2001 Optimax 200hp

[stinger390]

Anyone had bad experiences with the 2001 Optimax 200 HP? I'm looking at a boat with twins, with about 350 hours on them. What are the good and bad with these engines? I know fuel burn is good, but reliability, longevity is most important to me.

Thanks

[staylor]

... for many things, including the 3 liter Optis. The motors you're looking at may be on their second or third powerhead- or maybe just the first if the owner was very lucky. The extended warranty from the big class action lawsuit on the early Optis does not apply to used engines. All problems with thes engines somehow seem to end up with fried powerhead. The problems were worst on the 3 liter blocks- and as far as I recall, the 200s were 3 liter, just like the 225s.
Doug

[SSIMPALA71]

The worst Ive seen with these engines was the "black" colored direct injectors and a tendency to chip or swallow reeds which takes out the powerhead. Also "old style" thermostat covers with "old style" thermostats, i.e. 120* stats had a tendency to foul plugs. If proper upgrades have been done and are then well maintained and serviced they are good engines.

[SSIMPALA71]

The worst Ive seen with these engines was the "black" colored direct injectors and a tendency to chip or swallow reeds which takes out the powerhead. Also "old style" thermostat covers with "old style" thermostats, i.e. 120* stats had a tendency to foul plugs. If proper upgrades have been done and are then well maintained and serviced they are good engines.