The older Opti's were plagued with some issues, most of the 2001 and newer opti's have been turn key 1,000 hour engines.

Everything however is relative, someones will last forever and someone elses will only last a couple days. Just like the ford and chevy arguments.

In this particular case I think it's more important to know the application that this guy wants to use his motor for.

That makes sense as mine was a 1999. After all the trouble I wasn't so eager to get another OB at all but the Whaler we came across was such a good deal... and you know how that goes...

We had a cylinder get scored on a 300hr 2001 HPDI, can happen to anybody. Still run a yamaha, though.

Yes 150hp is the limit for the class.There are Etec's in the class already but i personally am a 'Mercury Man' and if there is a faster motor than the Merc i wouldn't hesitate to make a switch.Why settle for second if you can come first?

Stock or can you modify?

If thats the case I would get the mercury over the yamaha, I am a mercury man as well.

I really haven't looked much at that particular motor. What kinda boat will it be on?

SSSShhhhhhhh!......but it will be modified! Want to put it on a 19 Phantom.

Take a look at the Suzuki 150/175...39 pounds lighter than the Yami and the 150 and 175 weigh the same..6 pounds more torque at 3500 rpms..Ive had good luck with both Yamaha and Suzuki..but the last three have been Suzuki.. Main thing is who has the best service center in your area...Good Luck.

Sorry to hijack, but what do you think of the 140 Zuke? Maybe talk tomorrow?

Back to the thread- it may be possible to get a more performance-based lower with the Mercury...just food for thought.

Brad.

bermy100plus - Does this boat happen to be for sale in Cedar Rapids, IA? I'm looking at buying a 19 crestliner phantom that was re-powered with a 150 Mercury OptiMax around the same time as your post. What sort of modifications have you made (just curious)?

Thanks,
Nick