300 Optimax
 

I'm thinkin of putting a set on my 24, maybe next year. They are 120#'s more (each) than my 280s. Do you think this will cause any balance issues or be to much weight hanging of the back?

Re: 300 Optimax
 

I would say yes to the weight and balance issues. 300's on the back of 28's cause balance issues. Are you looking for more reliability? I would think the 280's would be faster??

Re: 300 Optimax
 

I just thought it would be nice to have two NEW motors that get awesome gas mileage & still run 115-120. Kenny was telling me about the new 300's & they just sound awesome. Thanks for the help.

Are you running in the Richmond poker run this year?

Has anybody put optimax's on a 24? I'm thinking about upgrading from my 280's... I'm not very educated about outboards, what are people putting on the back of 24's these days?

Tom

IMPO I Would Put A New Set Of 200XS Optis On The Back ,,The 300s Are Going To Throw The CG Way Off,,Those Boats Were Designed For The 200s Back When,,, Just sayin,,,

I agree, with LS, the bigger 3 litre motors are too big for the 24' I myself love my boat with 200's. 280's would be a lot of fun but 115+ in a 24 would be pretty hairy.

My 24 does 118 with 3 people and half a tank of fuel. I don't want to give up any top end... Just sick of all the gear case issues with the 280's..

Tom

What issues are u havin?? None With Mine ,,Same Speeds ,,????

Lower like to loosen up while running... And parts are hard to find. It would be nice to shift it while it running too , lol!

If I remember correctly, there was a 24 on the lake that went from 2.5's to 250's, possibly it was 225's opti's and was just over the 100 mark - no smoke, no oil, GREAT MPG, easy shift and idled like a kitten...

this was the first year when the optis were introduced and shortly there after the owner went to a 32 Skater

The owner was apparently really happy as he only gave up a few mph for all the conveniences

If you think you have problems with the 2.5 Gearcases you really wouldn't like a pair of the 3.0 or 3.2 litre gearcases.

Not from experience, but I've heard the same thing, hence everyone running the 4 and five blade props trying to lessen problems with the 300 xs gear case issues

Many 24's are running 300xs's and 300x's with good results. The key to keeping the 3.0L gear cases together is like said above 4 and 5 blade props, and change gear oil after every other run.

I have the lakeland expansion tanks (Modified) and the wayne taylor 4 seal drive shaft seals with good results for water intrusion. Only problem I've had was snapping a drive a shaft!!!!!

You shouldn't have any problems with the 2.5 cases' if they are setup properly. I have broke a shaft and killed one clutch dog at the begining of last season, but, otherwise they have been bullet proof. Pun intended. I do change my fluid every other time out as Don pointed out. There's not much fluid, less than a quart spinning at 8k+. You should always go over the powerhead , mid and lower unit mounting hardware before a trip out. My friends 280s' lowers kept working loose, but, he never did any preventive maintenance.

who'd you use for you lower work? if...when I go to the 300's I'll want to do em for sure.

Running 3 blades ?

Regarding the installation of these upgrades i did all the work myself. Not hard just need to be careful removing the bolts for the waterpump etc if the gearcases are old. The bolts will snap easily. When your ready let me know and I can give you some information.

thanks.