225 opti max
 

Anyone out there running a newer 23 classic? I have a 2001 with a 225 optimax. The boat came with a 17 mirage. I could only get 5100rpms. I just put on a 15x15 black max. It got me up to 5500 rpms, top speed on the GPS is 35mph with a full tank of fuel (140 gallons). Does this sound about right or should I be going faster? Thanks.

Re: 225 opti max
 

DINGER, I'M NO PRO,BUT SOME HERE ARE. THAT 15"X15" SOUND'S WAY TOO SMALL. SHOULD BE TURNING A 19". MAYBE YOUR MOTOR IS TOO LOW? GO TO http//www.mercurymarine.com/prop PUT IN YOUR RIG'S INFO AND IT'LL GIVE YOU SOME SELECTION'S OF WHAT YOU SHOULD BE RUNNING. GOOD LUCK. LT DAN

Re: 225 opti max
 

A friend just got a 225 opti installed on his '78 23 ft. center console and he ended up with a 17" Mirage, but he only holds 100 gal. fuel. A 19" Mirage was to much.

[ May 26, 2003, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: SECF3114M73J ]

Re: 225 opti max
 

I do not know where a Mercury makes it hp at but it sounds right. As for the prop size it sounds about right. I can not see a 225 being able to swing a 19" prop on a 23ft boat. We would of tried a 15" first to see what rpm we ended up at.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I'm running an '01 Seacraft and an '01 225 Opti. I'm turning a 17 mirage and can get it up to about 54-5500 rpms witha top speed of 47-48mph. I had concerns about the prop also but you really have to trim it out to reach those rpms and that trim level aint gonna cut it offshore in a chop. I think the boat reallly needs a 17 but a prop shop needs to do a little jiggering. Good luck

Re: 225 opti max
 

dunc. our dealer says our numbers are o.k. 34 ,35 mph sounds slow. our motor is set in the bottom bolt hole as low as it can go ???? how can i get more seep,topend.? thanks dinger.

Re: 225 opti max
 

Dinger,
Sounds to me like your motor is set too low. When you are running, the cavitation plate on the motor should, ideally, run even with the water line as you are running. It is ok to be up a little more but, you may wind up with some cavitation. Also, Mirage props have the holes in them to aerate the prop. The older props did not but, I know the newer ones do. Personally, the props work much better with the plugs removed. You can remove one at a time and see how it works for you, each hull is different. I have a 225 Optimax running on my 23 Concept with a Mirage 21 with all the plugs removed. I had the motor running all the way up but dropped it down one set of holes due to cavitation in some slower following seas. Basically, unless I was hauling butt, it was cavitating. When I dropped it one set of holes, I lost about 4mph but the cavitation went away. Granted, my boat is lighter then yours, about 2600 dry but, you should be getting more from that Opti than you are.

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

I agree, raise your engine one hole, that's where mine is. Interesting on the Mirage vent plugs--I hadn't thought of removing them to pick up a few more hundered rpms.

Re: 225 opti max
 

Dunc,
Pulling those plugs makes a HUGE difference, not only in top end but in the holeshot too.

Try pulling one at a time until you find which
works best, as recommended by the dealer. Those Mirage props like to be aerated!!!

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

The correct way to dial in this style prop is to change the size of the hole in the plug. They sell plugs that have different hole sizes. This has nothing to due with top rpm. The holes are for getting the rpm while getting onto plain by allowing the exhaust to pass tru the blades of the prop causing the rpms to climb fast. Past a certain rpm exhaust stops comming out of those holes.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I have the same setup as dunc. I popped out one plug and it was a whole new boat. Did one more and she was Purrrfect!

Before I started taking out the plugs I was turning 5200 rpm WOT. Now I can turn 5500 - 5600 w/ no problem.

My mechanic says if you can't turn over 5400 you are over propped - I believe him.

[ May 27, 2003, 08:16 PM: Message edited by: POUNCE ]

Re: 225 opti max
 

Joe, I tried removing all three vevt holes at once , no luck my next step wil be smaller vent holes but I cant see where that is going to get me more top end speed . I talked to a dealer down in va. beach he told me his 23s with 225 optis are running 45 to 48 mph.thats about 12 mph faster than im getting Im starting to wonder if its the moter?with these new moters can you even tell if its running on five pistons? thanks for all the help guys.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I'm also getting a top end of 48 - Near Empty tank, no gear and prop way up.

Re: 225 opti max
 

pounce, I bought my seacraft at the same place as you. were they telling you that 34mph was your top speed ? or to remove the vent plugs ? tuna season is right around the corner Im getting a little nervous. thanks

Re: 225 opti max
 

You can try and raise the engine up one hole. If your doing alot of offshore running its best to keep the engine low on the transome. It will stay hooked up in bad seas. You do not want these engines overpropped. I would have your dealer check it over to make sure your running on all 6 cylinders.

