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Author Topic:   2002 Mercury 135 Optimax

gw204 posted 01-30-2003 03:55 PM ET (US)
OK, I'll start off my admitting that I don't own a Whaler, but a 1985 Grady White. No beef against Whalers, I like them both them and the Gradys.
I'm here because I need some advice on a repower for the Grady. I have found a great deal on a 2002 (new, in the box) 135 Optimax. $6995, $500 rebate and a 5 year non-declining warranty. The boat is currently powered by the original 1985 150 Merc. (2.0 liter). The boat weighs 1995 lbs. dry and holds 80 gallons of fuel. On the few occasions that I may fill it up and head offshore for tuna, do you think the 135 will be enough power? I have read it dynos at 147 and who knows what my 150 is outputting right now. I do know it pushes the boat to 41 with about a 1/4 tank of gas and a 14x19 SS three blade prop and 180 lbs. of me in it. Given the limited amount of information I have provided, should I expect better, worse or similar performance.
I'm not looking for the boat to scream. I run her mainly in the Chesapeake Bay where conditions often prohibit 20' boats from running any faster that 30 mph or so. That is about where the 150 would cruise me turning 4000 and burning 7.5 gal/hr. I've been told that the 135 will knock my socks off compared to my old 150 and I'll definitely get better performance and fuel economy, but I've also heard the 135 won't be enough.
I'm just trying to get all the opinions and hear of all the experiences I can so I'm able to make a well informed decision that I won't have any doubts about. Thanks for any help and advice you can give me.
Brian
I know I posted this on the Performance forum but since I only have a few days until the possible deal is up, I need to make a decsion soon (by next Wednesday), so max. exposure is what I'm going for.
timbaho posted 01-31-2003 10:02 AM ET (US)
Brian,
If you ask almost any question, sooner or later you'll find someone that professes to be an expert on that subject. Well, I'm definately not that person but I do have @ 30 yrs boating experience with many different boat/power combinations so here it goes.... First of all, I would question the motor actually having a dyno of 147 hp at the prop. I have witnessed 135 hp motors pushing 25,000# house boats up the Suwannee River so the bottom line is gearing. As long as the motor will plane your boat and cruise @ optimum rpm range, it's going to be a matter of just how fast do you desire to sustain and is the outboard capable of delivering it. You said that you were not looking for the boat to scream and that 30 mph is probably the limit due to usual sea conditions, so a 135 hp outboard on a 20' Grady White grossing @ 3200-3500# for an offshore trip (2 people, fuel, gear, etc.) should do the job you appear to be looking for and do it with better fuel economy than the older 150 merc. Kevin
bsmotril posted 01-31-2003 10:30 AM ET (US)
I have a pair of 98 135 optis. With a 17" Merc prop, it will run 45 mph at 5600 rpm measured with a GPS. It has enough torque to stay on plane down to 2800 RPM at 18 mph but is happiest at 3200-3500. At 3200, I get 3 mpg both motors combined. A few years back, one of the bass/walleye magazines put an Opti 135 on a dyno and measured 147 HP. They are strong for their size, with more low end tourque than a carb'd motor. The big difference between the 135 and 150 is the 135 uses a 2:1 gear, vs 1.87:1 for the 150. What weight/size is your grady? That will help estimate the appropriate prop pitch and give a better idea for how it will perform with a 135.
BillS
bsmotril posted 01-31-2003 10:35 AM ET (US)
I just re-read your post again, thoroughly this time :-)
You will likley need a 17" prop and I would expect you to get 40-43 mph top end with your boat. I would expect a similar or slightly better hole shot because of the torquier Opti, shorter gear, and flatter prop. The Opti's shine in the midrange, which is what you need for the conditions you state below. I think you would be happy with the performance of the 135 and see a significant improvement in fuel economy.
BillS
gw204 posted 01-31-2003 02:10 PM ET (US)
Thanks guys.
I'm in the process of trying to find the best place to refinance the boat and new motor. So the decision to proceed has pretty much been made. Wish me luck!!
