Optimax Outboards stink!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Had a friend with twin 225 Opti's.... Very touchy motors. If I were looking for an outboard boat it would have Yahmaha or Suzuki 4 strokes on it. Etech would be something to consider too, although not sure I trust any of the new high pressure 2 stroke designs.

[Capt. Debbie]

We run Envinrude 2 strokes. The last two models years have been excellent in the 200hp range. The recent Yahamas have been decent too.

Older Envinrude 2003-07 Ficht were very problematic on the tow boats. And the older(not real old) Yahmahas were excellent too.

[Capt. Debbie]

We run Envinrude 2 strokes. The last two models years have been excellent in the 200ho range. The recent Yahamas have been decent too.

Older Envinrude 2003-07 Ficht were very problematic on the tow boats. And the older(not real old) Yahmahas were excellent too.

[Salt]

I also had problems with my mercury's. I had 250's on my Pro Line. One had a broken shaft, due to a manufactures defect, the other had electrical issues.
They were both under warranty + I had an extended warranty. The original warranty had not yet expired, And they tried to tell me it would be covered under the extended warranty. I finally got it straitened out.

It was a nightmare caused by the PP marina I purchaced the boat from and Mercury.

[arg725]

I had a 2001 225 optimax which I purshased brand new. In the first 3 years i went through 2 powerheads - both times I was told that it "sucked a reed valve" and scored the piston. Both times they only replaced the reed block that was bad instead of replacing all of them (4 or 6, I'm not sure). in 2006, It blew up again, same problemwith reed valve - Mercury would not warranty it this time - which I sort of understand - but it was a recurring problem.
Kicker is - they told me (when I was paying for it) that you should always replace all reed blocks with a new powerhead. After numerous phone calls and letters to Mercury - I got nowhere and had to pay for it - they will not get my hard earned money again.