Black Max or Optimax?

[dawils]

Hi,
I have a ski boat and bought a 2001 150 Optimax for it. Supposedly in good shape, but sat for awhile. Mechanic got it ready, but it ran very rough. First trip out and it failed. He says it needs a new powerhead. I only use the boat for a couple of ski trips a year, so don't care about gas consumption. I read that the older Black Max is more reliable, and the Optimax has always had problems. Trying to decide if I should get a powerhead for the Optimax for about 2k or find a used Black Max.

I'm not that mechanically inclined, so sure would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

 

[racerone]

On my budget I like older technology.-----Simpler less expensive parts and cheaper to maintain if you have a shop in your area.that works on them.----Find an older motor from a reliable scource with some warranty.

 

[flyingscott]

I agree with racer about the older motors being cheaper to own. Couple of things for you to think about here. I would question why your mechanic gave you a rough running optimax to begin with ,because they are not rough running motors. You also need to find out why the optimax blew. This is because the money to get it running again may exceed the $2000 for the block. Could have been as simple as a bad sensor or as serious as the emm. If you go the optimax route maybe find a different mechanic.

 

[racerone]

The issue here is the stuff attached to these exotic motors.-----It is easy to replace pistons / rings / bearings.----But you need to find what caused the issues.----Sensors / emm / oil pump / air compressor.----That motor may need a new compressor and that could add up to $2000 alone !!

 

[dawils]

Thank you. Good advice all of you, and things I didn't think about. Sounds like the older, simpler makes sense. The only thing I forgot to ask is that it appears that some lakes are no longer allowing 2 strokes w carbs - only injected. Right now Lake Mead/Mojave only restricts jet skis, but I guess that could change to all boats. Thanks again.

 

[flyingscott]

You have options you could go with a 4 strk, or another newer optimax or E-tec. Stay away from anything that says Ficht.

 

[Dukedog]

Hi,
I have a ski boat and bought a 2001 150 Optimax for it. Supposedly in good shape, but sat for awhile. Mechanic got it ready, but it ran very rough. First trip out and it failed. He says it needs a new powerhead. I only use the boat for a couple of ski trips a year, so don't care about gas consumption. I read that the older Black Max is more reliable, and the Optimax has always had problems. Trying to decide if I should get a powerhead for the Optimax for about 2k or find a used Black Max.

I'm not that mechanically inclined, so sure would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

i'd be lookin' for a different mechanic first thing!

 

[racerone]

Can not blame a mechanic.-----I recall seeing the ----" make run " ----on the work sheet.------Owners sometimes think that if a motor runs then everything must be OK with it and no further work is needed..

 

[Dukedog]

do you really think a "mechanic" would send a pos out and charge ya for it?.. given he does not say what tha "mechanic" told him about it before he took it out.... good ta go?.. might run 30 years?.. might run 10 minutes?...

 

[racerone]

We do not know what the owner or mechanic said once motor was running !!----And many times buyers determine the " condition " of a motor by the year / paint job / cosmetics.----They often refuse to accept that they bought junk !!

 

[dawils]

No, I have no problem accepting I bought junk.