Merc engines

flatbottom · 10-09-2007, 10:34 PM

If you were in the market for a boat today and you choices were merc Optimax or Verado only. What would you choose between the 2 ? The boat would have twin or triple configuration.

LuckyLady · 10-09-2007, 11:10 PM

Optimaxs were always said to be better on fuel but 2-stroke and oil is like 20ish a gallon on top of fuel adds up and is annoying to carry oil and deal with the additonal matainence. Not that Mercury would ever do away with thier racing division, but 2 strokes are on their way out IMO

Verado is cleaner and efficent to run has good torque the whole nine yards just have a bad rep.

I just ordered a trip 300 Verado set up and feel 100% confident with it.

Verado 4-Stroke all the way!

flatbottom · 10-10-2007, 07:28 AM

thanks Mary
the additional questions are not directed at you, but any help would be appreciated

Adding to the question above, does the 2 stroke Optimax require a higher fuel grade to reach the specified horse power......250, 300 and so on ?

Both styles of engines use an oil. I wonder what the real difference in cost per 100 hours of normal use there is.

Real world numbers beginning with initial cost of the two styles of engines and maintenance over a 4 year period and including the resale at the end of the 4 years would help me.

I see more people turning over boats in a shorter interval. This I would also factor in when making my choice between the 2.

Thanks everyone for any help....flat

LuckyLady · 10-10-2007, 10:26 AM

Optixax 250

EVERY 25 HOURS OR EVERY 30 DAYS OF SALTWATER OR
POLLUTED WATER USE
• Spray the powerhead and all external, unpainted metal
surfaces (except anodes) with Corrosion Guard.

EVERY 25 HOURS OR EVERY 30 DAYS, WHICHEVER
OCCURS FIRST• Visually inspect the front and side cowl latches for tightness.
Tighten if necessary.
• Visually inspect the fuel and oil systems for deterioration or
leaks.
• Visually check steering link rod fasteners for wear. Lubricate
all components (refer to the Installation Manual for
lubrication specifications). Check all attachment hardware for
proper torque tightness.
• Check level and condition of gearcase lubricant.
• Check alternator belt tension.

EVERY 50 HOURS OR ONCE A YEAR, WHICHEVER
OCCURS FIRST• Lubricate all lubrication points.
• Lubricate splines on the drive shaft.
• Lubricate entire length of drive shaft with anti‑corrosion
grease.
• Lubricate splines on the propeller shaft.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant.
• Check the spark plug gap. Clean and replace plugs if
necessary.
• Inspect all belts, pulleys, and idler pulleys for deterioration.
• Check fuel pressure.
• Check control cable adjustments.
• Inspect battery.
• Check corrosion control anodes.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts and other fasteners.
• Check power trim fluid.
• Remove engine deposits with Power Tune Engine Cleaner.

EVERY 100 HOURS OR ONCE A YEAR, WHICHEVER
OCCURS FIRST• Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating
occurs or reduced water pressure is noted).1.
• If using NGK PZFR6H spark plugs, check the gap and replace
if necessary.
• Use QuicKleen in fuel.

EVERY 100 HOURS OF OPERATION
• Inspect Carbon Fiber reeds for chipping or cracks.

EVERY 200 HOURS OR ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS,
WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Replace Water separating fuel filter.
• If using NGK IZFR6J spark plugs, check the gap and replace
if necessary.

Verado 275

EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE OR ONCE YEARLY,
WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter. The oil should be
changed more often when the engine is operated under adverse
conditions such as extended trolling. See Changing Engine Oil.
• Inspect thermostat visually for corrosion and/or for a broken spring.
Make sure thermostat closes completely at room temperature.1.
• Check engine water separating fuel filter for contaminants. Clean
and/or replace filter. See Fuel System.
• Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used
in salt water. See Corrosion Control Anodes.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication.
• Check power steering fluid. See Checking Power Steering Fluid.
• Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection.
• Saltwater usage. Remove and inspect spark plugs for corrosion and
replace spark plugs as necessary. Apply a thin coating of Anti‑Seize
Compound only on threads of spark plug prior to installation. See
Maintenance ‑ Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement.
Tube Ref No. Description Where Used Part No.
81 Anti-Seize
Compound Spark plug threads 92-881091K1
• Check wiring and connectors.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.

