2003 optimax 225

[fishfighter]

I have a set of 2001 and I had two problems so far.One alternator and one oil tank sencer went out.Hope I have a good set.

[gottaflylee]

Yeah, right....then how come you can't bolt an 05 Opti powerhead to an 04 or older mid section?? 2000-2002 opti's....some problems?? Yeah, enough to get a class action law suit against Merc because of the problems. Then of course Merc said the 03's were right.. Then the 04's were right..

As far as I've seen they got it right in 05 and the big block opti's from then on are right and good engines.

When I survey a boat with pre 05 Opti big blocks I recommend not paying more for the boat than what the boat is worth without power. Don't buy the boat unless you can afford to repower.. If the engines run, great. If not there's no surprises...

Well the answer is you can... I have an 01 Whaler with 225 Opti Max, went through 4 power heads in 4 years, some out of pocket but thats another story.
Finely, Mercury stepped up to the plate and gave me a fully dressed 05 power head with no warrant to put in to my frame. Been good to go so far but at 300 hours, had to put a new air pump on it. One thing to remember with an air pump, they have to be broken in like a power head, meaning that you must put the power head through "break in mode" to do that, the computer has to be reset. As I under stand it the piston and head are a Brigs and Station part... oops, did I say that...

[el pescador]

Are there any problems with this motor?? I am lloking at buying a used boat with them on it.

hellow sanchoco
i had a pair of 250 optis and i have no problems
now i have a pair of 300 optis and im very happy

[Loose Goose]

Are there any problems with this motor?? I am lloking at buying a used boat with them on it.

I have a Donzi 26ZF 2003 with twin 225 Opti's on it. I have had nothing but good luck & as far as the smoking and bad fuel economy I could not be happier mine dont smoke to bad and I can make a 100 mile run (50 each way) run a little from hole to hole & only burn around 55 gallons.
Good luck with what ever you decide,
LG