2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Repair or modification of Boston Whaler boats, their engines, trailers, and gear
acg123
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2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Sun Jun 06, 2021 9:19 am

In 2019 bought my [third--please spell-out simple five letter words] Boston Whaler boat, a 2001 Ventura 210 with a 2001 Mercury OptiMax 225-HP engine.

The boat was barely used, having just over 400 hours on the engine. I've had it serviced at a Mercury dealer spring-and-fall since the (private party) purchase. Up until yesterday, it has been the most reliable boat and outboard combo I have owned. I'll also note it's the first motor I have not done any work to myself, other than flushing it with fresh water after any ocean boating.

In June 2021, after launching, the 2001 Mercury OptiMax 225-HP engine ran fine for five minutes, but, when I gave the engine more throttle, it died.

I was able to restart the 2001 Mercury OptiMax 225-HP engine and use it for just long enough to get back to the dock. Then later and after many tries, it would not start.

The fuel pump was working, the primer bulb was hard, and the battery and starter motor were strong. The 2001 Mercury OptiMax 225-HP enginet cranked and caught for a half-second, then died.

The fuel was the same fuel used on four prior boating trips, which was heavily treated with StaBil--as always.

I called the mechanic who does seasonal service for me--yes, he answered his mobile telephone on a Saturday--and he said to bring in the engine. He said the OptiMax engines are very complex, and the cause of the no-start problem could be anything from an air compressor to a fuel rail.

I'm concerned. that at some point, the cost of the repair is going to exceed the value of the engine. I'm not in a position to re-power, but recently I read Jim's post [see below] and watched the video from Quicksilver's re-manufactured Optimax power heads.

FOR READERS WHO HAVE BOUGHT A REMANUFACTURED OPTIMAX POWER HEAD: tell me about your experience.

I didn't see any estimated costs, but there are a lot of pro's from this process.

I like my two-stroke-power-cycle engine for its weigh, its power, and up until yesterday, its simple reliability. I also don't want to miss my entire summer with repairs, so the two-to-three hour labor estimate is attractive. I live in Maine, where our summer just started and will be over by Labor Day. We look forward spending as much time on the boat as we can.

FOR READERS WHO HAVE AN OPTIMAX ENGINE AND HAVE HAD REPAIRS TO THE AIR COMPRESSOR OR REPAIRS TO THE AIR OR FUEL INJECTION SYSTEMS: tell me about your experience.

FOR READERS WHO HAVE PURCHASED A QUICKSILVER REPLACEMENT POWERHEAD FOR THEIR OPTIMAX ENGINE: tell me about your experience.

Thanks for sharing experiences and advice.

Jefecinco
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Jefecinco » Sun Jun 06, 2021 10:02 am

I believe it's too soon to consider a replacement powerhead. The solution to your engine problem could be as simple as a blown fuse or loose connection. I believe the air compressor is a common failure point on Optimax engines and is readily available and easily replaceable. I'm unfamiliar with the fuel rail so won't comment.

Re-powering is an option if you are lucky enough to find a new replacement engine. New engines are becoming almost impossible to find and demand high prices when available. I believe your best course of action will be to repair your existing engine.

You could also consider re-powering with a used engine but that is risky.
Butch

roundle1979
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby roundle1979 » Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:04 pm

Hate to speculate but suspect [the cause of the problem is] related to the air compressor.
2004 Nantucket 190 w/ Mercury Optimax 135

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Phil T
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Phil T » Tue Jun 08, 2021 5:56 pm

OptiMax engines can last 4000 hours. Your engines shows problem associated with lack-of-use.

You need to find a mechanic who is more enthusiastic on troubleshooting.

Having a certified Opti mechanic go through the engine from top to bottom and make a list of items that need attention will be worth the cost for the inspection.

…cost of the repair is going to exceed the value of the engine


Outboard engines do not retain value after seven years. Disabuse yourself of this notion.
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Mambo Minnow
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Mambo Minnow » Wed Jun 09, 2021 7:35 pm

I own same the hull and the same engine. Unfortunately, 2001 was the worst year for these Mercury OptiMax engines. If you search on the forum, you’ll get the details. I won’t repeat here.

