used 225 optimaxes

[satbeachbill]

I'm looking at purchasing a pair of used 225 Optimaxes. Build date: July 07. Serial #'s are 18516416 (I think) and 18516419. i know they stopped the "named year" but they have to be called something. Are these considered 08s? Anything I should look out for with this model?

[how900]

I've got some 2007 opti's with about 450 hrs on, they have been fairly good so far, had a couple of ram seals go on the trim and tilt, one gearbox blow up (operator error I think) and just had to replace a compressor which may be down to overheating, I think its worth getting someone to download the data from the management system which will tell you a lot about the engine and alarm history. Seems very important to keep the cooling system in tip top shape. I'm Still learning with these engine but they seem strong enough and if you keep up with maintenance and servicing they give good service and trouble free operating......a good dealer is important. I don't have much dealer backup so I'm on a steep learning curve but we are happy so far.

[EuropeanAM]

Your serial numbers should read something like: 1B516416

Based on the assumption that your serial numbers are "1B", these would be "2006 production year" engines.

Different model numbers, since one of them (419) is a "counter-rotating model".

[satbeachbill]

You are right, the stickers read 1B516419 and 1B851416 but the build date says July 07. The seller claims they are 08's. And you said 06. I'm confused, help me understand what he's selling please. I need to make a decision.

And thanks for the diagnostic advice.


Modified by satbeachbill at 9:35 AM 1/22/2010

[EuropeanAM]

Mercury doesn't use "Model Years". They use "Serial Number, which correlates to a PRODUCTION YEAR MODEL".

Traditionally, in the Boat business, new models begin production the first week of July each year. So someone could "assume" from the manufacturing date that it's a 2008, built in 2007.

Your engine was indeed manufactured in July 07. However, it's model number designation is from the 06 Production Year.

So your motor basically sits "on the fence", and we could pull and argue from both sides as to "which side it belongs on".

I'm sure that has you sufficiently confused.... however, since Mercury doesn't use year models, you really only need to know the serial numbers.

[satbeachbill]

Thanks Don