A few very general Optimax questions

[MikeSD]

Hi folks-

I'm considering upgrading my old boat in the near future, and I'm looking at a replacement with a 2002 Optimax 200hp.

When (what year) did the Optimax series start? Do the early models of the Optimax family have issues to be concerned of?

Edit- Serial # is OT 587149.

Just looking for some general guidance and input on the series, and anything I might look out for-

Any input is appreciated!


Modified by MikeSD at 1:30 PM 1/13/2012

[Mercmonster]

Imo i would not buy anything older than 2004 when it comes to optimax

[Marty0091]

First Opti's were around 98 or so... First ones had some issues... got better the second time around. Changing spark plugs is a pain at least for the bottom plugs, again slightly better as the motors get newer.

[Mercmonster]

The notorious air compressor problem on the optimax has been redesigned to take care of most of their issues. If you have the old style and it fails, when ordered you will get the new comp with updated bearings, but that doesnt mean than an overheat is still not possible

[MikeSD]

So is it fair to say that, generally, the compressor is the biggest source of concern in an Optimax of that year model?

[Mercmonster]

Air compressor was a major concern. Regular optis should have blue injectors that replaced the problemed black injectors. Pro xs has grey injectors. How many hours does this motor have?

[MikeSD]

Not sure about # of hours yet. The place selling it states they don't know either.

If I decide to move forward with this boat, I'd take it in to a Merc certified shop to have them go over it before committing to it.

I'm just kind of trying to figure out if there are major scary issues which would tend to lead me away from it before even looking- like a FITCH motor (I know some have never had issues with those, to be fair).

[Mercmonster]

I would have it checked out. Dont get me wrong they have had their fair share of issues but majority was lack of maitenance. Good luck

[bassman34]

Im looking at a similar motor too, a 99 200hp optimax. Its like anything else, you hear of there being problems with them then there's folks who claim to never have issue's. As don weed would suggest get the compression checked, go for a ride for function test & if all checks out good go for it.

[Ranger519VS]

My '99 had a compressor failure in the first year. Mercury upgraded the compressor design and it has been a good motor all these years.

[EuropeanAM]

2002 production year Optimax was a pretty good motor. Upgrades had been implemented in production (incidentally, we can confirm this in most cases via serial number).

I personally prefer the 2003-> models, which contain the later style IVST (IMHO, a better design).

[MikeSD]

Don, this motors Serial # is OT 587149.

Does that give you any additional insight on the motor?

[EuropeanAM]

Replied to your IM... unfortunately, don't have much access today.

I'll be glad to assist Monday if you drop me an email.