Given the long wait on new engines, a repair is your best option to save the summer.

The Mercury OptiMax engines are very complex engines. The air compressor is a high failure part. In 2001 Mercury changed suppliers for injectors; check the injectors and the fuel rails carefully. The air and fuel pressures have tight tolerances to function properly.

Since you are in Maine and ethanolfree gas is not an option, check the vapor-separator tank (VST) and the high-pressure and low-pressure fuel pumps. They are susceptible to ethanol-induced damage over winter layup.

acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Wed Jun 09, 2021 10:30 pm

These replies are very helpful. The marina (one of largest in the area) is a Boston Whaler and Mercury dealer, so I expect they have the expertise to diagnose and repair as needed. They have had th engine for three business days. I have not heard any updates. My hope is they get to look at it before the weekend so any needed parts can get ordered.

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Phil T
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Phil T » Thu Jun 10, 2021 9:54 am

Given the last two years, I would not expect a quick turn-around. Yards are busier than normal with staff shortages and many short tempers.

It could be a few days, it could be a few weeks. Maybe longer.

You may find better service and turnaround with an independent shop that services Opti's
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dtmackey
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby dtmackey » Thu Jun 10, 2021 12:31 pm

Much of what's been said. 2001 was one of the worst years for Opti reliability and Merc settled a class action lawsuit against them over this and provided owners extended warranties and a host of upgrades/modifactions to improve reliability.

If the dealer (specifically the mechanic) has been around working on Mercs since 2000, he should be able to nail down the failure pretty quick. Personally, I'm leaning toward the compressor since they were a known weekness in the early Optis.

D-

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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby jimh » Thu Jun 10, 2021 6:16 pm

acg123 wrote:...I read Jim's post...

When you refer to "Jim's post" the reference could be to any one of several thousand posts.

Were you referring to my article about the end of production of the OptiMax as I posted on Monday, March 15, 2021? Compare at:

https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewto ... 245#p36592

acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Fri Jun 11, 2021 7:57 am

Here is a link to the post I referenced. I found it very insightful and interesting.

https://continuouswave.com/forum/viewto ... 275#p35275

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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:34 pm

Update: it turns out two ignition coils were bad.

I picked up the boat [from the dealer and] immediately launched it at the nearby ramp. The engine Mercury OptiMax engine ran better than before it died. The OptiMax engine idled more smoothly, ran more smoothly, and I think [accelerated to a] higher top engine speed. The test was conducted with just me and my son in Portland harbor, so the true test will be with the whole family aboard this weekend.

I’m wondering if one or both bad coils were weak before they died. Considering I was thinking I’d need a new air compressor, fuel rail, or powerhead, this is very good news.

I appreciate all the forum replies. I read a ton on here, and rarely post, but it’s a great group of people with terrific knowledge, so thanks for you help.

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Phil T
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Phil T » Wed Jun 16, 2021 10:49 pm

A--your news in good news. A Ventura 210 is a great model for Portland and Casco Bay-- a great hull for the slop and snotty conditions.

I will be in Portland next week for a week to visit family and friends and hope to be out on the water.
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acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Thu Jun 17, 2021 10:01 am

While we tested it in Casco Bay, our regular boating is usually in Sebago, which frequently has bigger waves and rougher water than Casco Bay or Saco Bay, which we also frequent. The Ventura 210 is my [third--please spell out simple five letter words] Boston Whaler, and also my favorite.

roundle1979
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby roundle1979 » Thu Jun 17, 2021 10:54 am

acg123 wrote:Update...
That's great news.

Did [the dealer] change all coils and all plugs?
2004 Nantucket 190 w/ Mercury Optimax 135

acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Sat Jun 19, 2021 2:03 pm

[On the engine there were] two bad coil replaced. The repair bill did not include any spark plugs, possibly because they were replaced a month ago in the spring commissioning. At $150-each, I don’t see any reason to [unclear, possibly intended to say "replace"] the other four good coils.

acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Fri Aug 27, 2021 9:39 pm

The Optimax engine that is the topic of this thread has failed again. There was a whining bearing sound a little before it failed. I was able to run it at 1000-RPM to get back to the ramp. I suspect [the cause of this new engine failure] is now the high-pressure air compressor. I don’t expect this to be a small repair.

