Mercury Optimax 150 Outboard - The Hull Truth

TLB · 09-20-2003, 04:45 PM

I am thinking about buying a 150 optimax salt water motor. Can any one that has a optimax motor tell me if they are having problems as far as smoking or any other problems I should know about. Does anyone make a 4 stroke motor in a 150 size? Thanks for your help Terry!

Outlaw · 09-20-2003, 05:04 PM

I have 2 2004 200 opties, great so far (60hrs)Fast and efficiant

Suzuki has a 140, and Yamaha has a 150 and 200 4s I beleive.

Sea_Dad · 09-20-2003, 05:15 PM

I have 2 135 opti's. 50 hours.

burnt up temp sensor in the air compressor on the port motor 3hrs because I had the skeg in sand and it sucked up so much it plugged the pee hole up. I dont do that anymore.

water pressure sendor has died on the port motor as well. It reads 0 always, 35hrs, I swapped in the sender from the from the stbd, and it functioned correctly on the port motor.

the first one is my fault but it still points out a stupid design flaw on their part.
the second I consider just infant death of a part. I dont find it alarming.

they get fantastic fuel milage, and never smoke.

29 NORTH · 09-21-2003, 07:51 AM

I have no fear of the 150 opti or the 135 opti, both have had very few problems like the 200 and 225. I own a 135 opti and it is great power gas ecomomy, and oil usage.

Schmaltz~Herring · 09-21-2003, 11:03 AM

I wouldnt agree that the 135 [1998] opticrap had no problems, mine blew after 20 hours.

JIK

Sea Wolf · 09-21-2003, 11:23 AM

Trafficlawyer;----- What was the problem with your 135 engine? Were you using the correct oil? (Mercury Oil) Give us some more information! ------Thanks. ---Greg

TLB · 09-21-2003, 05:50 PM

JIK Thanks for your reply. Did Mercury replace your motor or did they tell you it was your fault it failed. Terry

Team Binnion · 09-22-2003, 09:44 AM

Sea Wolf,
You dont have to use Mercury Oil, for it to be the correct oil.

Team Binnion
Fish Hard or Go Home/24 Cape Horn

DCKH · 09-22-2003, 10:20 AM

Team Binnion

Does your manual say this?

phishy1 · 09-22-2003, 10:46 AM

2001 175 opti. new impeller at 50 hrs. now at 220 hrs. runs fine, no smoke.

cnthings · 09-22-2003, 01:21 PM

I have a '98 150 opti-probably 400+/- hrs no problems great on gas.I change the pumps every season, and do run it hard.

Team Binnion · 09-22-2003, 02:12 PM

I dont have 150 Optimax's, but I have had several diffrent kinds of Motors, and I have never seen, or heard of any MFT say you have to use this NAME BRAND OIL ONLY. If I am wrong, please fill free to correct me.

Team Binnion
Fish Hard or Go Home/24 Cape Horn

DCKH · 09-22-2003, 06:14 PM

Team Binnion,

I don't run Optimax either, but I am curious what the manual says. If i were to guess, opti oil is recommended. Read the manual and follow the manual. Why take the chance running anything else just to save a couple of bucks?

fish on · 09-24-2003, 10:53 AM

TLB. I had twin 2000 150 Optimax Saltwater Series and ran them for a season before trading the boat in (for other reasons). The motor's ran great with the exception of losing prime but that I'm sure was a fuel line issue and not necessarily a motor issue. There has not been much good press here or anywhere else on the optimax engines especially the late 90's and early 2000 years. Yamaha just came out with 4 stroke 150's which I would take a hard look at if you have the $$$. They were just reviewd in powerboat-reports and got a favorable review although as new engines no history at this point. Yamaha does make a good product and you always have the warranty to fall back on. Good luck!

Jim Hensley
Grady White 257 Owner
Chesapeake Bay, MD