Brand New? 1999 150 opti

[Btuvi]

This is supposed to be a never used in the box 1999 150 optimax. Price is $4500.

Was this a problem year for optimax and something to stay away from - or fixable?

All opinions welcomed. Thanks

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

Or, I forgot to add, a 2002 175 opti with 500 hours for $1000 more.

Also, how do they determine the hours. Wasn't it in 2004 or later that they came up with a way - which was, what?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

some have a way to tell. the 99 would probably have to have all the rubber hoses replaced, and impeller just to start. it has been sitting 10 years. it could be true, they get lost in inventories. a while back some picked up a brand new 4 year old boat, that got lots in inventory of a dealer.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

Now listen here, Chief of the Boat - - -

Excuse me. Let me start again.

My good advisor, Tashasdaddy, please share a little more of your knowledge and wisdom with me.

First, allow me to thank you for your views on the 99 150 opti.

As usual I'm sure I didn't make myself entirely clear regarding the info/opinions I'm seeking. So let me rephrase.

Given the choice between the 99 150 which, as you say, would need hoses, impeller, etc. added to cost) and the 2002 175 (with the 175 costing $1000 more) which would be the better deal. Or, look at it this way to make it more apples to apples, if the 2002 was a 150 with 500 hours on it which would you prefer. One has no hours but the other is a newer model by three years. How much emphasis should be placed on the difference in the model years? Did Mercury make worthwhile changes/improvements to the opti in that three year period?

I'm under the impression that, at some point, manufacturers started adding some sort of hour meter to the engines. Is that true and, if so, where would it be found?

Thanks

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

In 1999 every manufacturer was having trouble with DFI two strokes so I personally would avoid the 1999. If you do go for this engine, make sure it has all the mechanical and ECU software updates installed. Improvements were made over the 1999 so the 2002 was a better engine from a reliability standpoint. The big "IF" in this discussion is how well the 2002 was maintained and how was it operated. Regardless whether or not an engine has an hour meter capability, it is not one that you can simply look at. It is an electronic clock that is built into the engine ECU (engine control unit). The ECU controls the engine and monitors it's operation for faults and sets codes which need to be read with a diagnostic tool (a notebook computer if you wil). Part of that diagnostic system is to also record maximum rpm and running time (the hour meter).

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

that pretty much explains it. also would the 99 have a factory warranty, seeing it is still new.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

Thanks, Silvertip. I understand.

Thanks, Tashasdaddy. Good suggestion to check warranty situation.

The 99 is owned by someone who planned to replace an older motor but the situation changed and the engine ended up sitting in his garage for four years. He bought it new in 2004.

While with updates and replacement hoses, etc. it could very well turn out to be a fine engine it does mean that there would be a cost to have those things done. That might be worthwhile if I was absolutely confident in the reported history. This particular engine would have to be shipped to me adding to the cost. That combined with uncertainty suggests that I would be better off to pass it by.

The 175 I can put my hands on and experience a demo.

Thanks again for all your help, guys.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

there would be not warranty on the 99 since it was sold, if the dealer still had it possibly. i think you made a good decision.

 

[Btuvi]

Re: Brand New? 1999 150 opti

If you think it's a good decision that's all I need.

I've been trying to learn how to make good decisions. It's not that I can't do it. I just can't seem to do it consistantly. But I'm keeping track to see how I improve. This makes one in a row - again.

Thanks