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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | My 1999 Opti has a locked up compresser and was quoted around 8 grand to rebuild a tired engine that has just under 1100 hours. I'm looking for options and ideas. A new motor for my a 13 year old 620 is an option but 19k is a huge chunk of change to put into a well used older boat.
Used motor is an option also depending on the price and hours.
Any suggestions?
I'm glad my motor made it this long with baisicly no issues. Great motor and now I have a few months to get another motor or rebuild this tired 225OPTI.
Any links or places I should look for motors would be appreciated. Any advice or comments are welcome.
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Best place to look is ebay, just replaced mine and found it on ebay. Saw an 2012 225 opti for like 12k asking, also have used motors on there. Also can watch walleye central you will see ocassionally one show up on there. The 8k for rebuilding is that including a new block? Spent 2 month looking.
Good luck
Troy |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Since you have the old Ranger you're in luck. That boat uses I believe the 20" shaft and there's a ton of old bass boat motors in that size. Check out Bass Boat Central and you should be able to find something pretty easy.
One thing to remember with doing a rebuild on that one, ALL the parts are old on that motor and will probably need replacing soon. A new LU is around 3k alone! You should also be able to get a couple grand + for yours as is as well which would take some of the sting out of getting a new one. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | 1100 hours isn't all that much in comparison to what saltwater guys put on theirs. They'll put that many hours on tandem, triple and quads in one season of use.
I wouldn't hesitate to rebuild it, you could see another 1000+ if it's taken care of like you've done from the sounds of it. |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Treats the lower unit is two years old. I'm good there. Going to look around and see whats out there. Need a dependable work horse motor. |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | $8k seems high to me. I'd check around. You may be able to get a better rate this time of the year as well.
Edited by Muskie Treats 12/8/2012 5:17 PM
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | I've had pretty good luck rebuilding my 225 Opti (2002, I had a 1999 also). I have around 700 hours on mine since the last rebuild (three years ago). Bored it out 15 thousands, new pistons, rings, and reed valves, used the same crank and most of the other stuff. This ran around $3,500 or so.
The reed valves are what usually cause my problems. They seem to break off and go through a piston which doesn't seem to be good for the engine. My compressor blew long ago under warranty and I haven't had any problems since. I've also replaced lots of stuff on my Opti so at one time or the other it gets newer and then older.
Don't know what they are replacing for around 8 grand, but that is probably a fully dressed powerhead. If that's so and you have a fairly new lower unit it would probably be a pretty good deal, and you would have a almost new motor for 8 grand.
If it's not a fully dressed powerhead the 8 grand seems high.
I just keep fixing mine. I suppose I'll eventully have to get a new one.
Doug Johnson
Edited by dougj 12/8/2012 5:42 PM
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Posts: 319
Location: Tomahawk,Wis | Mike the ones on lake link are down in your area...
Good Luck
Wally |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | I was never much of a e-bay guy but wow is there some options. Now do I go with an older one that's parts compatible with my old motor or newer. Maybe thinking a new motor after looking at new discounted older models.
Maybe a ProSX?
Decisions.....
Thinking staying with Merc so I don't have to swap out controls. Otherwise I would consider the E Tech 225. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i put a new pro-xs on a '94 ranger and i'm really happy with the decision ... 5 and drive program with a local dealer who did me right.
tough decision either way ... if you go the pro-xs route and are happy with the $$ part, i know you'll be overwhelmed with the performance. |
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Posts: 5874
| A new motor will come with a longer warranty. Food for thought.
You don't need a Pro XS. More money. Your hull wouldn't know what to do with the extra zoom!
Let those bitterflies out of your wallet, and get a new(er) boat! C'mon man. You got your money back from that 99 many times over! |
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Location: Contrarian Island | maybe look into a 4 stroke suzi? as you noted you'll have to switch out controls...but...4 strokes are nice...how long do you plan to keep the boat plays into it... if you plan to keep it 5+ yrs maybe go new so you get the warranty..suzi offered 6 yrs when i got mine...that's a lot of piece of mind tho it has 375 hours on it and it hasn't missed a beat...maybe call some dealers for leftover Optis sitting around? I'd lean towards new just for the warranty and if anything goes wrong you get to drop it off and say "fix it".... 
also check out these prices...13,500 for a 225 opti new.
http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/mercury.htm
Edited by BNelson 12/10/2012 1:54 PM
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Posts: 5874
| NA 4 strokes don't do well on the big Rangers. He'd be going backwards on performance, from hole-shot to top end, to fuel economy. It would be quieter.
13 seasons on the original 99 Opti. No major issues until now. No reason to change brands. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | i've been in big rangers with 225 yammys and suzys..they do pretty good... above you are telling him he doesn't need the performance, telling him a pro xs is too much ...but then you knock the big 4 strokes? ok then... |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | my pro-xs purchase was reasonable compared to everything i looked at ... not sure why it wouldn't still be the case in a bigger motor. there are a bunch of deals out there a good dealer can find for you. mine just plane blew me away and if going new 2-stroke merc, no way would i not go all the way to the pro-xs. if you did buy a newer boat just bring the pro-xs with you to the next one.
