2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

[DWRabouin]

I am geting ready to purchase a new Optimax. I am looking for some feedback. How do they run, any mantinence issues? I like the fact that I am getting a six year warranty and the fact that they are best in class in fuel economy at top speeds. Let me know if anyone has had any major problems with the Optimax and if their are any drawbacks that I should be aware of. Thanks

 

[gss036]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Do a GOOGLE search.
I have looked and considered the Opti-(Pop)Max, but the biggest drawback I have found is the need for something like 800-1000CC batteries for it to start and run. Something you might consider and check on being that far up north.
I have heard good things about them since they got their earlier problems solved(?) maybe, at least you don't hear about blown powerheads like the earlier models. I keep my eyes and ears open so I have an idea of what to replace my aging 1989 200 Merc with.
I guess putting out that kind of $$$$ at present, I would go for an E-Tec. Just hope my old Merc lasts a few more years until the E-Tec get a good (hopefully) track record like the newer Opti-Max has at present.

 

[DWRabouin]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Thanks for the heads up on the batteries? So it sounds to me other than that, the Optimax has a descent track record as of late? I know that the fuel is blown through using compressed air, has anyone heard problems with that?

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

..... the optimax is great, and really good on fuel, my wife loves it, (as it is hers) great power ..... no problems, although we only have it for like 2 months now, but she and her friends ski and wakeboard all day long and I think she refilled the tank like twice or 3 times in our 3 week holiday over December ...... what GSS036 said about the battery ...... I didn't find that it needs alot of battery power to start, when you touch the key it goes ..... although I use big batteries on all my boats anyway ......

 

[DWRabouin]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

What kind of batteries do you have deejay? How many cold cranking amps?

 

[reeldutch]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

changing plugs every year on a optimax is importand an expensive. these plugs run for over 22 dollars a plug and a v6 to change your plugs will cost you 132 dollars??? every season
woooooow. only for plugs? not even new filters ore anything else.

 

[DWRabouin]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

I'll save money on gas by going with the Optimax every season right? I'll just use that to buy the plugs

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

The E-tec has no scheduled maintenance for three years and enjoys an excellent reputation. What are you basing your fuel savings on? Unless you compare it to something, the term "fuel savings" is meaningless. I can tell by your statements in your post that you are being drawn in by advertising hype. 8)

 

[DWRabouin]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Reagrdless of my feelings on the Merc. Up here in Alaska the Evinrude does not have a good track record at all. I have asked numerous friends and even dealers that sell evinrude e-tec and have been steered away from them every time. One name that I do trust is JD Power and assc. They gave the Mercury Optimax 200 hp the "2006 Highest in Customer satisfaction" for sterndrive engines. That, to me, speaks volumes. So for the price, the weight, the reliabilty and the fact that I have a great mechanic that specializes in Mercury engines it think that the optmax(for myself) can't be beat. I do appreciate the feedback on batteries and things like that. But driving me towards purchasing an e-tec at this point is frivalous.

 

[gss036]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Service is #1 in my books. If you have confidence in your mechanic, then that is what matters.
You mentioned above about knowing that the fuel is pushed in by air. There is a belt that runs the compressor, etc. If the belt breaks you are stuck unless you have an emergency belt and know how to change it out. Sounds like you are going with the Opti, just learn all you can about it and its weak points and how to fix it in an emergency. I know you guys get some really nasty weather up there and you need to take precautions and safegards. Good Luck on your purchase.

 

[DWRabouin]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Thanks a bunch Gary. Yeah weather can change in an instant up here. I do have some safeguards up here when I go out. Me and my buddy always go out together. He has a nice new hewescraft sportsman 220. So I'll be fine out their. And as you have pointed out, I do have a great, and very trustworthy, mechanic up here and that is paramount in my book. Thanks for the input guys you've all been a big help. Fair winds and following seas to you all

 

[Silvertip]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Please relate more specifically what you've been told about E-tec problems. If there were as many problems as you contend I would think the Johnson/Evinrude forum would have more posts than they do and the trade journals would also have related articles. I don't recall seeing maybe six posts here at most. One of those was a serious issue but that was more a dealer problem than an engine problem. I'm not trying to steer you toward E-tec -- I run a Merc. Just making sure you are aware of all the options. Another member who is a Yamaha guy is currently trying to break an E-tec. To my knowledge he's been unsuccessful to date.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

What kind of batteries do you have deejay? How many cold cranking amps?

I have a buddy who works for mercedes so I buy my batteries from him, I think it is about 800 amp batteries, they work great and last very long .....

 

[gss036]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

I picked apart, cut and pasted the following info from another forum, just to pass along the [colour=null]very important information.[/colour]The Optimax Alternator puts out 60 Amps.
Bottom line: better have a strong battery to get that OptiMax G2 cranking and firing.

It sounds like the OptiMax G2 ignition system is not self-powered. This would fit with the anecdotal reports about the OptiMax needing a very strong battery for starting and running.
Optimax alternator shows up on Merc's Parts Express site as being $200 more expensive than the Verado alternator. Go figure.

 

[DWRabouin]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

Thanks for the heads up gary. I appreciate the leg work

 

[bhive]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

A very good motor. But follow the break in to the letter. This is very important. If you don't , there is a possibility of scuffing a cyl around the 200 hr mark. As for changing the spark plugs every year, that up to you. They are NGK iridium plugs and will last a long time. As for the alt and compressor belt, I have motors that I service from 2000 with the original belt with no problems.

Chris

 

[miktri]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

I am geting ready to purchase a new Optimax. I am looking for some feedback. How do they run, any mantinence issues? I like the fact that I am getting a six year warranty and the fact that they are best in class in fuel economy at top speeds. Let me know if anyone has had any major problems with the Optimax and if their are any drawbacks that I should be aware of. Thanks

 

[miktri]

Re: 2007 Mercury Optimax 200 hp

I purchased a 2006 Opti 225 for a repower on my 89 Trophy with twin Force 125's. the performance has been excellent, it will top out at 43 mph and cruises at 28 mph. used about 40% less fuel in 2006. When i purchsaed the Opti I sprung for the smartcraft gauges, took a while to figure out but love-em now. I would recommend them to anyone. I purchased mine from a local dealer with a great reputation. Good Luck in your pruchase.