OPTIMAX owners questions/reviews

I’m currently looking at a new boat (2010) that can only be purchased with the 200 Mercury Optimax sportjet (inboard jet with 200 opti powerhead.) Online I’ve been reading until blue in the face about this engine. Sounds like ALOT of issues years ago with these powerheads.

How many of you run the bigger Opti’s and what is your personal opinion and do’s and dont’s regarding this engine? I’ve ran a Mercury 175 sportjet(carburetors) for the last 5 years and have nothing but good things to say about it. The DFI is a whole new ballgame for me. Being I’m a bit hesitant about this engine any insight and experience you have to share would be greatly appreciated (please put me at ease) Would you buy another one? Thanks in advance, Randy

I am buying my 2nd 200 Opti, the first was a 06, flawless, ran awsome, so I am getting a 010.

I have not purchased the Sport Jet before, but I have owned merc’s since Dad had them…My last Opti was my first switch into an Opti from a DFI to a 90 Opti…No I own a 225 Pro XS….I am very very happy to date…

It is very important to warm up the opti before tearing off in it…This has always been what was stressed to me since owning an Opti Max…

dads on secound 150 opti now a 175 pro xs love them. no issues in all the years.

Back about 9 years ago I owned (1) 200 and (2) 225 optis and they all blew up, so I switched to evinrudes and they havn’t had near the issues with the big motors for me.
That being said this was back in 2001 and 2002 and from what I understand they are much better today.
I have a ’06 135 opti on my work boat and it has been fantastic, so maybe I just had a run of a couple bad motors.

The powerheads that blew in 99 to 01/02 were because of fuel injection problems. That was resolved in 02.

Currently, powerheads blow up because of “dis-similar metal thermal expansion”. What this means is that the different metals between the jug/powerhead expand and contract at different speeds. This in turn, causes the engine to blow.

I haven’t seen/heard recent consumer reports, however I do know for fact that the fuel injection was corrected in 02 by private party, with proprietary rights, that Mercury was not aware of. That private party is no longer servicing the fuel injection system. At this time, I have not been made aware, either way, if the manufacturing method used by the private party was given to Mercury, when the private party stopped the manufacturing of the fuel injection system.

IF Mercury is not using this proprietary method on their fuel injection systems, there is a huge risk the problems that Mercury experienced in 99-02 will occur again. This change occured approximately 12 months ago. Considering inventory stock levels, the problem (if it surfaces), will start any day now…..

But this is all rumor and speculation, and I plead the 5th to protect myself!

Currently running a 07 225 opti. Love it! The posts about the issues being in the 99, 00, 01 optis is accurate. A buddy had his 150 opti blow one day when we were on Pepin. I believe it was an 01, but definitely not newer than that. I am not mechanical, but the merc certified mechanic that does my maintenance says it is important to let your motor warm up before you drop the hammer. Says the different cylinders warm up at different rates, hence the need to allow for a warm up period. I assume this may be true of all large outboards?!? By the way, love that opti growl!

Thanks guys! How many of you are running “Quick Kleen” in each of your fills?

I do