4-stroke yamis i've been in lack nothing for performance ... i don't get that knock, not with what's being produced today, unless it's a verado. i won't break posting rules but make sure and talk to lots of techs. and get your own first-hand report on them. if you would like i could give you a referral from a very capable and experienced person in the biz. |
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Posts: 5874
| I've been in plenty of Ranger 620's and 621's, Lund 2025's, and Tuffy's with NA 4 strokes. Fact is, they are slower out of the hole, and lacking mid-range and top end, compared to the 2 stroke DFI's. There's a reason most of the tournament anglers run 2 stroke DFI's and Supercharged 4-strokes over the NA 4 stokes.
BN, on one hand I am saying the 225 Opti has plenty of performance for his 99 Ranger. More than a big NA 4-stroke, and going to a Pro XS would probably not be worth the extra coin to him. I've known Mike for 15+ years, and I know how he runs his boat. From my experience, I don't reccommend the Pro XS for him. Unless he can get one at the same price, I just don't think he'd benefit from it, value-wise. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | yah i get that 4 strokes aren't rockets on 620s...got it...agreed. but you said Mike isn't a speed demon.....if he doesn't care about speed which you say he doesn't..then a 4 stroke is a decent option.. His boat did have a merc on it so switching controls is more costly...so Merc is probably the way to go...there are Pros and Cons to each (4S/2S)... but if he's going to stay w merc...imo not going w a Pro XS is silly ...it's a better more technologically advanced motor than a plain opti, really not much more $$ and in the end...resale value will be higher on his boat powered buy a pro xs than opti .... Sled repowered to a Pro XS and the dealer was able to work out a deal on his to make the Pro XS within a few dollars of an Opti...he's happy he went Pro XS ....
So Mike...what are you gonna do w the Merc???
Edited by BNelson 12/13/2012 10:59 AM
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | hole shots = prop ... a friend and i have lots of data to support that and it can be found by searching in OFM
i cruise at 40mph in my pro-xs ... did i make the wrong decision then?? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i'd take my re-powered 17 year old boat over your new one in a second |
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Location: Contrarian Island | If only 2013 Ranger 620s w 250s were $20k....; ) yah try $60k.... |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | or an '89 benz that's as nice now as it was when it was new.
buy good stuff and take care of it, restore it if needed. lots of old stuff is better than some of what's come along behind it.
i'll pass on the chevy but that ford idea works too. |
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Posts: 5874
| Sure, you can prop a NA 4S to get nearly as good a hole shot as a 2S DFI, but you'll suffer on the top end by hitting the rev limiter. Props are compromises, and when you push on one end, you lose in the other. The fact is, the 4 strokes don't produce the low end torque of the 2S DFI's, nor do they have the smooth power curve.
There's also a bigger difference between a smallblock Pro-XS and a big block Pro-XS compared to the standard Opti's, respectively. The price difference between the 175 Pro XS and the 175 Opti is less than that of the 225 Pro XS and the 225 Opti.
And no. Sled, you didn't make the wrong decision on the 175 Pro-XS. What's right for you is not necessarily right for the next guy. One wants all new, the next wants good used, the next wants to repower. It's all in what you want to afford.
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | i thought he wasn't a race car driver ...
top end on a 250 propped correctly ... i'd say that's a match made in heaven.
when you get back around to go do you give yourself $200.00?? |
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Posts: 8863
| If you put the 8k into a rebuild, and run it until both boat and motor are equally old and tired, your boat will ultimately be worth about the same amount of money it would be if you dropped $18 on a new motor. Except that you'll have an additional $10k to put towards a new boat...
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Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL | Yes...and if you rebuild it, bore it out some and throw an Aaen pipe on it, you'll have a rocket. |
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Posts: 136
Location: Dane Country | cave run legend - 12/13/2012 1:17 PM
That begs the question why have to get a new Lexus when you could get a ford or Chevy.
I have an '87 Tuffy and a '97 F250 2wd. Don't see me getting rid of either. Great pieces of equipment. |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Heck Mike only needs his 9.9 kicker and he would still out fish most of us  After doing much research and talking to many mechanics yamahas, suzukies and honda are the most reliable, might not be top performers, but they are not pushing the limits and have far fewer problems. Mike has hung his nascar shirt up many years ago. I would go with yammy sho on new boat, the hard part is what is plan long term plan on the red 620, it a fish catching machine. Mike give the fish a chance no big motor for you!
Troyz |
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Posts: 555
Location: Tennessee | I'd say rebuild. '99 is far from old in my book. I'm running a '91 and if it blows I'll likely rebuild it too. Running a 1965 Merc too that does just as good of a job on my little boat as a 2013 except this one was paid for many moons ago. |
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Posts: 5874
| jonnysled - 12/13/2012 4:06 PM
i thought he wasn't a race car driver ...
top end on a 250 propped correctly ... i'd say that's a match made in heaven.
when you get back around to go do you give yourself $200.00??
You're suggesting a 250 for him? Enough said. |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | 200/225/250 ... all the same to me, i got the small block.
you're the expert shep ... |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Play nice boys. I respect everyone's opinion. That's what's so good about this site. People can post opinions and others can offer theirs. No wrong ideas or opinions. I like to see multiple options.
