Optimax vs. Classic Performance

[djm8300]

I'm thinking of replacing my Merc classic with an Optimax 115 h.p. How well does the Optimax actually perform on hole shot, overall acceleration, and top speed compared to a classic of the same h.p.? Any reliability issues I should be aware of? I've read the Mercury literature, but would like to hear from someone unbiased. Thanks.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

Hole shot will be quicker, top end will be faster, and starting...absolutely no comparison! I'm assuming you're talking about the inline-6 115. If you're talking about the inline-4, then add smooth acceleration throughout the RPM range and smooth(er) idling to the list.<br /><br />Unfortunately you can probably add higher maintenance costs to the list as well. But improved fuel economy will offset that quite a bit. And they're WAY quieter once you get past all of the injector clicking. Actually, if they idled and ran as loud as their carbureted predecessors, you'd probably never even hear any clicking.

 

[Reel Precision]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

If you do large amounts of trolling I would consider something besides the DFI motors. Just my opinion. They are bad for fouling plugs at low RPMs. Maybe someone else knows more.

 

[woundup]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

I have a OPTI 200 and troll extensively in the Gulf of Mexico and have never fouled a plug. The motors been great so far. "Knock on wood"

 

[Reel Precision]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

I guess I stand corrected. Good Luck.

 

[Clams Canino]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

Willy, I think he's talking about the carbed inline 4 115 vs the Opti. That's the one Mercury started calling "classic" despite the obvious claim of the 6.<br /><br />I agree that I've seen nothing but good things of the Opti. Performance (and everything) is like night and day vs the carbed four. <br /><br />I would however, still take one on in fair fight with my inline 6 115. Mine pulls to 6000 and beyond, that 4 outta lose the race when it's crank snaps at 5600.

 

[djm8300]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

From these and other posts, it sounds like the consensus is that the Opti will outperform the inline 4 classic 2 stroke in all ways that matter to me. I don't do much trolling. Reliability is a question for a follow-up posting. Thanks.

 

[HYDRASPORT84]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

I have a friend with a 225 optimax that gave him a lot of problems. Mercury has stood behind there motor though and extended the warrant for him.<br />These motors will really perfom though.

 

[BRIAN03]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

The big OPTI'S will wear you out. We work on them all day long in the summer. One after another. Somedays you dont want to see another one. They foul spark plugs. They have changed spark plug design 3 times. TPS problems. Compressor problems. They burn spark plug wires. Bypass diaphram fails and fills the engine pan up. If there is not enough battery to these engines they dont start. Alarms all the time and the gear case on the counter rotator blows up 4 to 1 of the standard rotator. All this stuff isnt cheap. After a while the customer thinks its us. I always show a new customer the failure rates of this engines befor we start. I always hook up DDT's to both engines on a twin engine boat. If I'm looking for a problem on the port side by the time we come back in the starb. side will have a code or alarm. You can't give away Mercury OPTI's in North Carolina.

 

[Reelly]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

Agree Brian

 

[djm8300]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

Thanks for the comments. I haven't seen anything from happy Optimax owners, so I'll take this as a consensus opinion of the Optis. Last chance: anyone out there with a contrary experience.

 

[fcharb]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

Would someone expand what Brian03 means three post above by "Bypass diaphram fails and fills the engine pan up." Is he talking about the air/fuel rails or what? Thanks.

 

[woundup]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

The high pressure water bypass valve on the lower right hand side of the engine has a rubber diaphram. When it ruptures water is allowed out through the weep holes into the engine cowling. Cost about $10 to buy a new one. I now change mine every season.

 

[outboardguy]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

They run Opti 200's on the lake patrol boats where I work.The most hours I've seen on one powerhead is about 1700,which is'nt bad considering that they run the hell out of them.

 

[Boatin Bob]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

I bought a 115hp Classic inline 4 carb model last year. It only runs on 2 cyl under 1700 rpm, great for trolling, good economy plus over 1700 the other 2 cyl kick in, has good snap for skiing. All around good motor plus they couldn't get me the 115 Optimax early last year and it was quite a bit more money.

 

[arboatdr]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

The 4 cyl 115 Merc is probably one of the most reliable engines ever made by Merc. The hesitation at take off is a small sacrifice for the reliability of this engine. The 115 opti is a sound engine but can only be service at a merc dealer. We see a lot of optimax engines come in for poor idling problems. Merc has several fixes and service bullitens on them. I think for the most part they have worked out all the bugs. If I had a choice between the two new in the box I'd take the classic. Good luck!!

 

[montanaman]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

Your question is to replace your classic or not. Are you having problems with your current set up? If not an old saying comes to mind "If it aint broke, don't fix it". If you are having problems then why not go with the latest and greatest, it's hard to top the 5 year warranty that Mercury is currently offering. I just purchased my own OPTIMAX, so far I'm impressed but I have less than an hour on it so reliabilty is not yet an issue.

 

[djm8300]

Re: Optimax vs. Classic Performance

The reason for replacing the engine is that I run it at very high altitude (8,300+) and need more power. Plus, I've never liked the way my 100 h.p. idles up there. I'm considering up to a 135 h.p. as a replacement.