1999 200 optimax or 2004 250 xs optimax?

**vmax80096** · 08-30-2008, 10:48 AM

Presently have a 17ft Jcraft with a 79 175 2.0 on it. Tired of no power so looking at a 1999 200 optimax comes with binnacle, harness, oil tank, tach for $4000. Has 350 hours on it and used in salt water, flushed after every use.
OR

2004 250 optimax 350 hours, freshwater use only. Comes with nothing for $7000. What is the better buy?

As I said tired of no bottom end for pulling skiers!

Will the 250 use way more fuel? Did pre 2000's give a lot of trouble?
thanks

**Fish** · 08-30-2008, 01:23 PM

i'd go with the 250xs, it will at least have better resale value. I am guessing the fuel will be a non issue apples to apples since the 250xs can cruise at what the 200 will probably max out at. I think the early optimaxes had a few issues, but those were resolved with an ecu update. Depends on if the ecu has been updated on the 200, but I am no expert on this. what gearcases are on them, I am guessing the xs has a torquemaster, fleetmaster or sportmaster which would also be more valuable than what would come on a consumer 200.

freshwater is a definite plus over saltwater use. I take really good care of my saltwater motors, but salt is salt.

**Steve Pope** · 08-30-2008, 07:05 PM

Go with the 250xs. It will cruise at what the 200 maxs out and the fuel economy of a 250xs will blow you away. I wish all opti s ran as well as the xs models do. Popey

**Dd24skater** · 09-02-2008, 12:55 PM

250 xs I have two and love'em, both 04's

**David** · 09-02-2008, 09:01 PM

I think either is too heavy for a 17' boat. Those are 500 lb plus motors. A 17' J is a small, low boat.

Your 2L 175 should pop out a skiier if set up right, and if everything is healthy. My 200 lb brother popped out behind a 19' J with a 2L 115 Rude last year.

For me, without any hard data, 1999 is too early for a DFI engine. I wouldn't buy one that old.