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

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!

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.

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!

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

Ha - nice choice, best of luck