2004 200L Merc Optimax done at 822hrs

[NoCAL]

My 2004 225 Opti did the same in 2015. I went with a repower with 250 Opti. Really woke my boat up!

[apdriver]

I would call this BBC sponsor and get a quote. Won’t cost you anything and give you more than 1 option.

https://www.bbcboards.net/showthread.php?t=1285869

[mike464]

You have several quality bass boat dealers towards the west for repower options, Nixon's in Tri Cities, Limit Out and Spokane Valley Marine in Spokane Wa. Those are who most of us in the Montana BASS Nation use for major work. Any of the walleye rig dealerships should be able to handle a new Mercury repower, I wouldn't trust them very much on an Optimax rebuild, most are 4 stroke mechanics over on your side of the state. A friend from the east side of the state just repowered their Champion with a new SHO.

[davidsa]

I can't imagine a cost of rebuild so low that I'd consider a makeover on a 21 year old 2s motor. I'd repower or buy a new boat.

[kawakawa]

Thanks, that's very helpful. I have a guy here in Helena, Aced Marine, the owner Tommy has 30 years experience with Merc and deals with lots of 2 strokes. He did the diagnosis. Im meeting with him this week to discuss options.

I'd love to repower with an SHO or Pro XS but just don't have the dollars at this time. My Champ 196 is in pristine condition with Ultrex, 3- HDS12's, new batts, etc, etc...selling and rebuying another production boat isn't an option.

Local dealer Townsend Marine said their mechanics only do 4 strokes and suggested Aced here in Helena MT.

[Tim Powell]

#12Today, 07:04 AM

Update as of 5/18...

Well the Merc mechanic finally got back to me with diagnosis and it's not good. Number 2 and 4 cylinders have low compression numbers and he scoped both through the spark plug bores and noticed extensive scoring on both cylinder walls. He said it looked like a failure or glitch in the oil pump may have caused the lack of lubrication and failure?

Im meeting with him next week to discuss options.

Went to a local Merc dealer yesterday and priced a repower with new 200 Pro XS with all the trimmings at around $25K...OUCH!!!

Any suggestions as to rebuild, repower or ??? much appreciated! Selling the rig is not an option.

PM Sent

[CJ1]

I can't imagine a cost of rebuild so low that I'd consider a makeover on a 21 year old 2s motor. I'd repower or buy a new boat.

I redid a 20yo engine for about 6500 total and have been more than happy with it. Not as nice as a new 4st but gets the job done. Cj

[wentbroketryingtogopro]

you have got one of the good ones.not many mercury owners get close to 1000 hours with zero problems.fix this engine and you will be fine