Q1: do I keep fixing this 20-year-old Optimax engine?

Q2: do I re-power the 210 VENTURA with another engine? (This expense is not in my budget.)

Q3: do I buy another boat with more [reliable] power, and sell the Ventura with the Optimax after completing the latest repair?

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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Jefecinco » Sat Aug 28, 2021 9:58 am

It's always disappointing when an engine suffers a breakdown. Whether it's an inexpensive problem or not, the loss of valuable boating time is frustrating especially when it comes only a couple of months after a previous breakdown.

It's better to put our frustration behind us and take a deep breath before making a decision on how to proceed.

Of the options you list, repairing the current engine is the most economical and also likely to be the least time consuming. The actual labor involved in replacing the compressor is relatively minor. You should be able to resume boating quickly if you choose this option and you will spend far less. There is no reason to believe the engine will not continue to provide service for many years. Although the engine has low hours it is 20-years-old and occasional problems are to be expected.

The other options you list are not really worth consideration. If your budget allowed for a re-power with a new engine and a new engine was readily available, a re-power would perhaps be your best option.

Selling your boat and buying another is not worth considering because of the cost and loss of boating time.

Consider repairing your engine if that is affordable. If it is not affordable consider replacement with a used engine but keep in mind that you may end up worse off than if you had repaired your engine. Either option will allow you to continue to enjoy a boat you said has been your best so far. Meanwhile start saving toward a day when your budget will allow you to put a new engine on your boat.
Butch

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Phil T
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Phil T » Sat Aug 28, 2021 1:11 pm

For a decent used engine, contact Richardson's. Ask them to keep their eye out on trade-ins. They are doing a-lot of repowers.

https://www.richardsonsby.com/

My friend with an 19 Outrage II in Brunswick bought a decent used 150-HP engine this month. His original-to-the-boat two-stroke-power-cycle engine stroke died in July.
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acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Mon Aug 30, 2021 3:46 pm

Jefecinco and Phil T, I appreciate both of your replies.

The mechanic called today, and [the component that was defective and the cause of the problem] was the high pressure air compressor. He stated Mercury has these out-of-stock until at least September 13, 2021. They will ship the compressor to the marina who will install it. Part cost is $1,300, labor is four-hours. For $2,000 I'll be back on the water before time to winterize.

In discussing with my wife, I think we'll keep going with the current setup, but we will keep a close eye for good deals on a new-to-us boat-motor-trailer package.

This group will be the first to know based on any posts I place in Marketplace.

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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Jefecinco » Tue Aug 31, 2021 10:36 am

Now that you are replacing the part most known to fail there is a good chance you will be able to enjoy your engine for many years without another serious part failure. It is likely that Mercury has modified the compressor to make it more reliable as they have had several years to work out the defects. Good luck.
Butch

acg123
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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby acg123 » Tue Aug 31, 2021 6:36 pm

Butch - I am going to agree with your optimism, and hope for the best!

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Re: 2001 Ventura 210 OptiMax Engine Failure

Postby Bigwylie » Tue Mar 28, 2023 7:42 pm

[DISCUSSION DORMANT FOR TWO YEARS IS NOW REVIVED TO ASK AN INDIVIDUAL PARTICIPANT QUESTIONS. PLEASE SEND YOUR QUESTIONS VIA EMAIL TO THE INDIVIDUAL YOU WANT TO ASK THEM TO]


Q1. How did the 2022 season turn out?

Q2. Were you trouble free?

Q3. Did the 2022 season go better? I hope it did.

Tell me about the 2022 experience.

If your engine continues to be a maintenance woe, try to save money to prepare for when you do find a suitable 200-HP to 250-HP engine for re-power.

If the [Unibond hull foam] core is dry, the 210 VENTURA boat is very difficult to beat. Maybe a 230 VANTAGE could beat a 210 VENTURA, but a 230 VANTAGE is a much bigger cost than adding a new engine to your 210 VENTURA.

—BigWylie