225 hp Optimax for a 23'? Good fit?

McGillicuddy · #1 03-24-2010, 02:45 AM

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 · #2 03-24-2010, 07:51 PM

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 · #3 03-24-2010, 07:55 PM

Quote:

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.

DonV · #4 03-24-2010, 10:02 PM

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.

McGillicuddy · #5 03-25-2010, 01:16 AM

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 · #6 03-25-2010, 01:59 AM

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

McGillicuddy · #7 03-25-2010, 02:34 AM

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?

Ryank · #8 03-25-2010, 08:34 AM

I did hear that they had worked most of the issues out boy 03-04 I guess I am still just gun shy,
One thing was in referencing props, I am running a 4 blade 18 pitch. I have never topped out my RPMs but feel it would be close to 57-5800. I wonder if I am over propped and hurting the motor??

gofastsandman · #9 03-25-2010, 04:26 PM

Quote:

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.

Gillie,
Did you just reference the late great Lowell George and the B 52`s in the same post?
Oh the horror.

I got to see the fat man melt in `77 @ UVA. What a tasty player he was. Awesome slide. He and J Geils got no respect from the scribes.
Abba is in the hall of fame and J Geils and Little Feet are not? Full House is a seminal live album. As is Waiting For Columbus.

I think 03 is either the first good year or the last bad year of the dreaded Opti Bombs.

Cheers,
GFS

eggsuckindog · #10 03-26-2010, 01:39 AM

He is correct about the years - the earlier ones earned the Opti - Bomb name. On a Seavette though a single 225 ain't gonna cut it, if you need help with the existing motors let me know I have a good merc guy that works pretty cheap and can get you a 25% break on parts through somebody else- he can ship powerheads back and forth - you would need somebody to get them off though but they would be turn key when returned. Thats what I did and saved 1000