considering repowering. Anyone have an idea on performance differences between the 300 optimax vs 300R? The boat is a 28' powerplay sportdeck.

I believe they are almost the same weight, which is amazing considering the 300R is a 4.6L V8 4 stroke.

I would go with the 300R all day long if the price was close. More TQ, newer motor, more support at this point, better resale etc.

They quit making optimax in 2018.

Current model Vs obsolete…….Mmm?

If the money is not the deciding factor, it’s a no brainer.
If your budget doesn’t work for a low hour/new 300R, maybe a 300 Pro-XS could be a sensible compromise.

RR

I have a 300R and never owned an Optimax. If you opt for an extended warranty on a 300R it is more than double that of a 300 and perhaps 50% more (my guess) than a 300 Pro XS. From reports I have seen, and from talking to Mercury Marine before I purchased mine, they suggested that there would be 1 mph (2 at the most) difference on my 24 ft Checkmate between a 300 Pro XS and a 300R.

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compare prices at Jacos Marine for 300 and 300R outboards

This one is a new V8 digital-throttle-and-shift 300hp non-R

https://www.jacosmarine.com/inventor...8464-12327741i















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300R for your application. The balance of the boat will need to be addressed as well as the motor spacing.