EVERY 300 HOURS OF USE OR THREE YEARS
IMPORTANT: Engine oil must be drained before removing gearcase to
avoid oil spillage. Perform scheduled water pump replacement in
combination with an engine oil change.
• Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or
reduced water pressure is noted).1.
• Check power trim fluid. See Checking Power Trim Fluid.
• Replace high pressure in‑line fuel filter.1.
• Replace spark plugs at first 300 hours or three years. After that,
inspect spark plugs every 300 hours or three years. Replace spark
plugs as needed. See Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement.
• Replace accessory drive belt. See Accessory Drive Belt

jawz12 · 10-10-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by flatbottom

If you were in the market for a boat today and you choices were merc Optimax or Verado only. What would you choose between the 2 ? The boat would have twin or triple configuration.

choice is clear !!!
optimax...reason..less moving parts,less potential for failure-common sense...
verado engines,these are supercharged,in order to build power from a smaller block,the engine is force fed air,this boost power output...
the optimax engines have come a long way from when they first came out-the new optimax engines are basically bulletproof !!

people are being "sold" on the whole 4 stroke engine technology...truth of the matter is,the 2 stroke engines are here to stay...bombardier has spent millions in r&d for the new e-tec engines...people claim "2 stroke engines will be gone in a few years"...would a company spend that kind of money in r&d if the engines were gonna be banned ???
the new 2 stoke technology has these engines burning as clean,and in some cases cleaner that a 4 stroke engine-that my friend is a fact !!!
personally,i would never want a supercharged outbaord...there's way too much potential for failure...and don't forget the weight factor too. !!!!
just my 2 cents guys.....

flatbottom · 10-10-2007, 12:32 PM

Thanks Mary
Thanks Jimmy

LuckyLady · 10-11-2007, 10:27 AM

I didn't say they would get banned but go to Mercury & Yamaha's website and look for new smaller horse power motors, they are not there and that is where I mean on their way out.

For ETEC

"automatic off-season storage, no spring tune-ups, and no scheduled dealer maintenance for three years of normal recreational use. There are no belts to replace, no valves to adjust, and you'll never have to change the oil."

Whats the defination of normal use?

ETEC's claim of not needing service for long periods of time, their selling tactic on low maintenance saves you money is crap in my mind. If they have compiled such an inferior gear oil and 2-stroke oil they rest of the world of engines in its class would be right there with it.

The reason that most manufacturers have you change your gear oil offten is more on a preventive maintanence then anything to see problems when they start. Not all problems can be prevented but its a good start. I can't tell you how many times we have caught problems at the end of the season with stern drives and outboards while servicing on a regular basis.

By no means am I saying anything has to do directly with factory failures, we all know what fishing line does to prop shaft seals. Most consumers rely on dealers to tell them what is going on.

Wonder what Bombardier would say to a customer that has a critical gear related failure do to water in gear oil over an extended period of time. Sorry your prop shaft seal was cut by fishing line so this 5k repair is your problem. If regular maintenance was performed it might of cost the consumer a reseal & a gear oil change under 1000 bucks.

The only other problem with ETEC is finding dealers that know how to fix them when they do break or properly set them up from the start.

There are a couple of dealers that I know of that have a clue otherwise its few and far between.

Optimax is here to stay no doubt the motors are used big time in racing and across the board.

The supercharger on a Verado is no different than the Optimax have an air compressor & direct air injectors to all the cylinders all designed to give boost in a salt water enviroment

Sorry for the ETEC rant, but I find them to misleading the consumer in many ways, mainly in poor dealer support.

GALAZIO · 10-11-2007, 03:10 PM

Mary

Which engines does (or did???) Admin John's boat have?

Reason why I ask (and I have Mercs), is it seems he has had a years worth of problems with things being addressed that doesn't seem to work.

Is there a difference in a first and second generation Verado (if he has Verados)? What is the biggest problem with the early Verados & at what point (year wise) did the gremlins get worked out the engine?

Just wondering...

matey1 · 10-11-2007, 03:41 PM

Flat, you know that yami hahaha can't compare to a merc. just go ahead and get one or two.

flatbottom · 10-11-2007, 06:22 PM

Matey1 I am going over the total cost of both engines. Resale after 2 years ( what the market is purchasing). Fuel use at cruise in a given trip. Maintenance beyond my abilities( don't even Tim

) It is leaning towards the Optimax. I hear a heavy power is right around the corner in the 2 stroke with an overall total weight lower than the 4 strokes.
My Yami runs perfectly. I would buy one again in a heartbeat. That is not why I am questioning Mercs. Certain manufactures rig Marcs only and apply greater incentive packages.
I need to make a spread sheet

Keep the info coming ! Thanks everyone

10-09-2007, 10:34 PM	#1
flatbottom Fish the Edge Team Sportfishermen.com Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bear, DE Posts: 8,096 Credits: 18,157.3 Boat: 232 center console Home Port: Indian River, De Best Catch: off the shot gun Occupation: jackleg	Merc engines If you were in the market for a boat today and you choices were merc Optimax or Verado only. What would you choose between the 2 ? The boat would have twin or triple configuration.

