The Boating Forum - Optimax 250 DTS?

I wasn't able to find any recent threads on this. Do the new Optimax 250s (NOT the XS model) support DTS?

I found this link on Merc's site:
http://www.mercurymarine.com/precisionrigging/smartcraft/smartcraftataglance/engines/outboards.php

It seems to indicate that the 200 and the 225 do, but I'm wondering if it was just never updated with the 250. The specs on the motors just say "Compatible with SmartCraft Digital Technology", but I'm not sure if that just means the guages, or DTS as well.

Thanks.

Edit - I can't even find mention of non-DTS controls on Merc's website, except one page that has a pic of the Zero Effort control. Everything you click on seems to take you to info on DTS.

Well, I called Mecury, and was told the new Optimax are NOT DTS compatible, which is pretty annoying.

On a side note, when I asked them for info on the non-DTS controls, they referred me to my 'local dealer'. I went to the local dealer. They're the ones that couldn't answer my questions, which is why I contacted Mercury directly in the first place.
:banghead:

Of course, this come via an email that is 'not monitored for replies', and to use the web contact form, you need a serial # from a motor. Are they trying hard enough to NOT sell me thier products?

There is no more DTS for the OptiMax motors. When it was available it was only for the 225 and maybe the 200.

I had read that it was discontinued recently because no one wanted to pay the extra money for it on the OptiMax's.

I take that the " . . . SmartCraft . . . " has to do with the guage systems/options and that is that.

Okay, so next question - what are the manual control options for Mercury motors?

The dealer sent me a pic of the controls that they would install that looks alot like the Teleflex Osprey binnacle. However, I'm a bit worried that it may be too wide to fit where my Yamaha 704 binnacle is. I'm thinking of maybe going to a Livorsi 4-lever setup, which would be narrower (5 5/8" vs. 8 1/2" for the Osprey), but with single-function levers. Anyone have a single-function setup? Opinions?

Okay, so next question - what are the manual control options for Mercury motors?

The dealer sent me a pic of the controls that they would install that looks alot like the Teleflex Osprey binnacle. However, I'm a bit worried that it may be too wide to fit where my Yamaha 704 binnacle is. I'm thinking of maybe going to a Livorsi 4-lever setup, which would be narrower (5 5/8" vs. 8 1/2" for the Osprey), but with single-function levers. Anyone have a single-function setup? Opinions?



Just keep your Yamaha binnacle. You can wire in the neutral safety and trim to the Merc harness. Just use the teleflex extreme (way better then mercs) cables and change the ends.

As it is now, the Yammy 704 is a bit close to the wheel, and I can't move it to the right because it's up against a chartplotter there. I've already busted a knuckle a couple of times getting caught between the wheel and throttle. If I can imporve the ergonomics by going to a different control setup, I'm willing to do it, but if I'd have the same problem w/ a new control, it may not be worth swapping...

As it is now, the Yammy 704 is a bit close to the wheel, and I can't move it to the right because it's up against a chartplotter there. I've already busted a knuckle a couple of times getting caught between the wheel and throttle. If I can imporve the ergonomics by going to a different control setup, I'm willing to do it, but if I'd have the same problem w/ a new control, it may not be worth swapping...


What size is your wheel? 15" or 13"?

13". Thought of that already....

Edit - If this link works, there are some pics of my helm that may give you an idea of the problem I'm trying to solve...
https://picasaweb.google.com/112418401280173971390/Intrepid339?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNnjrca7k_O8Dg&feat=directlink

I replaced my Yamahas with Mercs years ago. Had the typical Yamah twin motor binacle controls (vintage 1998) on my boat. replaced it with the Merc binacle and the Merc one was actually a tad narrower than the Yamaha and I had to make an adapter plate to cover the wider Yamaha hole in the dash.

A couple of things on new controls. If you go with Merc, make sure you get the Gen II controls. Less lever effort and better trim controls. The Merc Platinum cables are made by Teleflex and if I'm not mistaken they are the equivelent of the Extremes.

I've spent lots of time driving boats with the seperate levers for throttle and gear. They look really cool and are fairly easy to operate when running about but when it comes to docking situations they are a hand full and really a pain in the ass. The boat I spent the most time in with these controls had trips and while docking it was impossible to grab the right levers with out dropping your eyes down to the controls and taking them off what you're doing with the boat. I would only use the outside two motors while docking and still found it damn near impossible to manuever the boat in tight quarters w/o glancing back and forth at the controls and the bow and stern of the boat. In high wind and / or current situations it got really interesting. Always felt like I was "playing piano" in these situations.

Thanks, B-in-B. That's what I was worried about w/ the seperate levers as well. I was also wondering if there was some type of lock-out that would prevent the accidental shift while the throttles were above idle.

I'm guessing you probably had similar Yamaha controls to mine. Mine are the 704-series from 2001. The binnacle itself I'm not too worried about, but the handles on the Mercury controls just seemed like they'd be wider.

The dealer will re-glass the helm, so as long as the binnacle will fit, I don't need to worry about covering the hole.

yes, the ones I've used the gear shift function is locked out if the throttle is above idle