225 or 250 used outboards to avoid

[SV3854]

I am new to the forum, so excuse me if this is a discussion that has taken place before, but I am looking for a used 225-250 outboard. I have looked around the internet for used motors and there are reference to certain motors to stay away from. IE certain Evenrudes, etc. My boat currently has a Mercury and I have seen suggestions to stay away certain Optimax, although replacing with a Merc will save on controls, etc.

What are engines that have definate problems. Models and years please?

Also, if you have any motors that are GREAT, please let me know those also.

SV

[tommyr904]

02 up 225 opti is what you should be looking for

[Dunk]

You don't want an Opti built before 05.. After that they are good engines. You really should mention how far back you'll go?

[Spear_Rod1]

whatever you do, stay away from evinrude and johnson OceanPro's they are the smokiest engines out there and they eat up fuel like a damn cookie monster. If you want a very good reliable engine get a merc. Pro XS, it's a racing engine and it's performance is awesome and it is very quiet. Do your research on it.

[Bly]

The 250 hpdi is the worstest engine yam ever made.

[bluewaterpirate]

I bought the Whaler/Opti combo in early 02 and they now have 3257 hours on them .... all I can say the Opti has been one terrific motor. I had run nothing but Yamaha's to that point and to say the least I was real skeptical about the Opti. The only issue I've had was the compressor at 1575 hours ... it was replaced under warranty at no charge. Total down time was 3 days. I've done routine maintenance since I bought in 02.

I've changed the the water pump every 500 hours (run offshore exclusively), fuel water seperator once a season, oil filter once a season, quickleen every other fill up, belts every 1000 hours, plugs every 350 hours and used Merc's DFI oil since break in.

I'm getting ready to repower with an 09 225 Opti.

This Opti runs strong as hell for sure .........

http://albums.phanfare.com/4892322/2...ageID=51615270

I take the cowling off after ever use to make sure everything is as it should be and do some cleanup.









I run it at least once every two weeks during the winter if I don't fish.

[SV3854]

Originally Posted by Dunk

You don't want an Opti built before 05.. After that they are good engines. You really should mention how far back you'll go?

I am really not set on any year, etc. I guess that was the reason for the question also, I want to make sure that I am looking at the right year(s).

Interestingly enought, I have found that nearly EVERY used engine from the 90's has about 400 hours on it, and no way to prove otherwise......

[carbo]

Originally Posted by SV3854

I am really not set on any year, etc. I guess that was the reason for the question also, I want to make sure that I am looking at the right year(s).

Interestingly enought, I have found that nearly EVERY used engine from the 90's has about 400 hours on it, and no way to prove otherwise......

You will get a story with every used motor......you will be lucky to find a decent motor....there are a few out there I'm sure. Think about it....most people keep a motor till it starts to give them trouble or a reason to think trouble is coming. Few re-power when a motor is perfect......(few) most get the best years out of it and get rid of it. I looked for a few months at used motors for my old 24 Grady.....after story after story after story I finally spent 10k and got a new OX66 Yam 225 in the box with 3 years of warranty. (5 years ago).......Motor was flawless and the piece of mind of being new was worth every penny. Consider new if you plan to keep the boat for a while.

[tommyr904]

Originally Posted by Dunk

You don't want an Opti built before 05.. After that they are good engines. You really should mention how far back you'll go?

Why 05?

the problematic ones where 99 to 01

[Back-in-Black]

Because Dunk hates Optis.

[SV3854]

Any thoughts on a Mercury EFI? Are there any issues with those?

[jeffro22]

the merc efi is a reliable motor, just uses alot of fuel and oil and is noisy. Look for an 02 or later Optimax 225 of an Evinrude DI built by Bombardier (2002-newer). I would stay away from anything ficht 2001-older, the 250 HPDI, and the early Optis pre 2002. If you are not as concerned about fuel economy and resale you could find a yamaha ox66, merc EFI or the Johnson Ocean runners, all fairly reliable. Any fourstroke will be fine also

Since you have merc controls I would vote for an 04-07 Optimax 225HP

[beber]

My personal rule of thumb is avoid any late 90s early 2000's high pressure injection type of 2 strokes, by any manufacturer. (Evinrude Fitch's, Opti's, HPDI) they all had their problems durring that time period. All of the manufactures made good 2 strokes from the mid 90's on, Ocean Pro's, 0X66, even Merc saltwater or EFI. Just they all used a lot of fuel, but the fuel injected ones use less. Pretty much all of the 4 strokes have a good reputation. I would have no hesitation buying a late model direct injection 2 stoke either.

[Greg Manning]

Originally Posted by Bly

The 250 hpdi is the worstest engine yam ever made.

Amen...I have felt the pain. My disasters were 03's

[darrinsmarine]

i have new 08 225 opti demo 20hrs full warranty thanks Darrin 228-297-6308