mercury optimax 225's circa 2000

jagerhunchback · 07-01-2009, 05:17 AM

I am looking at a boat with twin 2000 Mercury Optimax 225's on it with around 100hrs on them. whats the skinny on these? plan is to use them in the pacific northwest. heard they were problematic for the bassmaster types due to shotgun style starts. any input??? thanks for your time guys.

Capt. JJ · 07-01-2009, 08:49 AM

Talk with Capt. Skip Dana. He runs/owns the Helen S and Fish City, and has a 27 contender with opti's. Lots of hours tournament fishing. It's called Pop-A-Top.

reelquick 28 · 07-01-2009, 04:09 PM

I have a 32' Sea Craft "Double Down" with 225 opti's and it runs good. I've ran next to my buddy skip on the Pop A Top and we both run pretty good. The only thing is on bimini starts when i punch it it feels like i spun a hub so i have to pull it back and get on a plane slow but once were going they run solid. I ran them wide open at 5600 rpm's for a hour and a half in 3 bimini starts 3 weekends ina row. SOLID!

DonK · 07-01-2009, 04:50 PM

I have a pair of the same...used the wrong oil in one and blew a powehead...(or at least that may have been the cause) Use the merc stuff or at least the recommended TC-W3. Around here (Florida) I am paying around $70 for a 2.5 gallon jug of TC-W#, and the Quicksilver (mercury brand) is around $80 at the local boat store chain. Pricey, but powerheads cost a heck of a lot more..

one engine has 1000hr, the other new one about 100. They push my 30' RyboRunner at 28knts burning 20 gals per hour total. 'To the stops' the boat will do around 32.

With the stepped hull I get unbelievable holeshots with 3 blade props...it'll get up on the plane in 3-5 boat lengths....not bad for a being heavy boat with a full tower.

I have heard that 4 blade wheels add better thrust with less chance of cavitation...but a slight loss of top end. I haven't had a problem yet.

All in all I like the motors...although they are louder than 4strokers, they are a heck of a light lighter.

If the boat doesn't have them, it would be worth getting the smartcraft guages to replace the 'idiot lights'. these guages give a lot more info about fuel burn, alarms, temp, pressure, etc... about a grand for a pair installed, buut well worth it!

jagerhunchback · 07-01-2009, 05:32 PM

wow, they don't sound nearly as bad as i thought they would be. so basically keep a solid maintenance plan and use the proper lubricant and all is well. thanks for your help gents.

DonK · 07-02-2009, 09:42 AM

Thanks for your service to the USA!
hoo-ah!

DonK, SSGT (former) USMC

07-01-2009, 05:17 AM	#1 (permalink)
jagerhunchback Lines In Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: oahu, hawaii Occupation: army Posts: 13	mercury optimax 225's circa 2000 I am looking at a boat with twin 2000 Mercury Optimax 225's on it with around 100hrs on them. whats the skinny on these? plan is to use them in the pacific northwest. heard they were problematic for the bassmaster types due to shotgun style starts. any input??? thanks for your time guys.

07-01-2009, 08:49 AM	#2 (permalink)
Capt. JJ Hooked Up Join Date: May 2008 Location: Boca Raton/Boynton Beach Boat: Venture 34 "Tuna Time" Best Catch: 403# Sword, 400# Mako Occupation: Boat Driver Posts: 605	Talk with Capt. Skip Dana. He runs/owns the Helen S and Fish City, and has a 27 contender with opti's. Lots of hours tournament fishing. It's called Pop-A-Top. __________________ It's a big ocean, find your own fish Tuna Time Charters, Boynton Beach, FL www.TunaTimeFishing.com

07-01-2009, 04:50 PM	#4 (permalink)
DonK Grander Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boca Raton Boat: "the Fish-Tank", 1986 Rybo Runner Best Catch: 395# Broadbill Occupation: Restaurant software engineer, Mis-Boated 6-pack Capt. Posts: 1,024	I have a pair of the same...used the wrong oil in one and blew a powehead...(or at least that may have been the cause) Use the merc stuff or at least the recommended TC-W3. Around here (Florida) I am paying around $70 for a 2.5 gallon jug of TC-W#, and the Quicksilver (mercury brand) is around $80 at the local boat store chain. Pricey, but powerheads cost a heck of a lot more.. one engine has 1000hr, the other new one about 100. They push my 30' RyboRunner at 28knts burning 20 gals per hour total. 'To the stops' the boat will do around 32. With the stepped hull I get unbelievable holeshots with 3 blade props...it'll get up on the plane in 3-5 boat lengths....not bad for a being heavy boat with a full tower. I have heard that 4 blade wheels add better thrust with less chance of cavitation...but a slight loss of top end. I haven't had a problem yet. All in all I like the motors...although they are louder than 4strokers, they are a heck of a light lighter. If the boat doesn't have them, it would be worth getting the smartcraft guages to replace the 'idiot lights'. these guages give a lot more info about fuel burn, alarms, temp, pressure, etc... about a grand for a pair installed, buut well worth it! __________________ "thank God they are not as intelligent as we who kill them, although they are more noble...and able." -the old man Gunter glieben glauten globen

07-02-2009, 09:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
DonK Grander Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Boca Raton Boat: "the Fish-Tank", 1986 Rybo Runner Best Catch: 395# Broadbill Occupation: Restaurant software engineer, Mis-Boated 6-pack Capt. Posts: 1,024	Thanks for your service to the USA! hoo-ah! DonK, SSGT (former) USMC __________________ "thank God they are not as intelligent as we who kill them, although they are more noble...and able." -the old man Gunter glieben glauten globen

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07-01-2009, 04:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
reelquick 28 Lines In Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: deerfield beach Boat: 32' Sea Craft Best Catch: 58lb wahoo and 135lb sword Occupation: Ray Qualmann Marine Posts: 92	I have a 32' Sea Craft "Double Down" with 225 opti's and it runs good. I've ran next to my buddy skip on the Pop A Top and we both run pretty good. The only thing is on bimini starts when i punch it it feels like i spun a hub so i have to pull it back and get on a plane slow but once were going they run solid. I ran them wide open at 5600 rpm's for a hour and a half in 3 bimini starts 3 weekends ina row. SOLID!

07-01-2009, 05:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
jagerhunchback Lines In Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: oahu, hawaii Occupation: army Posts: 13	wow, they don't sound nearly as bad as i thought they would be. so basically keep a solid maintenance plan and use the proper lubricant and all is well. thanks for your help gents.

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