10-11-2007, 03:10 PM	#8
GALAZIO I think Admin is going to let me have this space Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: South Texas Posts: 1,395 Credits: 1,752.1 Boat: NONE!!! Best Catch: A Nette :) Occupation: Professional Pasture Pool Player	Mary Which engines does (or did???) Admin John's boat have? Reason why I ask (and I have Mercs), is it seems he has had a years worth of problems with things being addressed that doesn't seem to work. Is there a difference in a first and second generation Verado (if he has Verados)? What is the biggest problem with the early Verados & at what point (year wise) did the gremlins get worked out the engine? Just wondering... __________________

10-11-2007, 03:41 PM	#9
matey1 Sit down Shut up And fish Join Date: May 2005 Location: middletown, DE Posts: 520 Credits: 1,219.1	Flat, you know that yami hahaha can't compare to a merc. just go ahead and get one or two. __________________ Reel ALure 26' sportcraft Don't let Matey drive!!

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10-09-2007, 11:10 PM	#2
LuckyLady "Life is what you make it!" Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manahawkin, NJ Posts: 3,675 Credits: 13,029.2 Boat: CONTENDER 36 CUDDY 23 OPEN 36 FISHAROUND Home Port: EAST COAST Best Catch: There is always something better!	Optimaxs were always said to be better on fuel but 2-stroke and oil is like 20ish a gallon on top of fuel adds up and is annoying to carry oil and deal with the additonal matainence. Not that Mercury would ever do away with thier racing division, but 2 strokes are on their way out IMO Verado is cleaner and efficent to run has good torque the whole nine yards just have a bad rep. I just ordered a trip 300 Verado set up and feel 100% confident with it. Verado 4-Stroke all the way!

10-10-2007, 07:28 AM	#3
flatbottom Fish the Edge Team Sportfishermen.com Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bear, DE Posts: 8,096 Credits: 18,157.3 Boat: 232 center console Home Port: Indian River, De Best Catch: off the shot gun Occupation: jackleg	thanks Mary the additional questions are not directed at you, but any help would be appreciated Adding to the question above, does the 2 stroke Optimax require a higher fuel grade to reach the specified horse power......250, 300 and so on ? Both styles of engines use an oil. I wonder what the real difference in cost per 100 hours of normal use there is. Real world numbers beginning with initial cost of the two styles of engines and maintenance over a 4 year period and including the resale at the end of the 4 years would help me. I see more people turning over boats in a shorter interval. This I would also factor in when making my choice between the 2. Thanks everyone for any help....flat

10-10-2007, 10:26 AM	#4
LuckyLady "Life is what you make it!" Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manahawkin, NJ Posts: 3,675 Credits: 13,029.2 Boat: CONTENDER 36 CUDDY 23 OPEN 36 FISHAROUND Home Port: EAST COAST Best Catch: There is always something better!	Optixax 250 EVERY 25 HOURS OR EVERY 30 DAYS OF SALTWATER OR POLLUTED WATER USE • Spray the powerhead and all external, unpainted metal surfaces (except anodes) with Corrosion Guard. EVERY 25 HOURS OR EVERY 30 DAYS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Visually inspect the front and side cowl latches for tightness. Tighten if necessary. • Visually inspect the fuel and oil systems for deterioration or leaks. • Visually check steering link rod fasteners for wear. Lubricate all components (refer to the Installation Manual for lubrication specifications). Check all attachment hardware for proper torque tightness. • Check level and condition of gearcase lubricant. • Check alternator belt tension. EVERY 50 HOURS OR ONCE A YEAR, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Lubricate all lubrication points. • Lubricate splines on the drive shaft. • Lubricate entire length of drive shaft with anti‑corrosion grease. • Lubricate splines on the propeller shaft. • Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. • Check the spark plug gap. Clean and replace plugs if necessary. • Inspect all belts, pulleys, and idler pulleys for deterioration. • Check fuel pressure. • Check control cable adjustments. • Inspect battery. • Check corrosion control anodes. • Check tightness of bolts, nuts and other fasteners. • Check power trim fluid. • Remove engine deposits with Power Tune Engine Cleaner. EVERY 100 HOURS OR ONCE A YEAR, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced water pressure is noted).1. • If using NGK PZFR6H spark plugs, check the gap and replace if necessary. • Use QuicKleen in fuel. EVERY 100 HOURS OF OPERATION • Inspect Carbon Fiber reeds for chipping or cracks. EVERY 200 HOURS OR ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Replace Water separating fuel filter. • If using NGK IZFR6J spark plugs, check the gap and replace if necessary. Verado 275 EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE OR ONCE YEARLY, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter. The oil should be changed more often when the engine is operated under adverse conditions such as extended trolling. See Changing Engine Oil. • Inspect thermostat visually for corrosion and/or for a broken spring. Make sure thermostat closes completely at room temperature.1. • Check engine water separating fuel filter for contaminants. Clean and/or replace filter. See Fuel System. • Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used in salt water. See Corrosion Control Anodes. • Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication. • Check power steering fluid. See Checking Power Steering Fluid. • Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection. • Saltwater usage. Remove and inspect spark plugs for corrosion and replace spark plugs as necessary. Apply a thin coating of Anti‑Seize Compound only on threads of spark plug prior to installation. See Maintenance ‑ Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement. Tube Ref No. Description Where Used Part No. 81 Anti-Seize Compound Spark plug threads 92-881091K1 • Check wiring and connectors. • Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners. EVERY 300 HOURS OF USE OR THREE YEARS IMPORTANT: Engine oil must be drained before removing gearcase to avoid oil spillage. Perform scheduled water pump replacement in combination with an engine oil change. • Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or reduced water pressure is noted).1. • Check power trim fluid. See Checking Power Trim Fluid. • Replace high pressure in‑line fuel filter.1. • Replace spark plugs at first 300 hours or three years. After that, inspect spark plugs every 300 hours or three years. Replace spark plugs as needed. See Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement. • Replace accessory drive belt. See Accessory Drive Belt

