225 hp Optimax for a 23'? Good fit?

[McGillicuddy]

Just wondering if anyone is running a 225hp Optimax on their 23?

If so what kind of top speed and cruise economy are you seeing? Thanks.

[DonV]

I've got a 2003 3.0L EFI 225hp on mine, not an Opimax though. I'm happy with mine....around 3800rpm and it runs perfect in most all conditions with a 17 prop. I,m at around 13.5 to 14.5 gal per hour at that rpm. Normal day trolling 35 to 40 miles out with four people, ice, beer, average seas, more beer, etc. is normally 36 to 40 gals. Rough day maybe 50 gals.

[77SceptreOB]

I've got a 2003 3.0L EFI 225hp on mine, not an Opimax though. I'm happy with mine....around 3800rpm and it runs perfect in most all conditions with a 17 prop. I,m at around 13.5 to 14.5 gal per hour at that rpm.

WOW!! That is some serious fuel consumption at that RPM!!

I run a 23 Sceptre w/ a 225 Yamaha 2 stroke and burn 9-10 gph at 4200 rpm @ 30 mph on GPS. Obviously I'm pleased with those #s. Also I'm pushing a hardtop and half-tower thru the air too.

I top out at 39 mph @ 5250 rpm running a 15 pitch alum prop. I have a "short" linkage throttle cable so I'm not totally pushing the engine throttle plate to the WOT positon. That's why I only turn 5250 w/ a 15" prop. That IS INTENTIONAL, due to the fact my 225 is 22 years old and I don't want to rev & rattle this motor to death. Before I changed the linkage I could turn 5800 rpm at 42 mph (GPS). I felt like the extended engine lifespan was worth the 3 mph on the top end.

The above performance was with one person (me) & a very light load of gear and equipment and 1/3 tank of fuel say around 25-30 gallons.

[fdheld34]

Gillie-
What are you planning! Are you going with one motor for you Seavette??..or are you up to three now
-Fred

[DonV]

Hummmmmm.....now you are making me have to go out and double check my flow meter at 3800. Normally with four to five people and the boat "loaded" with gear, etc. I think it was 13.5 per hour. I'm using a Northstar flow meter, model 210 I think. I do know when you move it up to 4200+ it gets real thirsty.

[oz775]

I have a 225 Opti on my 23 tsunami- burns 10 gals an hr at 4000 rpm- runs 42mph wide open at 5400 rpm- great fit for any 23 in my opinion- super reliable and the engine screams- I would buy another Opti in a second!!!

[Ryank]

I am running a 99 Yami 225 and my numbers are almost the same as Jims, Great fuel economy, I had twin optis on 25 SeaArk and they had nothing but issues even after a rebuild.

[McGillicuddy]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I just came across a 30" Opti w/180 hrs for 4k. seemed like a good deal, so the wheels started turning. The twin 2.4L 225s on the Seavette need bit of love and I wondered if I could run efficiently with a single 225. I guess it sounds like I'd be defeating the purpose of a Seavette, but hey, aside from looking cool, and running some smokes and folks from Mexico, it has no real purpose for me... I'm trying to reduce my carbon footprint you know.

At any rate, most of your numbers sound pretty good. Topping out near 40 and 10gph at cruise sounds very good - round trips to Catalina for $60 fuel sounds like deal. And with that big ol' love shack we could stay on the Vette and use all that tourist hotel tax on tourist drinks... Or BOOB to the Zane Grey Lodge

Ryan I had heard some bad about the big Optis but not specifically the 225. Any thought on the year models of problematic motors? Thanks all for your input.

[Bigshrimpin]

Gillie - You will have no problem pushing that 23 with the old 225 . . . Just use a 15P prop.

[McGillicuddy]

Tim,
Roger on the 15 pitch, Thanks. I'm still thinking about putting one of these on the Seafari also. Maybe run a 27 pitch cleaver as a kelp cutter

Just picked up a brand new set of 12x9 Bennetts ($135 on ebay-couldn't stop the impulse) to better manage the projected chine-walking of the Seafari

Regarding the Seafari, what carbie should I change to for better fuel economy? They currently have the WH15 which I think is a 225 carb app. Probably keep that on the 23 unless you have a better idea...

Fr. Frank, got any more 200hp Coast Guard stickers?