Info Merc Opti 150

[willy]

Listen fellers I need some advise, today I went to look at that 1996 V21 I posted a few days ago. It is actually very nice, rock solid hull, floors and the transom seems very solid. Moisture meter read slightly moist in the area near the top aluminum cap strip but dry everywhere else. I talked the guy down and then hit him with the trailer gambit, the single axle on it is a six lug but was rough, needed time and money put into it to make it work.
Right next to this boat he had a Century with a 2007 galvanized dual axle (torsion) with brakes, I offered him 10,200 for the V on the new trailer. In the end he came back over the phone after I left with 11G's for both.

Heres the glitch in my mind and why I need some advise.
The original motor on the boat had a blown power head, rather than repair the older motor they bought a 2003 Opti 150 that has been rebuilt by C&C Marine, a good rep shop in south jersey for Merc, and put that on, it reportedly has less than 50 hrs on it and looks pretty nice.

Other than getting a full survey on it which I have arranged to do next week what is the opinion on these engines from you guys who know them from experience or other knowledge?
As you guys know I have had two of them used, older Black Max's and they crushed me with bullcrap problems so I am not a big fan.
I need some feedback from the brothers before I step into the hole

[THEFERMANATOR]

I've been researching these lately as well WILLY. From what I have found the worst ones are late 2000-2001. The 2.5L(135/150/175) engines are said to be pretty good, but the 200/225's from 2000-2003 are the worst. My BIG question would be why did the 03 get rebuilt? I refer back to my recent post under the repair section about outboard rebuilding, why? A 2003 shouldn't really be needing rebuilt unless there was a failure or if it was an ex commercial use engine. Then there is the issue of what was done in the rebuild. Definately consult with a surveyor, espescially one that knows OPTI's as they do have some issues to watch for. the 2000-2001 injectors are known to cause engine failure. Also make sure and familiarize the surveyor with the history of the engine. A DFI out of warranty could get expensive REAL quick as an air pump will set you back over a $1K.

[willy]

I am still waiting for clarification of the engine sit rep. The fellow who took the boat in last fall and had the engine work done was not around to talk with.
I tried to see on the block what the numbers were and will do more with the surveyor next week.
There is no warranty which I don't understand and asked for specifics on that.Unless they got it from him for cheap w/o warranty.
I could of sworn he said it was a 2001 motor with an 2003 head on it but he was not sure and I am awaiting paperwork receipts on that. Does that sound right?
The surveyor told me that C&C, the people who reportedly did this engine have a very good rep as engine specialists and a lot of people have used them for many years in the area for Mercs.
He also told me that if he had to choose between a black engine and a grey engine he would go grey every time. Just his opinion. Mine too.
I also do not understand why a 2001 or 2003 engine would blow a power head but the surveyor say's that Mercs are a high compression engines and that they are very sensitive to anything that even slightly restricts water flow and are more prone to overheating due to those tolerances.
My even having this discussion causes me concern, concerns I don't like to be honest with you guys

[willy]

If the motor on that V21 had a JohnnyRude or Yammi or even a Zuki I would have taken it home today

[cterrebonne]

willy there was an update kit that included all new injectors and new thermostats. the inj should be blue and the t stats should be 160's if i remember correctly. like ferm said if the air motor goes out it can cost but when they go out it is pretty obvious and you can replace it your self. the key is keeping the air pump cool and lubed.

[willy]

CT if you are talking about a color you can see on the outside from what i can remember they were all basically black I believe.
Do you guys run Optis, have they been good for you?