Still looking on eBay and other places for used and new motors. I want to thank everyone for shared imput. Keep it comin. I still have some racing in me but don't use wide open much anymore. Fast out of the hole and dependable is my choice.
The fish around here are pounded every day. They don't get a break. Heck three boats were breaking ice for hundreds of yards just to get out today. Me, I was in a tree shooting a monster ten pointer I have been after all season. Mission accomplished. Now maybe I can get out fishing Sunday and stop thinking about that buck. I will be seeing him in my game room as soon as he gets back from the taxidermy studio. Hot sticks anyone? |
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | Congrats on the Whitetail!!!
just hope you used the right gun to shoot it.
browining i would hope :0) |
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Posts: 8863
| Mikes Extreme - 12/14/2012 12:46 PM
Play nice boys. I respect everyone's opinion. That's what's so good about this site. People can post opinions and others can offer theirs. No wrong ideas or opinions. I like to see multiple options.
Still looking on eBay and other places for used and new motors. I want to thank everyone for shared imput. Keep it comin. I still have some racing in me but don't use wide open much anymore. Fast out of the hole and dependable is my choice.
The fish around here are pounded every day. They don't get a break. Heck three boats were breaking ice for hundreds of yards just to get out today. Me, I was in a tree shooting a monster ten pointer I have been after all season. Mission accomplished. Now maybe I can get out fishing Sunday and stop thinking about that buck. I will be seeing him in my game room as soon as he gets back from the taxidermy studio. Hot sticks anyone?
From a financial standpoint, it probably makes more sense to fix the motor you already have, especially if the LU is new. If you'd rather spend the extra $10k because you want to keep the boat forever, or for the peace of mind it gives you guiding knowing everything is new? That's a different story. |
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Posts: 906
Location: Warroad, Mn | If you're looking new try these guys. They are usually the best in the Twin Cities as far as I can tell.
http://suprememarinemn.com/
Doug Johnson |
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Posts: 541
| sounds to me like it is best to do a rebuild! you got a good lu and you dont want to change out rigging and it would be more affordable! |
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Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL | I have a 96 carbed V6 150 on my restoration project, and I really like it.
This summer, when I had it completely checked out by my local Johnson tech, I had mentioned repower options he looked at me like I was nuts. He suggested a rebuild before repower.... it is that good of a motor design.
I would like a Merc for it someday....that 175 sled has would be perfect, or the new Merc 150 4S, I can go up to a 190. But I couldn't afford that right now, so I'm running the old equipment, and I would rebuild it in a heartbeat. It fits the boat.
I'm just saying that sometimes the old stuff is just as good as new, especially when it's affordable. That's just an opinion.
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Posts: 81
Location: Van Buren, Indiana | I agree those motors are my favorite! I miss my '05 Johnson 150. It will be a couple of years but my next boat or re-power the current boat will probably be with total re- man from Outboard Exchange in Waterford, Connecticut: ww.outboardexchange.com You can get an Evinrude, Mercury, or Yamaha rebuilt with a Racor filter. A Evinrude 150 is $6900, 225 $7200 with a one year warranty. They found that most of the engine failures were due to fuel problems or oil injection. The remans you premix and are carborated. I had my '05 150 for 7 yrs not one problem and tremendous torque. I found myself fishing more than running the last few years so fuel consumption wasd not an issue for me! Take a look at em if your considering a repower. |
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Posts: 2691
Location: Pewaukee, Wisconsin | Still waiting for the deals of 2013 from a few people. Got a few guys talking me into the Etec. I heard a few grumbles about them but lots of good stuff.
Lots of good deals on new older model Opti Max 225's. Most are from Florida dealers.
I am going to pull the trigger on something in the next month. Still not exactly sure what's going on the back of my Ranger620VS.
What is your motor of choice and why? |
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | i like yamaha turn the key and go.they all make good motors i used my dads boat for years had a merc 40 hp on the back nothing but problems so when i bought my first boat i went to yamaha never had a problem.so when i up graded i bought another yamaha |
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Posts: 734
Location: Watertown, MN | Mike had my etec for 9 years for before she went down, been a good motor. Heard mixed things on the new ones and same with opti, ended up with another 03 that was recently rebuilt and cheap. Love my hull and will repower in when this one lets go. A now several people that have run the Yammy Sho's that had been running Etecs, the loved the yammy. Yammy and Suziki are the most reliable outboards out there on the market hands down. So those 2 would be my choice with yammy being the first.
Troyz
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Posts: 285
Location: NE Wisconsin | He said he wasn't worried about speed. He sounds like me. I am not a tourney fisherman, am 62 yrs old, have lived on a lake all my life, and have yet to race anyone with my various boats. My last motor is a 150 Yamaha and I love it. I have owned Johnson, Evinrude , and Mercury 2-strokes. If you aren't concerned about "hole shot" why anyone wouldn't buy a 4-stroke is beyond me. Trust me, buy the Yamaha 4-stroke and "don't worry 'bout it". |
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