86 v20 CC 2004 Optimax225 vs. 2015 Merc 4 stroke 150

[bill2089]

Hello, just picked up a 1986 V20 Steplift Cuddy. I need and engine, the choices are:

1. A 2004 Optimax 225 HP with about 600 hours
2. A 2015 Mercury EFI 4 stroke 150 HP with 2200 hours.

Both run great and are comparable in price. Thoughts? I have always been a sailor, new to the outboard life.

Thanks for your input!

[spareparts]

you will probably like the 150 better, how old is that engine and what was it used on? Any service records. The opti is a good engine, but it has some peculiarities, and parts are expensive. what are they asking for each? Rigging coming with the engines?

[bill2089]

you will probably like the 150 better, how old is that engine and what was it used on? Any service records. The opti is a good engine, but it has some peculiarities, and parts are expensive. what are they asking for each? Rigging coming with the engines?


Thanks! I have pretty much decided on the 150. I have all the rigging, as I am replacing an older Mercury. Prices are $5000 for the 150 and $4000 for the Opti. I will add that I live on a river connected to the Bay.

I will have about 1 hour of Idle speed and no wake zones before I can get moving. This is one of the reasons that I am thinking the 4-stroke. Is my thinking correct on this?

Thanks again.

[phatdaddy]

I have a 150 merc 4 stroke on my cuddy. It***8217;s a great fit, mine is 4 years old with 550 hours and I***8217;ve been pleased. Main issues so far was alternator went out, the other stuff was minor corrosion issues. Judging by the hours, yours has been used a lot, thats actually better than not being used.

What did the former owner do to put that many hours on the motor?

[bill2089]

I have a 150 merc 4 stroke on my cuddy. It***8217;s a great fit, mine is 4 years old with 550 hours and I***8217;ve been pleased. Main issues so far was alternator went out, the other stuff was minor corrosion issues. Judging by the hours, yours has been used a lot, thats actually better than not being used.

What did the former owner do to put that many hours on the motor?


The former owner was a fishing boat captain, hence the hours. The same mechanic was used for the life of the engine so far. I am getting the engine from that mechanic.

Thank you, decision made!

[bgreene]

Wait !!!! What about the 350 Suzuki...…..or 400 Merc ?

Ha - nice choice, best of luck