If you check the air compressor for bearing slop once a year you should catch it before it fails.[/

    Sound advice, I appreciate that.
    2003 18' Xpress H56, 2022 Tohatsu MFS140 / Serial #071184BB

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    #12
    I heard all the Optimax stories, too. My dealer advises the Opti is good for 1500 hours, IF the scheduled maintenance is kept.
    2015 Ranger RT188 DC; BassCat Storage Box; Mercury Optimax 115ProXS;
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