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210 Ventura repower ..... finally did it
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ContinuousWave Whaler Moderated Discussion Areas
ContinuousWave: The Whaler GAM or General Area
210 Ventura repower ..... finally did it
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| Author | Topic: 210 Ventura repower ..... finally did it |
| bluewaterpirate |
posted 06-10-2014 09:51 PM ET (US)  
Looked at all my options Mercury, Yamaha, ETEC, Zuke 2 stroke/4 stroke. Kept coming back to the Optimax. Like loosing an old friend 2002 225 Optimax came with our Whaler in 2002. It's never left us stranded in 5121 hours of offshore/nearshore/inshore and family outings. Not going to Opti heaven though another purchased it and is hanging it on another boat ...... Welcome to our new friend a 2014 225 Optimax dressed out in red. Picked the boat this afternoon. Bell Hart Marine in Wilmington made it happen thanks Joe. http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Optimax%20225%202014/IMG_8080.jpg~original http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Optimax%20225%202014/IMG_8116.jpg~original http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Optimax%20225%202014/IMG_8118.jpg~original http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Optimax%20225%202014/IMG_8085.jpg~original I'll do some comparison pictures along with dialogue as I break in the new Optimax. Tom |
| boatdryver |
posted 06-11-2014 09:50 AM ET (US)
Nice Story, Bluewater. Background of your photos show that you keep your property as immaculate as your Ventura. I'm still looking for a Ventura. They are uncommon out West. JimL |
| jimh |
posted 06-11-2014 10:27 AM ET (US)
Your 2002 Mercury OptiMax has given you quite a nice run. What I find most interesting is that you were able to sell it. There has been a persistent myth that two-stroke engines will be worthless if you ever tried to sell them, because everyone wants a four-stroke now. Your re-power goes against that myth in two ways: you sold your old two-stroke, and you bought another two-stroke. |
| bluewaterpirate |
posted 06-11-2014 10:31 AM ET (US)
Some comparison picture from 2002 to 2014. Not sure of the years the changes were made one thing for sure the cowling is about 20 lbs lighter. 2002 ...... 2014 http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Optimax%20225%202014/1.jpg~original http://i676.photobucket.com/albums/vv129/bluewaterpirate/ Optimax%20225%202014/2.jpg~original The other difference is the high end rpm operating range of the 2014 motor. 2002 ..... 5350 rpms 2014 ..... 6000 rpms Tom |
| bluewaterpirate |
posted 06-11-2014 10:34 AM ET (US)
I think there is a market for both the 2/4 stroke motors. I'm interested to see what the new offering from BRP is. If I had chosen to go the 4 stroke route it would have added another $6000 to the cost. Would have to change out control units etc. Tom |
| Phil T |
posted 06-11-2014 10:41 AM ET (US)
quote: I am not sure what is more impressive, the reliability of the motor or the fact you spent 5,000 hours on the boat. Actually, it is the latter. We are all envious as hell but are too polite to say. Opps. Did I say that out loud? |
| SJUAE |
posted 06-11-2014 03:37 PM ET (US)
What's equally impressive is the boat looks almost as new as the engine $6000 is a lot of fuel saving :) Regards |
| Whaler27 |
posted 06-12-2014 01:48 AM ET (US)
Great re-power. Your original motor did its job and more. Love to see you and your family enjoying your Whaler. Did you change props? GPH numbers v old motor? I have to say, there is a good re-sale market for 2 stroke motor in quality condition. A friend here in SoCal has a warehouse full that have been certified, tuned up and sent out to a wide variety of owners all over the world. |
| tombro |
posted 06-12-2014 05:44 AM ET (US)
Congrats, Tom! That was some run for the old Opti. I only have 800 hours on our Ventura w/ a Verado 225, since 2005. I have to get out more... ~Tom |
| bluewaterpirate |
posted 06-12-2014 07:25 AM ET (US)
I installed the Mirage from the old Optimax great match. Haven't completed the break in regime yet but the dealer said I would see 15 - 25 % improvement over an already great burn rate. |
| Jefecinco |
posted 06-12-2014 09:26 AM ET (US)
Tom, Congratulations. That's a great looking motor with your Ventura. If I had a motor that provided the reliability of your old Opti I would have found it very difficult to switch brands/models. I'm sure you're a meticulous record keeper. Can you tell us what your cost of ownership has been per operating hour? That would be VERY interesting. Butch |
| Sal A |
posted 06-12-2014 12:30 PM ET (US)
Congratulations Tom. If there were ever a gentleman who maximized their time on the water, it is you. You have always been so generous with your knowledge as well. |
| bluewaterpirate |
posted 06-12-2014 12:57 PM ET (US)
Thanks for your kind words .... I so fortunate to be able to continue after having bypass surgery 2.5 years ago. The good lord has been watching out for me. |
| Mambo Minnow |
posted 06-13-2014 06:56 PM ET (US)
Same surgery about 2 years ago for me Master Chief. Nice to see you living life to the fullest. I was ready to retire from the Navy after 26 years, but my friend needed my help at least one more year and my kids are still teens. |
| Plotman |
posted 06-15-2014 12:14 AM ET (US)
It would be very interesting to know how much fuel has gone through that engine in 5,000 hours of use. Over the lifetime of that engine, what was the average fuel consumption - 3 gallons per hour, 5 gph? Even at the low end, that it still 15,000 gallons of fuel, which costs upwards of $50,000. |
| martyn1075 |
posted 06-15-2014 12:55 AM ET (US)
Honestly it should have gone back to Mercury, and they can showcase it in a glass capsule for visitor tours of the Mercury facility. Seriously I could see it with a plaque engraved with the hours a little about you the owner mixed in with some pictures and a story or two about its longevity. Perhaps they could give you a little more back on the next Optimax you purchased for the donation. I think maybe bluewaterpirates Optimax is perhaps the most succesful Optimax in history.
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| martyn1075 |
posted 06-15-2014 01:07 AM ET (US)
The big difference in performance may very well be the 3.0 changes to the lower unit where its far more robust and mimics the same system as the Verado. They both use a high speed pickup design. The older Optimax did not. I think you will find a noticeable advantage in fuel economy vs your older model. They sound great! has a different tone and the idling is far more steady and consistent. I found the older ones to be a bit clunky that way. The have changed the compressor three times since your old one and from what I hear that seems to be a good thing but in your case it didn't seem to matter one bit. Good Luck! |
| Teak Oil |
posted 06-15-2014 09:36 PM ET (US)
Great looking Whaler and nice looking repower. Here's to the next 5000 hours! |
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