optimax

[Redbelly]

Who runs an Optimax motor?

Satisfied? Gas mileage? Power? Reliability?

[hambric85]

05' opti xl saltwater. Good power, decent fuel milage, and reliable. Only run merc dfi oil. That's the key!!!

[jzimmer]

Been running a 150hp one for 10 years and very happy with it ..I get it serviced yearly and only run non ethanol gas.Usually fish two days at keaton running up to otter creek and moving a lot and burn around 18 gallons

[guthooked]

2007 Opti 200. Have had no problems. Plugs are very expensive.

[dombern34]

run a 90 optimax on my tunnel. like it so far. I've always had a Yamaha so its a little new to me, but as long as it cranks up and gets me back to the ramp I'm not hating

gets pretty good gas mileage too.

[Redbelly]

considering repowering my Famous Craft with a 115 hp

[Hit-n-Miss]

Have had good luck with my 115 Opti on my 19' Kenner.

[Flint River Pirate]

I've heard good things

[silverking]

The original design of the Optimax was developed by the Australians and Mercury brought it to market. It features a low-pressure injection system, which has proven to be much more durable over the long haul than similar high-pressure style injection engines like Yamaha's HPDI or the early FICHT by OMC.

Besides durability the Optimax offers precise fuel delivery for more-efficient economy and the low-end torque for initial acceleration or hole shots. Good mid-range and top-end performance as well.

With the growing advances in four-stroke technology (lighter weight, better torque), Optimax is not as big of player now but they are still very viable engines, as others have already noted.

[Redbelly]

I know the 115 is about $3,000 less than the Etec. I would like an Etec, but don't wanna pay extra.

[silverking]

Check with Shields Marina in St. Marks before deciding. They are an Evinrude dealer and might be able to offer a better deal. 850-925-6158. They also sell Mercury now too.

[hambric85]

Love mine. I have a 05' 200xl. Great motor. RUN ONLY THIS OIL!!!

[chugbug]

I ran a 2006 opti until I sold it last year. Replaced fuel/air filter ever year, changed lower unit lube and never ever had a problem. You don't need the expensive optimal oil either. You can run quicksilver premium plus and it will be fine. Use seafood in every tank and run it.

[zload]

I ran a 2006 opti until I sold it last year. Replaced fuel/air filter ever year, changed lower unit lube and never ever had a problem. You don't need the expensive optimal oil either. You can run quicksilver premium plus and it will be fine. Use seafood in every tank and run it.

Do you suggest shrimp, scallops, oysters or fish?

[hambric85]

Lol! My good friend who is a local merc mechanic, told me that the quicksilver oil is acceptable, but the dfi synthetic is much better for it. It has more detergents and keeps carbon buildup down. Alot of places will sell you oil from a drum for less$. My local shop charges 5 bucks less if you bring your own jug. Cheaper than wallyworld.