2003 optimax 150hp

[huck1545]

Well guys I removed my cylinder head from 1991 Force 150hp it went smooth.Scoring is visible on the bore so she is done maybe a rebuild project overtime.I have two options that I can go within they are;

(1) marine shop has a force150 that they are willing to swap out power heads and controls plus test and Iam back on the water.

(2) 2003 Merc Optimax 150 with 25" leg up for sale.It has 650 hours and it's a saltwater version.My transom is a 20".My question to you guys is (A)Will a 25" leg work on my boat, (B) Will the mounting holes to the transom be the same, (C) Will their be a lot of changes regarding the controls.This motor comes with the controls.My boat is 1991 Campion Allante Classic 185 Cuddy Cabin.

Thank you
Shane

 

[Chris1956]

25" leg will not work on your transom.

Transom Bolts will be 1/2 thick, and arranged in a rectangle o the Optimax. What do you have now?

Not sure is controls are compatible. Likely electrics are different.

 

[huck1545]

My boat right now has a 1991 Force 150hp

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, are the transom bolts 1/2" thick and mounted in a rectangle? If so the Optimax will bolt on. However, since it is a 25" leg and the electrics are likely different, it is likely better to go with the new Force powerhead.

 

[flyingscott]

Controls from the force will not swap to the opti. Because a 1991 force is still a US Marine product. I agree with Chris replace your powerhead It will be much cheaper to do.

 

[huck1545]

Sorry for the delay in replying. Yes Chris the transom bolts are in a rectangular shape. Flyscoot the Opitmax comes with its own controls.But like you said the powerhead is probably my cheapest way out.

 

[dingbat]

But like you said the powerhead is probably my cheapest way out.

Only if a short term view taken....

I was in a similar situation 4 years ago when my power head gave up the ghost after 2000+ hours.

Install a new 4 stroke for $15k or a new power head for my old school carbbed two stroke for an estimated $5k.

Well, $5k turned into $7.2k when all wassaid and done and the motor adds little to no value to the hull. Everyone wants the fuel economy of a 4 stroke (~+30%) in this application.

Given my fuel usage, my break even point with the fuel savings is a bit away, but the real value would have been highly desirable and marketable motor on the hull.

i sure blew that one.....

 

[Chris1956]

Gee $7500 for fuel is almost 3000 gallons. That is about 8 years or more of serious recreational use.....

 

[dingbat]

Gee $7500 for fuel is almost 3000 gallons. That is about 8 years or more of serious recreational use.....

Guess your definition of "serious recreational use" (375 gallon a year) is a lot lower bar than mine.....lol

I'll burn 1000+ gallons in the next 30 days (4/14 - 5/12) "recreational" fishing for Stripers if weather allows. Heck, I'll burn heavy into both tanks (154 gallons) in a tournament coming up next weekend alone...