2003 optimax 225

[sanchoco]

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

[tileman]

Try here http://forums.iboats.com/forumdispla...sprune=-1&f=25

[Dunk]

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

They didn't get the big block Opti's right until 05'.. Find out how many powerheads they've had..

[burricane]

Problems are too long to list. You are looking at a repower very shortly with just about any Opti-popper, though the more recent ones have been more reliable. And to say the least, the fuel economy with this motor sucks. They DRINK gas, smoke, and will deafen you for the entire ride. Better off waiting for something with Yamahas or Suzukis to get right on the price.

[jawz12]

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

the early year mercs had some problems,problems were mostly isolated to the big block engines

those year engines,they should be solid.allways and i mean allways have them checked out by a merc tech.the merc guys can run the serial numbers,this will tell you any warranty work that's been doen to these.
the merc optimax engines will use 50% less oil and 45% less fuel compared to a carb'd 2 stroke.the last few years,the optimax engines are bulletproof,these are super powerful and incredibly fuel efficient.
any engine can have problems,look at the yamaha 300hpdi,the ficht engines,these were serious problems.don't believe everything you hear

[Dreamininjersey]

Jimmy, Ive seen a few things about the 300hdpi's what years had problems, im looking at an '04 boat with them.

[jawz12]

Jimmy, Ive seen a few things about the 300hdpi's what years had problems, im looking at an '04 boat with them.

check your "pm's"...

[kitebuz]

I would look at Opti's from '03 on when they started using the new injectors (red). Since then, the Opti's have proven to be one of the most reliable engines on the water. Yes, '99-'01 & into '02 had some issues (especially on the larger blocks) and I would be concerned about them.

In general, "they" say the compressors need to be replaced after @ 1,000 hrs. Just something to keep in mind as they are @ $1k each.

Opti's won't be as quiet as 4S's, but they can't be beat for power to weight. They are also some of the most fuel efficient engines available. The DFI is functional at all rpms, so you can trolling/idling fuel burn is very economical (ie in the .3-.5 gph range at idle). The HPDI system does not kick in until running 2,500+ rpms. 4 stroke engines are still EFI (unless you count the latest BMW/Cadillac DFI 4S engines ).

Advice to have them checked out by a cert. Merc mech. is also a very good idea (as w/ any used purchase).

[Dunk]

I would look at Opti's from '03 on when they started using the new injectors (red). Since then, the Opti's have proven to be one of the most reliable engines on the water. Yes, '99-'01 & into '02 had some issues (especially on the larger blocks) and I would be concerned about them.

In general, "they" say the compressors need to be replaced after @ 1,000 hrs. Just something to keep in mind as they are @ $1k each.

Opti's won't be as quiet as 4S's, but they can't be beat for power to weight. They are also some of the most fuel efficient engines available. The DFI is functional at all rpms, so you can trolling/idling fuel burn is very economical (ie in the .3-.5 gph range at idle). The HPDI system does not kick in until running 2,500+ rpms. 4 stroke engines are still EFI (unless you count the latest BMW/Cadillac DFI 4S engines ).

Advice to have them checked out by a cert. Merc mech. is also a very good idea (as w/ any used purchase).

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...

[B-faithful]

I ran a 2004 OptiMax 225 DTS for about 3years and between 450 and 500 hours. The motor was flawless! It was powerful, fast and fuel efficient. She would troll at idle fine and fire right up to plane without the slightest cough. Be sure to run the Opti oil and quickleen for best results.

The 03's and newer are fine motors. I had a very trust worthy dealer (Almars in DE) and serving dealer (whalertowne in MD) and they were open about prior problems but confident in the 03's and newer. Have your independent CERTIFIED servicing dealer go over the motors for you.

They are noisy suckers and need good strong batteries but I would buy another in a heart beat.

BTW, King Marine Outboard in Sewell NJ is where I used to get my Opti Oil. Best prices around at less than $20 per gal out of a drum last spring - bring your own containers