Merc Opti 200 Pro/XS

[Ray Coleman]

Any real reason to run a 200 Pro/XS as apposed to a standard 200 Opti? Thinking of a repower in the future and was trying to get some facts.

Thanks in advance

Ray Coleman

[t.rath]

The 200XS is built off of the 2.4L engine block and the 200 is the 3.0L block(or something like that). The XS is lighter and runs higher rpm's and the one I had actually recommended high octane fuel. I ran a blend of 100 and 92. No real benefit I don't think unless you're primary objective is warp speed. The regular 200 is probably more dependable.

[basswest]

Hey Ray, I am no expert by any means, but I believe the 200 optimax is discontinued and the Pro XS is the standard now. You may want to check that out with the forum guru's.

good fishing
Mark

[Schneider Fishing]

Also might want to check the star ratings.

Where's Linehan when you need him. LOL

[mark poulson]

Ray,
Give Rick Grover a call at Anglers Marine Anaheim. 714 666-2628
He know as much as anyone about Mercury.

[Byron]

Check out this link, The same question was asked to the Merc techs at BBC.
http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/zerothre ... ween-mercs

And yes the 200 Opti is still made along with the XS.

[JamesH]

Found this info on the 225 and I believe it all applies to the 200.

The 225 Opti is a 2 Star **, while the 225/250 Pro XS is 3 Star *** (CARB Regs) and able to sell in CA.

The Std. Opti is a Standard gearcase from the Verado style, which is slightly longer. Wheras the Pro XS is the TorqueMaster Gearcase with a cambered skeg. On the inside is where the Torque Master is really tough. The propshaft is larger than a standard 3.0L propshaft. In fact, it's fifty percent bigger, making it capable of withstanding semisurfacing mounting heights and able to hold up under the brutal loads inflicted if you go wave jumping.

The fuel rails, ECM, pump and other parts on the Pro XS are from the Racing build sheet, while the 225 Opti is from a production parts build sheet. A production 225 OptiMax runs 80-psi fuel pressure in the fuel rails. Like the 2.5XS and 250XS, the 225 Pro XS fuel system is pumped up to 95 psi to get more fuel into the combustion chamber and to enhance the atomization of the fuel mixture. Mercury engineers tell us that this allows the engine to run more rpm and a bit cleaner due to the better penetration of the fuel into the combustion plume.

That and similar fuel mileage on both. What about spark plugs? The 225 Pro XS uses plugs with a little longer reach to place the fire exactly at the sweet spot of the fuel spray.


At the front of an OptiMax two-stroke engine, behind the intake plenum, there’s a one-way valving device commonly called the reed block. The reed block has several small, flat plates (called reeds) that allow air to enter the crankcase, but prevents the air from flowing back out.

When the throttle is opened, air rushes into the reed block and the individual reeds bend a little to let the air pass. Close the throttle, and the reeds snap shut to keep the air where it belongs.

Many large outboards, including the standard 3.0L OptiMax, use steel reeds in the reed block. Steel reeds are relatively inexpensive, durable and work great for most applications.

Serious boat racers have been using variations of fiberglass or, more recently, carbon-fiber reeds for years, because when you slam the throttle open, fiber reeds flex open more quickly than steel reeds.

Early on, the fiberglass reeds performed well, but had a limited service life. Not so with the carbon-fiber materials that have surfaced in the performance-outboard marketplace. These newer composites reportedly last nearly as long as comparable steel reeds. To prolong the life of the carbon-fiber reeds, the reed block in the 225 Pro XS is rubber coated, cushioning the reeds each time they close.

You’ve probably guessed by now that the 225 Pro XS, like hardcore Mercury Racing outboards, is equipped with carbon-fiber reeds for snappier acceleration and better throttle response throughout the entire rpm range. Technology prevails.

Optimax uses Opti oil while the ProXS uses Premium Plus as well as 87 Octane fuel.

James

[Ray Coleman]

Thanks for all the info, I'm just starting to look. Kind of a choice of a Yamaha, or Opti. The boat has an Opti now and only has 174 hrs on it but way past warranty (2001 model). The right price will determine if and when I trade. All the info I can get really helps.

Thanks
Ray

[Kevin]

Resale is another huge factor to consider.

[Ray Coleman]

Thats true Kevin, but haven't even thought about selling either the motor I have or the 2001 boat with a 2010 motor on it. Again, I'm not sure which way Im going. I have a 2001 Ranger 518, probably worth at best 12-14K, and it may not make since to re-power for a net of about another 8-9K. Sell the boat for 14k and add the money for the new motor about 9K that would be about 23K That wouldnt replace what I have without assuming some risk, (used boat). Fun to think about it anyway.

Ray