2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

[keithwp]

I'm looking at a 2008 Optimax 150 to replace my 92 Force 150. The Optimax has 110 hours. Anything I should look for when doing an inspection? I'm thinking that there shouldn't be any issues but I don't know much about the Optimax motors in general.
Anyone have any experience swapping a 92 Force with an newer Optimax?
My Force runs fine. My thought is to replace it while it is running and has resale value.
Thanks

Keith

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

I would run that force. MY .02... How much for the Opti? and what is the resale for a Force?

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

The Mercury Optimax is a great high-tech engine which would run circles around the old Force. I am assuming that your boat is close in age to the Force motor. I am not sure how much they want for the Optimax, but I am pretty sure you will have to replace all the controls, gauges, and maybe even the steering (and that is a strong maybe) when you convert (which could add considerably to the final cost) Is the boat worth sinking that much money into the used hull?

The old Force probably does not have much of a resale value anyway. In my humble opinion, I would use that good-running Force until she quits....or I would sell the entire package and look for something with the Optimax already installed.

Good Luck.

 

[keithwp]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

I would run that force. MY .02... How much for the Opti? and what is the resale for a Force?

The Opti is $5k. I think I can get $2500 to $3k for the Force

 

[keithwp]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

The Mercury Optimax is a great high-tech engine which would run circles around the old Force. I am assuming that your boat is close in age to the Force motor. I am not sure how much they want for the Optimax, but I am pretty sure you will have to replace all the controls, gauges, and maybe even the steering (and that is a strong maybe) when you convert (which could add considerably to the final cost) Is the boat worth sinking that much money into the used hull?

The old Force probably does not have much of a resale value anyway. In my humble opinion, I would use that good-running Force until she quits....or I would sell the entire package and look for something with the Optimax already installed.

Good Luck.

Thanks for the input. Mercury customer service thinks I can use the steering and controls.
Of course that is an unknown. The options you mentioned are good ones.

Thanks

 

[Mi duckdown]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

keithwp Would YOU pay 2500 for a used 92 150 Force used?

 

[keithwp]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

keithwp Would YOU pay 2500 for a used 92 150 Force used?

Good question. In my area there have been a couple of Force engines sold at that price point. One was a 125 the other a 150.If I could get near $2k I'd be happy. I'm going to list the engine while it is still on my boat. The lakes I fish are still frozen for another 4 weeks so I have a bit of time.

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

Dude, I hope you can pull that off. Getting $2000 for a 92 Force 150 is unheard of down here in Florida. Here you are probably looking at $500-$800 on a good day. Good Luck to you.

 

[greenbush future]

Re: 2008 Optimax 150hp engine swap from Force and buying used any advice?

I second the "sell the entire boat" crowd. A good running entry level boat. Then go buy a boat that has your 150 already installed. Either way you are making a serious upgrade.