Bill, I currently have a 14x17 SS 3-blade in addition to the 14x19. The 17 pitch let me spin the 150 to 5800. Man, did it sound sweet there!! Thanks.
gw204 posted 02-03-2003 09:37 PM ET (US)
I guess the decision hasn't really been made yet....
I'm still a little hesitant to pull the trigger on the 135 Optimax engine. In searching the various online boat sales sites, I didn't find any comparable boats equipped with any less than 150 HP. I'm concerned that should I ever decide to sell the rig, perspective buyers would consider it underpowered. And the Opti reputation won't help either, regardless of how many years it's been running perfect (knock on wood). Heck, I'm still paranoid of it myself.
Fully loaded w/ 80 gallons of fuel, three adults, full fishing gear the boat will weigh in the neighborhood of 3500 to 4000 lbs. That just seems like a lot for a 135 HP engine. Throw in some rough water and ripping currents and I just think I could be in for some trouble. I don't want to seem like I am doubting you all but I want to be 100% confident in my decision. The dealer can't promise a particular level of performance and if I buy, i can't take it back if unhappy.
I found another dealer that I should be able to get a 2003 carbed 150 for basically the same price as the 135 Opti. I can't help but wonder about the cost of repairs once the warranty on the Opti expires. Granted the Opti warranty is five times longer than that of the carbed motor, I can do most repairs and diagnosis (as well as regular service) on the carbed motor myself. The 18 years of relatively trouble free operation of my current carbed 150 says something to me as well...
Setting fuel consumption aside, which should be the better performing, more powerful engine for my application? The 135 Opti or the carbed 150?
Sure the carbed motor will burn more fuel, but it should also be cheaper to maintain. No $200 bills every 100 hours that I've heard of, spark plugs don't cost $15 each. Right there is almost $300 yearly additional cost. $300 buys a lot of gas and oil. Even if I burned high test at say $1.80/gal, that's over 160 gallons (my average trolling trip burns 25 gallons w/ the old motor).
I just don't know. Never expected this decision to be so hard when I saw the Opti at the boat show.
Thanks again for the replies.
Brian
whalerfran posted 02-03-2003 10:18 PM ET (US)
Brian, A 135 hp engine, regardless of manufacturer or technology, will not be sufficient horsepower for a 20' GW. Buy a 150 carbureted model for the same price as the Optimax and probably better reliability. Good luck.
gf posted 02-03-2003 10:49 PM ET (US)

Brian:
I replied on your original thread over at thehulltruth.com.
I don't agree with whalerfran. The 135 Optimax is built on the same 2.5 liter block as the carbureted 150, although it does weigh about 25 pounds more. I am positive that you will be delighted by the performance of the 135 and the improved fuel economy over the long haul will mean more money in your pocket.
Either engine will outperform your current old 150. Only you, however, can make the final decision.
Bigshot posted 02-04-2003 09:07 AM ET (US)
I agree with gf. 15hp aint squat and is definatley more powerful than an 18 year old 150hp. If it was a 4cyl, then I would agree but being a v6....
bsmotril posted 02-04-2003 11:06 AM ET (US)
You gotta look at where you mainly run the motor. Wide open throttle, or midrange? WOT is the only place you put out the rated horsepower. Where the Opti shines is low and mid range torque. That is what keeps a heavy boat on plane when going slow in rough seas. In that mode, the Opti will outperform the carbed 150. I think you will give up fuel economy and only gain performance with the 150 at 4500-5500 rp range and top end.
BillS
gw204 posted 02-04-2003 09:45 PM ET (US)
I wanted to thank you all for you input. I have made the decision to pass on the 135 Opti and scrounge as many pennies as I can for the 150 EFI. If I can't pull that off, 150 carb. it is. Pricing for the two at www.edsmarinesuperstore.com in VA is as follows:
150 Carb: $6899
150 EFI: $8499 - $300 Merc. rebate for $8199
And I might be able get the original dealer who had the 135 Opti (Almar's Outboards in DE) to beat those prices.
