Mercury Model/Serial #

[chull]

Hey everyone, I am new to the forums and I'm hopefully going to be buying my first bass boat soon. I am looking at a boat that has a 2006 optimax 175 supposedly. I say supposedly because I asked him to send me some pictures of the motor and the model/serial number and this is what he sends. See pics. You will notice the decals are gone. He said he was going to do a custom top but never got around to it. But I just think the pic he sent with model/serial looks a little off. Like it was made with a label maker or something. Should this raise red flags?

[hoytkimbershimano]

My 09 250 Pro XS has a sticker on the transom bracket (sort of near the trim pistons) with S/N and stuff. It is a white sticker about 1 inch square.

[06 SB]

That is a label maker decal. No OEM looks like that. Something is up. The original one was removed for some reason. I'd guess some major component was replaced. If it is nearby, go look at it. If it is far, then find another boat.

[grout-scout]

That looks so weird with that big white label on the lower cowling.

[tritontr196]

here is sticker from 04 OptiMax 200 just for reference

[chull]

Thanks all. He did end up sending me a picture of the manufacturer sticker. Motor has 800 hrs on it. Does that seem high for a 2006?

[grout-scout]

Thanks all. He did end up sending me a picture of the manufacturer sticker. Motor has 800 hrs on it. Does that seem high for a 2006?

Can you afford to fix the motor if it blows up the first time you use it? That will be the answer to any question you can think of. They all blow at some point and nobody knows when that will be.

[SilverFox579]

That engine is 11yrs old, 72hrs per year is not high IMO. If a well qualified Merc tech runs a thorough check of the engine and results are good I wouldn't be afraid of the hours - Checkout Recommendations for a Used Engine

[EuropeanAM]

That engine is 11yrs old, 72hrs per year is not high IMO. If a well qualified Merc tech runs a thorough check of the engine and results are good I wouldn't be afraid of the hours - Checkout Recommendations for a Used Engine

+1

Serial# 1B299139
Model# 1175D73FY
MERCURY 175DFI L SW (2.5L Optimax)
DOB: 12/02/05

[Sig556]

Thanks all. He did end up sending me a picture of the manufacturer sticker. Motor has 800 hrs on it. Does that seem high for a 2006?

My 06' Opti has just over 300 hours on it.

[EuropeanAM]

Roughly 75 hours a year. Well above the "overall national average"- but pretty much in line for your average fishing boat.