Mercury Saltwater Series outboards

Sky-Guy · 05-14-2003, 09:46 AM

Want to know if anyone has a Mercury saltwater series Optimax 200HP 2 stroke and what they think of it from a performance and reliability perspective. Have you had a problem with it at all?? Any issues trolling with it?

Also, what do you think about the 225HP saltwater series 4 stroke? Any better or worse than the 2 stroke, pros and cons between the two?
Opinions needed soon and appreciated.

Fishplay · 05-14-2003, 04:44 PM

Are you buying new or looking at a boat already rigged with the optimax.

Here's what I know.

1. The optimax is a very reliable ouboard.

2. Preformance and fuel economy has come along way on 2 strokes.

3. The four strokes are the only way to go if your buying new.

Pete · 05-14-2003, 04:59 PM

Trolling with a 200 seems like overkill. Save the wear and tear and use a small outboard as a kicker.

Sky-Guy · 05-15-2003, 02:55 PM

Neither of the two Fishplay. Lets call it a possible "warranty exchange" for a whole new 200HP engine on the Halli-but (boat name); it has been technically diagnosed and defined as a lemon.

For the 200hp, The fuel economy is good while trolling with this motor, especially when manually setting rpm using the factory gauges.

Due to the circumstances I was just looking at the four stroke.

CAPT KUJO · 05-15-2003, 07:39 PM

Have twin 225 Optimax's the 2003 models they are fantastic. I have also owned the 2000 year model optimax, a complete piece of junk! The optimax engine 2003 and later are the best running most fuel efficent engine I have ever ran. For your information "saltwater" series has nothing to do with ANY internal engine parts at all. The difference between a Saltwater version and a Non-saltwater version is the mount which the engine pivots on. A saltwater series is a must if you leave your boat moored in the water. If you take your boat out each time and don't moore it in saltwater, it's not a factor.

I buy my Mercs directly from the Fond DuLac factory and evaluate and test them for their Govt sales division.

If you're looking at a used optimax older than 2001 BEWARE!!

CAPT KUJO

Miss B Haven · 05-15-2003, 07:50 PM

Pete- your right! I think I'll get small motor for Miss B. Maybe a small Cat to keep my 3116's company. Would that be considered a Kicker or Kitten?

PPPPHHHHRRRRRR.... :smile:

Fishplay · 05-16-2003, 02:04 PM

My suggestion then is to step up into the 4 stroke. Then you could chase tuna for a lot less money.