10-10-2007, 12:32 PM	#6
flatbottom Fish the Edge Team Sportfishermen.com Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bear, DE Posts: 8,096 Credits: 18,157.3 Boat: 232 center console Home Port: Indian River, De Best Catch: off the shot gun Occupation: jackleg	Thanks Mary Thanks Jimmy

10-11-2007, 10:27 AM	#7
LuckyLady "Life is what you make it!" Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Manahawkin, NJ Posts: 3,675 Credits: 13,029.2 Boat: CONTENDER 36 CUDDY 23 OPEN 36 FISHAROUND Home Port: EAST COAST Best Catch: There is always something better!	I didn't say they would get banned but go to Mercury & Yamaha's website and look for new smaller horse power motors, they are not there and that is where I mean on their way out. For ETEC "automatic off-season storage, no spring tune-ups, and no scheduled dealer maintenance for three years of normal recreational use. There are no belts to replace, no valves to adjust, and you'll never have to change the oil." Whats the defination of normal use? ETEC's claim of not needing service for long periods of time, their selling tactic on low maintenance saves you money is crap in my mind. If they have compiled such an inferior gear oil and 2-stroke oil they rest of the world of engines in its class would be right there with it. The reason that most manufacturers have you change your gear oil offten is more on a preventive maintanence then anything to see problems when they start. Not all problems can be prevented but its a good start. I can't tell you how many times we have caught problems at the end of the season with stern drives and outboards while servicing on a regular basis. By no means am I saying anything has to do directly with factory failures, we all know what fishing line does to prop shaft seals. Most consumers rely on dealers to tell them what is going on. Wonder what Bombardier would say to a customer that has a critical gear related failure do to water in gear oil over an extended period of time. Sorry your prop shaft seal was cut by fishing line so this 5k repair is your problem. If regular maintenance was performed it might of cost the consumer a reseal & a gear oil change under 1000 bucks. The only other problem with ETEC is finding dealers that know how to fix them when they do break or properly set them up from the start. There are a couple of dealers that I know of that have a clue otherwise its few and far between. Optimax is here to stay no doubt the motors are used big time in racing and across the board. The supercharger on a Verado is no different than the Optimax have an air compressor & direct air injectors to all the cylinders all designed to give boost in a salt water enviroment Sorry for the ETEC rant, but I find them to misleading the consumer in many ways, mainly in poor dealer support.

10-11-2007, 06:22 PM	#10
flatbottom Fish the Edge Team Sportfishermen.com Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Bear, DE Posts: 8,096 Credits: 18,157.3 Boat: 232 center console Home Port: Indian River, De Best Catch: off the shot gun Occupation: jackleg	Matey1 I am going over the total cost of both engines. Resale after 2 years ( what the market is purchasing). Fuel use at cruise in a given trip. Maintenance beyond my abilities( don't even Tim ) It is leaning towards the Optimax. I hear a heavy power is right around the corner in the 2 stroke with an overall total weight lower than the 4 strokes. My Yami runs perfectly. I would buy one again in a heartbeat. That is not why I am questioning Mercs. Certain manufactures rig Marcs only and apply greater incentive packages. I need to make a spread sheet Keep the info coming ! Thanks everyone