Outboard swap - 115 OPTIMAX to a 200/225

[frozenokie]

Will be repowering my boat from a 2007 OPTIMAX 115 to a 200 or 225 this winter and have a couple questions:

1. My 115 is currently an XXL shaft (25") not the shorter version...Can I use this lower unit and 5" spacer with a 200 or 225 hp motor?
2. I currently have dual rack and pinion steering...Is it a requirement to have hydraulic steering when I go to the larger outboard?

Thanks for any help!!!

 

[jimmbo]

Your 115 optimax is a V6? or is it a 3 cylinder? If a V6 then maybe, if a 3 cylinder no chance . Dual cable steering was very common for engines of that HP years ago.

 

[flyingscott]

Do some digging to find part #s because even if it is a 3 cylinder it's Mercury's 3.0 block cut in half. They use the hood and pan of the V6 if you are lucky they may also use the center section and the parts may interchange. You will have to do some research for it.

 

[frozenokie]

Your 115 optimax is a V6? or is it a 3 cylinder? If a V6 then maybe, if a 3 cylinder no chance . Dual cable steering was very common for engines of that HP years ago.

It's the three cylinder... Guess I'll have to swap out the whole inchilada!!!

Thanks for your responses!!