Optimax external fuel filter?

[DanielC]

Do you guys recommend running external fuel filters on Optimax engines? The boat is a 1992 Hydrodyne twin rig, set up for show skiing, with 200 HP engines.

[aaronmt73]

I run one on mine simply cause there was on there when I purchased the boat.Ive heard not to run a second one,but never heard a reson why for sure.Mine seems to work great.

[XstreamVking]

Officially merc says not to use a pre filter on the optis. But..... Since two of my boats are charter boats and run thru a lot of fuel I feel it's better to stop any water or trash before it gets to the motor mounted filter. The reason merc says this is because some filters can cause a fuel restriction problem and trash the motor due to fuel starvation..To help prevent this, I have removed the restrictive siphon valve on my fuel tank and use a 3/8" fuel line, 3/8" fittings and primer bulb. The filter I use is a racor water separator with a clear bowl. 10 micron element. I have not had any problems but my work boats do not see much time at full throttle. On my go fast boat I dont use a second filter. It spends a lot of time at full throttle. And I feel it needs all the fuel it can get.....

[DanielC]

Thanks for the replies. A little more details. the engines are running 17P Mirage propellers, so obviously, the boat is not set up for top speed, it will only do about 50 or so. But 0 to 50 can be really quick, and once there, you cannot hold wide open throttle.

[ridgerunner]

Whaler didn't bother with a second filter on the Opti equipped center console. So far so good. That Hydrodyne sounds like a water tractor. I need twins.

[DanielC]

The Hydrodyne is a water tractor. Like I said, We use the Hydrodyne for show skiing.
It is not our team, but to get a idea of what show skiing is about, go to Youtube, and enter "awesome water ski stunt" in the search bar.