Re: 225 opti max
 

No, In fact before I bought, I went for a test ride on a '99 w/ the identical setup and we were getting 47 with my wife and the salesman on the boat. No BSing to be had there. When did you buy your boat? I know the sales staff has turned over and the I was not impressed with the newer crowd.

Are you sure your speedo is reading in MPH (and not knots)? Also be sure you have all your cyls - on my second powerhead.

Re: 225 opti max
 

There's a guy down this way with a '99 (Johnson Powered) having problems getting the same problem with top end. He's posted a few times about his problem on the WMI board. Interesting.

Re: 225 opti max
 

pounce, I bought the boat in the fall of 2001 all new sales team , seem like good guys they just kept telling me the rps were in the range 5100 my gps is in miles per hour tops is 34 mph at 5100. trying to get her in this week to see if we can get it right,hope its not the head

Re: 225 opti max
 

POUNCE - did you say you are already on your second powerhead with the Opti? I just had a 225 Opti installed on my 23 and heard it start up last night. When it stated my first thought was that it was not running on all cyliners - the mechanic just said that was the way an Opti was supposed to sound....I am still skeptical.

Re: 225 opti max
 

Yup second powerhead - the first one had 700 hours on it when it started running rough. My mechanic checked it out and said that I had really bad scoring in #2 and #6, give him $25 to fedex some parts and he'd take care of the rest. Somehow he got merc to cover it dispite the fact that I was just out of warranty.

Re: 225 opti max
 

Make sure you guys are running optilube and quickkleen!

Re: 225 opti max
 

Pounce,
I originally ran the "Premium Plus" as the Opti stuff was not easily available, other than driving a ways to get the stuff. The guys at Boat Center said that it was fine to run and the manual said it was ok too, if you could not get the synthetic. One of the local guys started carrying the synthetic so I am now buying that, expensive stuff....

Here is a question for ya....

When Mercury came out with the Optimax motors, they didn't have the synthetic oil. In fact, they didn't come out with it until a few years later. So, what gives? Yes, synthetic is great stuff and will more than likely increase the life of the motor but, is is REALLY required? Like I said, I am now using it but the initial break in, first 25 hours of running, ran on the other stuff...

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

Hey John

My manual says either premium or regular (printed before optilube was on the market). Merc has subsequently issued two service bulletins for optis: One says use Optilube, the other says use QuickKleen. My new powerhead has about 200 hours on it and has seen nothing but the good stuff. I do not have plug fouling problems like I had with the old power head. In addition, the motor just sounds better - smoother and somewhat quieter.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I talked to my friend today. He's topping out at 43 mph. per his GPS. Forgot to ask what he's turning for rpm.The dealer told him it's o.k. to use Premium Plus oil, is this bad info?

Re: 225 opti max
 

Pounce,
I have yet to run the QuickKleen in the motor but I will. I changed the plugs at about 20 hours because it was running a bit rough at trolling speeds. That smoothed it out, mostly. The plugs were fouled when I pulled them. Not really bad but they were not great either. Also, I noted that the plugs were not gapped correctly. They were all set at .028 which, is what they are at at out of the box. I gapped the new ones correctly and will see how that works out. I have about 40 hours on the motor now and will see how they are when I pull them during the week. I have only had this boat for a litle under 2 months and have already put 40 hours on it. If I keep going at this rate, I will have 200 hours before the end of the year, easy. Never had a Mercury before. I have always been a diehard Yamaha fan. We shall see how it goes.

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

John

I take it that you are still using the premium oil? What kind of plugs are you running? The Champions or the NGK's. Tose NGK's really make a difference too.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I am using the Optilube now, for the past few weeks......The plugs are NGK's. Those are some expensive darn plugs........

John

Re: 225 opti max
 

23 Sceptre 1979 with 2001 250 EFi Merc, turning a stiletto 3 blade 14 inch x 17 pitch max rpms 5700-5800 and 48-50 mph (via gps) obviously load dependent. I tried many props and this one is "the one." I cruise at 4800 around 40mph.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I've got a 200 Opti' and I always use the Mercury lube products for the Opti'. I get a 10% discount for buying in bulk, and I'm convinced after running factory and non factory lubes that the gas mileage is better and the motor is a lot less smoky.

Re: 225 opti max
 

I am running a 14 1/2 X 17 with a 200 HP Merc, top out in good water at about 5700 rpm around 44 mph. You should be doing better than that with a 225 Opti.

Re: 225 opti max
 

Well, I finally got the motor right. After taking it to a DIFFERENT "Mercury Authorized Service Center", they figured it out. Bad MAP sensor. I also changed the prop out to a 21 pitch Lazer II. The Mirage was just tooooo much. Motor runs smooth now for the most part, sounds better, and now tops out at 5700rpm running with a relatively light load. The motor is not working nearly as hard. And, the best part, the Manufacturer told me to keep the Mirage since I did the testing for them with the various props. Heck, I was just trying to get my boat right. Now I have a spare!!