verado motors parts and service shops around the world

Sport fishing Forums videos and charter boat information

Verado motors service and parts. If you are a verado owner or part of a club check out
Sport fishing forums at Sportfishermen.com for all your outboard motor needs

Merc engines

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

If you were in the market for a boat today and you choices were merc Optimax or Verado only. What would you choose between the 2 ? The boat would have twin or triple configuration.

flatbottom
View Public Profile
Send a private message to flatbottom
Find More Posts by flatbottom
Add flatbottom to Your Buddy List

BOAT, MOTORS & ELECTRONICS FORUM SPONSORED BY:

10-09-2007, 10:10 PM #2
LuckyLady
"Life is what you make it!"

Verado: The IT Security Game" is a hilarious, frenetically paced, and poignant first-person shooter game that puts the player in the position of a harried IT s, Verado takes the experiences that IT experts face daily and turns them into a humorous barrage of data threats.

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Manahawkin, NJ
Posts: 2,129
Occupation: CONTENDER SALES Optimaxs were always said to be better on fuel but 2-stroke and oil is like 20ish a gallon on top of fuel adds up and is annoying to carry oil and deal with the additonal matainence. Not that Mercury would ever do away with thier racing division, but 2 strokes are on their way out IMO

Verado is cleaner and efficent to run has good torque the whole nine yards just have a bad rep.

I just ordered a trip 300 Verado set up and feel 100% confident with it.

Verado 4-Stroke all the way!
__________________

WWW.COTYMARINE.COM

Mary Inman
~CONTENDER SALES~
(609) -713-5540
mary@cotymarine.com
Dealer for: Contender - Venture - Pro-line Boats - Donzi - Cigarette - Mariah - Avalon - Sea Swirl

LuckyLady
View Public Profile
Send a private message to LuckyLady
Find More Posts by LuckyLady
Add LuckyLady to Your Buddy List

10-10-2007, 06:28 AM #3
flatbottom
Fish the Edge
Team Sportfishermen.com

Sorry there are no games here

Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bear, DE
Posts: 6,059 thanks Mary
the additional questions are not directed at you, but any help would be appreciated

Adding to the question above, does the 2 stroke Optimax require a higher fuel grade to reach the specified horse power......250, 300 and so on ?

Both styles of engines use an oil. I wonder what the real difference in cost per 100 hours of normal use there is.

Real world numbers beginning with initial cost of the two styles of engines and maintenance over a 4 year period and including the resale at the end of the 4 years would help me.

I see more people turning over boats in a shorter interval. This I would also factor in when making my choice between the 2.

Thanks everyone for any help....flat

flatbottom
View Public Profile
Send a private message to flatbottom
Find More Posts by flatbottom
Add flatbottom to Your Buddy List

10-10-2007, 09:26 AM #4
LuckyLady
"Life is what you make it!"

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Manahawkin, NJ
Posts: 2,129
Occupation: CONTENDER SALES Optixax 250

EVERY 25 HOURS OR EVERY 30 DAYS OF SALTWATER OR
POLLUTED WATER USE
• Spray the powerhead and all external, unpainted metal
surfaces (except anodes) with Corrosion Guard.

EVERY 25 HOURS OR EVERY 30 DAYS, WHICHEVER
OCCURS FIRST• Visually inspect the front and side cowl latches for tightness.
Tighten if necessary.
• Visually inspect the fuel and oil systems for deterioration or
leaks.
• Visually check steering link rod fasteners for wear. Lubricate
all components (refer to the Installation Manual for
lubrication specifications). Check all attachment hardware for
proper torque tightness.
• Check level and condition of gearcase lubricant.
• Check alternator belt tension.

EVERY 50 HOURS OR ONCE A YEAR, WHICHEVER
OCCURS FIRST• Lubricate all lubrication points.
• Lubricate splines on the drive shaft.
• Lubricate entire length of drive shaft with anti‑corrosion
grease.
• Lubricate splines on the propeller shaft.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant.
• Check the spark plug gap. Clean and replace plugs if
necessary.
• Inspect all belts, pulleys, and idler pulleys for deterioration.
• Check fuel pressure.
• Check control cable adjustments.
• Inspect battery.
• Check corrosion control anodes.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts and other fasteners.
• Check power trim fluid.
• Remove engine deposits with Power Tune Engine Cleaner.

EVERY 100 HOURS OR ONCE A YEAR, WHICHEVER
OCCURS FIRST• Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating
occurs or reduced water pressure is noted).1.
• If using NGK PZFR6H spark plugs, check the gap and replace
if necessary.
• Use QuicKleen in fuel.

EVERY 100 HOURS OF OPERATION
• Inspect Carbon Fiber reeds for chipping or cracks.

EVERY 200 HOURS OR ONCE EVERY TWO YEARS,
WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Replace Water separating fuel filter.
• If using NGK IZFR6J spark plugs, check the gap and replace
if necessary.

Verado 275

EVERY 100 HOURS OF USE OR ONCE YEARLY,
WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST• Change engine oil and replace the oil filter. The oil should be
changed more often when the engine is operated under adverse
conditions such as extended trolling. See Changing Engine Oil.
• Inspect thermostat visually for corrosion and/or for a broken spring.
Make sure thermostat closes completely at room temperature.1.
• Check engine water separating fuel filter for contaminants. Clean
and/or replace filter. See Fuel System.
• Check corrosion control anodes. Check more frequently when used
in salt water. See Corrosion Control Anodes.
• Drain and replace gearcase lubricant. See Gearcase Lubrication.
• Check power steering fluid. See Checking Power Steering Fluid.
• Inspect battery. See Battery Inspection.
• Saltwater usage. Remove and inspect spark plugs for corrosion and
replace spark plugs as necessary. Apply a thin coating of Anti‑Seize
Compound only on threads of spark plug prior to installation. See
Maintenance ‑ Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement.
Tube Ref No. Description Where Used Part No.
81 Anti-Seize
Compound Spark plug threads 92-881091K1
• Check wiring and connectors.
• Check tightness of bolts, nuts, and other fasteners.

