03 - 05 225 HPDI vs OPTI

[jchief]

Buying a new bateau very soon and am looking at both of these as my outboard. Have run Yamaha for the last 20 years, but have heard some horror stories on the HPDI's, but I think they may have these problems worked out. Looking for any guy's out there who own either of these two motors that are willing to share some info.

Any problems with them?
GPH?
Etc.

Thanks for any and all input.

[Farmer Jim]

JC, I've been running a 225 Optimax for the past four years and have been pleased with it. I have a very heavy boat (4700lbs hull only) and was pushing it wait a 225 EFI Mercury before re-powering with the Optimax. The dealer told me to expect 25-30 percent improvement in fuel effeciency, but I actually ended up with a 50% increase as I went from 1.0 mpg to 1.5 mpg. I have had no problems with the engine. I did have a chipped gear in my lower unit last summer, but that has nothing to do with the Optimax technology as Merc has the same lower unit on all of its 225's.

I personally haven't heard anything bad about Yammy's HPDI's either, but I really don't have any personal knowledge on them.


















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[Copzilla]

I've got an '03 OX66 225 Yamaha, awesome engine. Not even a peep of trouble from it in 200 hours, and it's surprisingly efficient, about 2.5 MPG. Fires instantly, runs like the devil. Have a friend that has a 200 Opti, will outrun me, he's had no trouble, seems to get about the same mileage. We each like the other's boats and motors.

I don't think you will go wrong with either choice.

[KevinA]

I recently blew a power head on a 250 HP / 2003 Yammi HPDI with only 35 hours on it, dealer says #6 piston shattered and looks to be oil related, they are investigating right now. thats all I know.

I have always heard that the 250HPDI is much more reliable than the 300 HPDI.

I would stay away from the 300HPDI as almost everyone who has one wants to get rid of them/some of the SKA guys have gotten rid of the 300HPDI engines and went back to the 250HPDI engines.

I am not familiar with the Mercury brand engines.