Can someone tell me the difference between a Merc 225 Opti and a Merc 225 Opti Pro Xs
from Gambler Paul #12191  
11/4/2009 8:19:17 PM

Rated:

  I am buying a motor for a bass boat. I can buy a left over new 225 mercury Opti for the same price as a current new Merc 200 opti Pro Xs both have the 5 year warranty. I did not know how to compare the Pro Xs. I am more concerned about motor longevity, economy than speed. I just wanted to be sure the 225 Opti is not a DOG.

Thanks, Paul

THANKS FOR THE REPLY Fishermen & fisherwomen, I want to be to proper addressing everyone. I do want to thank, everyone for your comments on this post. God Bless You All, Good Fishing and Thanks once more. Paul Grasso

Edited 11/7/2009 9:05:51 PM

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   Get the XS from RyanC/LanierSpots  11/4/2009 9:10:52 PM
 It has 10 times the hole shot that the opti does. A little better on top end as well.

If you could get a big price break, the Opti would be Ok but for the same price, get the XS. The Opti will be just a little better on fuel but its hardly noticable..

LanierSpots
Phone: 770-356-4136
Email: ryan@lanierspots.com

   225 Optimax from mofishin #10690  11/4/2009 10:48:13 PM
 I have the 225 optimax on my Kenner Center Console and my friend has the 225 Opti on his Triton 19 X3. Best motor I have ever had. Great fuel milage. Good hole shot. I can be on plane in 3 -4 boat lengths.

My friend decided to get the regular optimax because it was $3000 less.
One thing with the regular Optimax is that the owners manual says you must run the optimax oil. If you don't have a dealer that carries it in bulk it is very expensive.
The pro XS runs the premium plus.

I get my Optimax oil from my dealer for $22 gallon. At BPS it is $34.99 gallon.

The optimax oil does burn very clean. I never see my motor puff any.

   how often do you resell? from Randy B  11/5/2009 7:33:02 AM
 if one engine is labeled 2008 and one is labeled 2009, that's a consideration

   Get the right motor for your application from STRETCH1 #11051  11/5/2009 8:41:20 AM
 I see Ryan mentioned to go with the XS. I would agree with that if it was a 225XS but you stated that it is a 200xs. I would get the maximum HP for your boat so I would go with the 225 OPTI.

I have a 225 OPTI (2000 model) and it has been a great motor. Some problems when I first got it but after they fixed it under warranty the motor has been great... I think the newer models have all the bugs worked out and you cannot beat a 5 year warranty. The model year will have some impact when you try to sell the motor but I think they are pretty much the same.

   Get the 225 from Fisherboy #10852  11/5/2009 9:37:03 AM
 
And no it's not a dog.

   Im of the opinion from RobShaw  11/5/2009 10:34:10 AM
 That e-10 has pretty much equalized motor choices. Ive had the standard Optimax and I currently run a "Mercury racing" (i use that term lightly) 250XS.

I would purchase the outboard that is closest to your max rated hp and the outboard with the longest warranty...period.

   Rob Shaw from T Smoke  11/5/2009 12:43:31 PM
 
Can you please expand upon your statement about e-10 eualizing motor choices. I'm curious.

   sure from RobShaw  11/5/2009 1:08:34 PM
 E-10 is wreaking havoc on our outboards. Ive replaced fuel lines twice on my boat and its an 08 model. If youre running a Merc, you need to make sure your fuel lines have blue lettering.

Ive owned Merc racing engines pre E-10 and now. Ive also owned Optimax's during the same timeframe. It seems to me that the advantages that the XS motors are supposed to provide over the non XS motors are diminished due to the quality of the fuel we are using.

Certainly not scientific. The best example is how my 08 Allison BasSport Pro/250XS ran prior to the use of E-10 and now. Ive lost a measurable amount of top end.

If youve not done so (and you own a Merc), remove your filter and look at the amount of debris at the bottom...its alarming!

   My mistake Paul from RyanC/LanierSpots  11/5/2009 4:13:58 PM
 My mistake Paul. I thought you were comparing 225 opti to 225XS

Didnt see the 200

Get the 225

LanierSpots
Phone: 770-356-4136
Email: ryan@lanierspots.com

   oil use from DLW #10436  11/6/2009 10:22:25 AM
 I have a 2004 opti max and the manual does not say you have to run opti max oil.

Quote from manual:

OIL RECOMMENDATION
Mercury or Quicksilver Optimax/DFI 2-cycle oil is recommended for you engine. If Optimax/DFI 2-cycle engine oil is not available, we recommend using Mercury or Quicksilver TC-W3 Premium PLUS 2-cycle Oil. Serve engine damage may result from use of an inferior oil.

   Dlw from 5keepers #10346  11/6/2009 10:17:42 PM
 How about strongly suggested.