Verados are heavier. Verados can be bumped up in HP with a ECU reprogram. Verados are 4 stoke. Verados cost a bit more. Earlier Verados had issues with the lower units (I read that somewhere). Verados, being still fairly new to the market are pricy to repair. Optis, are lighter, not much support for HP upgrades (but there is some), Optis are 2 stroke, Optis get excellent fuel economy, SEI (Stern drive engineering) sells replacement lower units and gear sets (which are very strong and much cheaper then Mercury parts). Older Optis had fuel delivery issues (straightened out after 2003 I believe). Earlier Optis had a weak Air Compressor (used to add additional pressure to the fuel system, which is what allows the Opti such good fuel economy) they cost about $800 to replace. However if they fail while in use, often spread debris through out the air and fuel system which can be pricy to repair.

My Optis barely smoke. I get a little puff on start up and a little when hammering down. It doesn't smell nearly as bad as older two strokes (I kind of like it). Verados, won't smoke at all (unless there is something wrong). The Verados are quieter and the Optis are a little noisy (most 2 strokes are). The Optis have more low end grunt than the Verados do. On the Concept 30, I believe twin 225 Optis are equivelant to 250 Verados when it comes to top end and even then the Optis might be a tiny bit faster. As far as hole shot, I think the Opti beats the Verado hands down.

I can't/won't suggest which you should go because they both have their strong points and weak points. I am no expert and not a mechanic. Just speaking from my research and personal experience with my Optis. Good Luck in your search.

We have a client that has a 30SD on order that has a 2003 24 Sport Pantera with a Yamaha outboard. we are trying to help him sell before he takes delivery of his Concept. If you would in the selling efforts of YOUR Pantera, please send us anyone that might want something smaller. This man took so good care of his Pantera and VERY particular, I assure you the buyer will be pleased with the condition if this is the type of boat looking for. Contact Susan at Concept Boats and she will pass you to the owner. Thanks for the consideration.

Sure thing. The Pantera community is small and we always chat about available boats. I'm still interested in a Concept but not fire saleing.