2007 Mercury Marine 225 Optimax

Friends, I’m looking at a boat that has unheard of low hours (45) on the power unit.
A 2007 Mercury Marine 225 Optimax.
This is the original motor on a 2007 boat with a 2007 Merc 4 stroke 9.9 kicker.
I’m extremely familiar with the boat but I know little to nothing about outboards.

Anything I should know as I’ve always had I/O’s
225 Merc

I would appreciate you input on this motor.
Thanks!
Denny O

When the big block Opti’s first came out they had problems with them. However I don’t know if they had the problem fixed by 2007 or not.

I know low hours is generally good but I would be concerned at the lack of hours.
Maybe check with Sheldon on what he knows about them.

Dutch, I’m in contact of course.
The low hours are on the big motor. I do not know the hours on the kicker.
This boat was owned by an older man that a local dealer sold new. He took ill and thought that he would be able to use it some still. The dealer purchased the boat back after the owner had passed away.

I need to ask about the hours on the kicker, I assume that can be done?

The boat is rather clean but has some dock touch-ups on the Port side that I have absolutely no issue with. Just wish the colors were a bit different.

Ohhh, just a thought! A “Hawkeye Gold” decal will really stand out quite nicely! Yepper!!

The 225 opti of that year is a nice motor. I would choose that motor over any other brands 2 or 4 strokes of that year. Good mileage, smooth and fast. Run non oxy and optimax oil only.

Great motor Denny, and thanks for reaching out to me via text and email!
the only concern I would have with low hours and its age is when the last time the impeller was changed.
Other than that I would also keep an eye on the compressor, without the serial number I cant tell you if that motor was one of the ones that needed the updated compressor due to the problems with them.
If you buy it bring it down and I will check the compressor number to the serial number and it would not be a bad idea to remove the compressors upper body to look at the crankpin and rod bearing to check it for erosion of the surfaces that they were known for IF it is one that had problem.
( forgive my memory, I have worked on so many brands that I cant remember everything about the trouble free ones ! )

Along with its age and low hours and Lord only knows how many additives if any have been used, I would also treat the fuel to eliminate any injector issues.
I have pressure gauges to check fuel pressure and compressor output as well.
Once thats checked out I can update the service records in the ECU for you.

I would almost bet you will enjoy the extra room without having that I/O in the back too !

Gentleman and all others that have reached out to me ( and a few others that I’ve been in contact with),,,,,,,
Many Thanks!
I’ll be very busy the next couple of days dealing.

I have a 2000 Optimax and well over 800 hours on it and besides one injector nary a problem, if you can I would take Iowa boy up on his offer unless the dealer has already gone thru and checked injectors water pump etcetera. The Optis need the water pump changed more then normal outboards, the pumps don`t wear out but the heat from the exhaust hardens the impeller and will not pump properly. I get at the most 2 years on a water pump.

My Dad has a 2007 Optimax on his 2010 Pro Guide. I believe it’s a 175, but could be wrong. Motor has been bulletproof. Never an issue and runs great. I’d go with whatever IowaBoy suggests.