mercury optimax

[greek]

i am considering purchasing a 200hp mercury optimax outboard engine, and some friend have told me that these engines have had many electrical problems, is this a fact?

[Tony Davis]

NO!

[Petrol Head]

Good motors.

Two of them over here in L/Hampton.

They're well looked after.

Always running reliably and despite the different power band they do perform well.

[glen76]

are they legit for racing in f2?? 3000cc 200hp, theyre only a few ccs over!!

[Cookee]

Glen - everyone uses the XS 200 which is 2.5 litre and 200 hp

[glen76]

but is xs 200 ok for leisure aswell? on the ol jungle juice and stuff, isnt it straight through exhaust? oh and what about reliability? Im not sure if i ever will race, but i dont want to rule myself out of it buy getting the wrong engine. i am aiming for Primarily leisure use though

[Cookee]

Glen - Formula 2 is getting quite competitive now and I think you need to be on a level playing field with the others - not sure if the 3 litre is listed for Formula 2 or not.

Probably best to ask one of the engine people what the differances are - we are still running XR2's on the race boat and a 225 Opti is ready to go on the leisure boat when its finished.

If you want to discuss it in more detail send me a pm and I'll give you my number and I'll suggest some people that could help you out.

[Ian]

Whats the difference between the XS & S ranges of Optimax?

I've seen the XS advertised by a main dealer as a 'Salt Water' Optimax. What are the main differences between the two.

[Cookee]

I think the XS is the 2.5 litre and the regular opti 200 is a 3 litre - dunno what the S is at all - maybe have a look at Mercury's website?

[Ian]

Originally posted by Cookee
I think the XS is the 2.5 litre and the regular opti 200 is a 3 litre

Cookee, looked at the Mercury website and you're right. I guess thats why the XS weighs in 28 kilos lighter.

As for the 'Saltwater' options I couldn't find anything on the American site but did find something on MarinePowerEurope. The only model listed that could be compared to the 'Non-Salty' option was the 115. The only difference I can see in the Tech spec is that the 'Saltwater' is recomended for extra long transoms. There was a reference in the general write up regarding fresh water flushing so perhaps the Salty has a better flushing attachment?

[glen76]

do regular mercury dealers sell the xs or is it just racing agents? if so wheres the nearest one to the solent?

[Tony Davis]

All UK high perf merc is handled by:

Marinautic Ltd (Mike Betts)
Cobbs Quay Marina, Cobbs Quay Hamworthy
Poole Dorset
BH15 4EL

Tel: 01202 678085

[Ian]

Cheers Matt, you html blokes must know all the tricks!!!!