Thanks again for your help.
Brian

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Author	Topic: 2002 Mercury 135 Optimax
gw204	posted 01-30-2003 03:55 PM ET (US) OK, I'll start off my admitting that I don't own a Whaler, but a 1985 Grady White. No beef against Whalers, I like them both them and the Gradys. I'm here because I need some advice on a repower for the Grady. I have found a great deal on a 2002 (new, in the box) 135 Optimax. $6995, $500 rebate and a 5 year non-declining warranty. The boat is currently powered by the original 1985 150 Merc. (2.0 liter). The boat weighs 1995 lbs. dry and holds 80 gallons of fuel. On the few occasions that I may fill it up and head offshore for tuna, do you think the 135 will be enough power? I have read it dynos at 147 and who knows what my 150 is outputting right now. I do know it pushes the boat to 41 with about a 1/4 tank of gas and a 14x19 SS three blade prop and 180 lbs. of me in it. Given the limited amount of information I have provided, should I expect better, worse or similar performance. I'm not looking for the boat to scream. I run her mainly in the Chesapeake Bay where conditions often prohibit 20' boats from running any faster that 30 mph or so. That is about where the 150 would cruise me turning 4000 and burning 7.5 gal/hr. I've been told that the 135 will knock my socks off compared to my old 150 and I'll definitely get better performance and fuel economy, but I've also heard the 135 won't be enough. I'm just trying to get all the opinions and hear of all the experiences I can so I'm able to make a well informed decision that I won't have any doubts about. Thanks for any help and advice you can give me. Brian I know I posted this on the Performance forum but since I only have a few days until the possible deal is up, I need to make a decsion soon (by next Wednesday), so max. exposure is what I'm going for.
timbaho	posted 01-31-2003 10:02 AM ET (US) Brian, If you ask almost any question, sooner or later you'll find someone that professes to be an expert on that subject. Well, I'm definately not that person but I do have @ 30 yrs boating experience with many different boat/power combinations so here it goes.... First of all, I would question the motor actually having a dyno of 147 hp at the prop. I have witnessed 135 hp motors pushing 25,000# house boats up the Suwannee River so the bottom line is gearing. As long as the motor will plane your boat and cruise @ optimum rpm range, it's going to be a matter of just how fast do you desire to sustain and is the outboard capable of delivering it. You said that you were not looking for the boat to scream and that 30 mph is probably the limit due to usual sea conditions, so a 135 hp outboard on a 20' Grady White grossing @ 3200-3500# for an offshore trip (2 people, fuel, gear, etc.) should do the job you appear to be looking for and do it with better fuel economy than the older 150 merc. Kevin
bsmotril	posted 01-31-2003 10:30 AM ET (US) I have a pair of 98 135 optis. With a 17" Merc prop, it will run 45 mph at 5600 rpm measured with a GPS. It has enough torque to stay on plane down to 2800 RPM at 18 mph but is happiest at 3200-3500. At 3200, I get 3 mpg both motors combined. A few years back, one of the bass/walleye magazines put an Opti 135 on a dyno and measured 147 HP. They are strong for their size, with more low end tourque than a carb'd motor. The big difference between the 135 and 150 is the 135 uses a 2:1 gear, vs 1.87:1 for the 150. What weight/size is your grady? That will help estimate the appropriate prop pitch and give a better idea for how it will perform with a 135. BillS
bsmotril	posted 01-31-2003 10:35 AM ET (US) I just re-read your post again, thoroughly this time :-) You will likley need a 17" prop and I would expect you to get 40-43 mph top end with your boat. I would expect a similar or slightly better hole shot because of the torquier Opti, shorter gear, and flatter prop. The Opti's shine in the midrange, which is what you need for the conditions you state below. I think you would be happy with the performance of the 135 and see a significant improvement in fuel economy. BillS
gw204	posted 01-31-2003 02:10 PM ET (US) Thanks guys. I'm in the process of trying to find the best place to refinance the boat and new motor. So the decision to proceed has pretty much been made. Wish me luck!! Bill, I currently have a 14x17 SS 3-blade in addition to the 14x19. The 17 pitch let me spin the 150 to 5800. Man, did it sound sweet there!! Thanks.
