250 Merc Optimax

Reel Smoker · #1 10-21-2003, 01:27 AM

Whats your opinion of this motor on a 23. I've never been a Mrec man but I think I can get a good deal on a new one.I think it will push it beautifully. I just hate that cluncking noise Mercs make when you put it in gear.They tell me they are excellent on fuel.RS.

Captn C · #2 10-21-2003, 08:22 AM

I have a pair of 150 Opti's on my 25'er.

They are easy on the fuel, but hard on the pocket book when they have been to the shop. But then all of the high tech engines are like that. I just sold my 22' Robalo and it had a Ficht on it so I know first hand how expensive they are to repair too.

Mine don't shift any where near as hard as the the Yamaha engines (VMax). They sound like some one rear ended you.

JohnS · #3 10-29-2003, 04:43 PM

I have a 225 Opti and it is basically ok. Been in for repair twice since new, six months. First time for a MAP sensor and the most recent and worst time getting Merc to replace, the air regulator, which happens to be part of the fuel rail. Darn thing was sticking and would not allow the motor to idle. Other than that, no MAJOR problems to speak of. Sips fuel, sips oil, and is a lot more quiet than the old 84 Yamaha I used to have.

Only real complaint I do have on the motor is, I have a hard time keeping the motor clean. Lots of salt on the motor and a real pain the the arse to clean with all that "stuff" in there. I don't think this one will last as long as the Yamaha but, heck, I have five years of warranty to find out if I can kill it......Oh, last thing. Those sparkplugs are EXPENSIVE......

John

kricharda · #4 10-29-2003, 11:30 PM

I have a 96 250 EFI with 375 hours on a bracket on a 23cc. It runs about 33mph, 16 gph @ about 4400 rpm. The clunk is definitely there and the idle is a little rough, but no problems.

tshughes · #5 11-01-2003, 09:49 PM

I have a 1999 23 with 225 optimax on the transom. I dont't like it's sound but has been very reliable and efficient with the gas. 42 mph wot with bottom paint swinging a 17" mirage. Oil is expensive too. This my first Merc. Not in Love with it but cannot complain.

tdog

Lucky Dog · #6 11-04-2003, 10:53 AM

The 250 opti will get you better fuel mileage than the 250 efi. It also has more horsepower. I think merc said it has close to 275 at the prop. The 250 optis are hand built by mercury racing. we swaped the efis for optis this year on our tournament boat and just about doubled our fishing range and increased our speed. another boat swaped his trip 300mercs for the 250 optis and loves them , said the 250s have more torque. merc has a 2year warranty with an extra year that can be bought..