gw204	posted 02-03-2003 09:37 PM ET (US) I guess the decision hasn't really been made yet.... I'm still a little hesitant to pull the trigger on the 135 Optimax engine. In searching the various online boat sales sites, I didn't find any comparable boats equipped with any less than 150 HP. I'm concerned that should I ever decide to sell the rig, perspective buyers would consider it underpowered. And the Opti reputation won't help either, regardless of how many years it's been running perfect (knock on wood). Heck, I'm still paranoid of it myself. Fully loaded w/ 80 gallons of fuel, three adults, full fishing gear the boat will weigh in the neighborhood of 3500 to 4000 lbs. That just seems like a lot for a 135 HP engine. Throw in some rough water and ripping currents and I just think I could be in for some trouble. I don't want to seem like I am doubting you all but I want to be 100% confident in my decision. The dealer can't promise a particular level of performance and if I buy, i can't take it back if unhappy. I found another dealer that I should be able to get a 2003 carbed 150 for basically the same price as the 135 Opti. I can't help but wonder about the cost of repairs once the warranty on the Opti expires. Granted the Opti warranty is five times longer than that of the carbed motor, I can do most repairs and diagnosis (as well as regular service) on the carbed motor myself. The 18 years of relatively trouble free operation of my current carbed 150 says something to me as well... Setting fuel consumption aside, which should be the better performing, more powerful engine for my application? The 135 Opti or the carbed 150? Sure the carbed motor will burn more fuel, but it should also be cheaper to maintain. No $200 bills every 100 hours that I've heard of, spark plugs don't cost $15 each. Right there is almost $300 yearly additional cost. $300 buys a lot of gas and oil. Even if I burned high test at say $1.80/gal, that's over 160 gallons (my average trolling trip burns 25 gallons w/ the old motor). I just don't know. Never expected this decision to be so hard when I saw the Opti at the boat show. Thanks again for the replies. Brian
whalerfran	posted 02-03-2003 10:18 PM ET (US) Brian, A 135 hp engine, regardless of manufacturer or technology, will not be sufficient horsepower for a 20' GW. Buy a 150 carbureted model for the same price as the Optimax and probably better reliability. Good luck.
gf	posted 02-03-2003 10:49 PM ET (US) Brian: I replied on your original thread over at thehulltruth.com. I don't agree with whalerfran. The 135 Optimax is built on the same 2.5 liter block as the carbureted 150, although it does weigh about 25 pounds more. I am positive that you will be delighted by the performance of the 135 and the improved fuel economy over the long haul will mean more money in your pocket. Either engine will outperform your current old 150. Only you, however, can make the final decision.
Bigshot	posted 02-04-2003 09:07 AM ET (US) I agree with gf. 15hp aint squat and is definatley more powerful than an 18 year old 150hp. If it was a 4cyl, then I would agree but being a v6....
bsmotril	posted 02-04-2003 11:06 AM ET (US) You gotta look at where you mainly run the motor. Wide open throttle, or midrange? WOT is the only place you put out the rated horsepower. Where the Opti shines is low and mid range torque. That is what keeps a heavy boat on plane when going slow in rough seas. In that mode, the Opti will outperform the carbed 150. I think you will give up fuel economy and only gain performance with the 150 at 4500-5500 rp range and top end. BillS
gw204	posted 02-04-2003 09:45 PM ET (US) I wanted to thank you all for you input. I have made the decision to pass on the 135 Opti and scrounge as many pennies as I can for the 150 EFI. If I can't pull that off, 150 carb. it is. Pricing for the two at www.edsmarinesuperstore.com in VA is as follows: 150 Carb: $6899 150 EFI: $8499 - $300 Merc. rebate for $8199 And I might be able get the original dealer who had the 135 Opti (Almar's Outboards in DE) to beat those prices. Thanks again for your help. Brian