EVERY 300 HOURS OF USE OR THREE YEARS
IMPORTANT: Engine oil must be drained before removing gearcase to
avoid oil spillage. Perform scheduled water pump replacement in
combination with an engine oil change.
• Replace water pump impeller (more often if overheating occurs or
reduced water pressure is noted).1.
• Check power trim fluid. See Checking Power Trim Fluid.
• Replace high pressure in‑line fuel filter.1.
• Replace spark plugs at first 300 hours or three years. After that,
inspect spark plugs every 300 hours or three years. Replace spark
plugs as needed. See Spark Plug Inspection and Replacement.
• Replace accessory drive belt. See Accessory Drive Belt
__________________

WWW.COTYMARINE.COM

Mary Inman
~CONTENDER SALES~
(609) -713-5540
mary@cotymarine.com
Dealer for: Contender - Venture - Pro-line Boats - Donzi - Cigarette - Mariah - Avalon - Sea Swirl

LuckyLady
View Public Profile
Send a private message to LuckyLady
Find More Posts by LuckyLady
Add LuckyLady to Your Buddy List

10-10-2007, 11:28 AM #5
jawz12
Crab mustard is good

Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 685 clear choice...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by flatbottom
If you were in the market for a boat today and you choices were merc Optimax or Verado only. What would you choose between the 2 ? The boat would have twin or triple configuration.

choice is clear !!!
optimax...reason..less moving parts,less potential for failure-common sense...
verado engines,these are supercharged,in order to build power from a smaller block,the engine is force fed air,this boost power output...
the optimax engines have come a long way from when they first came out-the new optimax engines are basically bulletproof !!

people are being "sold" on the whole 4 stroke engine technology...truth of the matter is,the 2 stroke engines are here to stay...bombardier has spent millions in r&d for the new e-tec engines...people claim "2 stroke engines will be gone in a few years"...would a company spend that kind of money in r&d if the engines were gonna be banned ???
the new 2 stoke technology has these engines burning as clean,and in some cases cleaner that a 4 stroke engine-that my friend is a fact !!!
personally,i would never want a supercharged outbaord...there's way too much potential for failure...and don't forget the weight factor too. !!!!
just my 2 cents guys.....
__________________
jimmy's marine service llc
www.jimmysmarineservice.com
jimmysmarineservice@comcast.net
"jawz" is my dog.......
cockpit monkey wannabe....
"don't try this at home..i'm a professional"....

jawz12
View Public Profile
Send a private message to jawz12
Visit jawz12's homepage!
Find More Posts by jawz12
Add jawz12 to Your Buddy List

10-10-2007, 11:32 AM #6
flatbottom
Fish the Edge
Team Sportfishermen.com

Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bear, DE
Posts: 6,059 Thanks Mary
Thanks Jimmy

flatbottom
View Public Profile
Send a private message to flatbottom
Find More Posts by flatbottom
Add flatbottom to Your Buddy List

10-11-2007, 09:27 AM #7
LuckyLady
"Life is what you make it!"

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Manahawkin, NJ
Posts: 2,129
Occupation: CONTENDER SALES I didn't say they would get banned but go to Mercury & Yamaha's website and look for new smaller horse power motors, they are not there and that is where I mean on their way out.

For ETEC

"automatic off-season storage, no spring tune-ups, and no scheduled dealer maintenance for three years of normal recreational use. There are no belts to replace, no valves to adjust, and you'll never have to change the oil."

Whats the defination of normal use?

ETEC's claim of not needing service for long periods of time, their selling tactic on low maintenance saves you money is crap in my mind. If they have compiled such an inferior gear oil and 2-stroke oil they rest of the world of engines in its class would be right there with it.

The reason that most manufacturers have you change your gear oil offten is more on a preventive maintanence then anything to see problems when they start. Not all problems can be prevented but its a good start. I can't tell you how many times we have caught problems at the end of the season with stern drives and outboards while servicing on a regular basis.

By no means am I saying anything has to do directly with factory failures, we all know what fishing line does to prop shaft seals. Most consumers rely on dealers to tell them what is going on.

Wonder what Bombardier would say to a customer that has a critical gear related failure do to water in gear oil over an extended period of time. Sorry your prop shaft seal was cut by fishing line so this 5k repair is your problem. If regular maintenance was performed it might of cost the consumer a reseal & a gear oil change under 1000 bucks.

The only other problem with ETEC is finding dealers that know how to fix them when they do break or properly set them up from the start.

There are a couple of dealers that I know of that have a clue otherwise its few and far between.

Optimax is here to stay no doubt the motors are used big time in racing and across the board.

The supercharger on a Verado is no different than the Optimax have an air compressor & direct air injectors to all the cylinders all designed to give boost in a salt water enviroment

Sorry for the ETEC rant, but I find them to misleading the consumer in many ways, mainly in poor dealer support.
__________________

WWW.COTYMARINE.COM

Mary Inman
~CONTENDER SALES~
(609) -713-5540
mary@cotymarine.com
Dealer for: Contender - Venture - Pro-line Boats - Donzi - Cigarette - Mariah - Avalon - Sea Swirl

LuckyLady
View Public Profile
Send a private message to LuckyLady
Find More Posts by LuckyLady
Add LuckyLady to Your Buddy List

10-11-2007, 02:10 PM #8
GALAZIO
Crab mustard is good

Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Gulf of Mexico, Great Lakes, SE Florida
Posts: 716
Boat: SeaCrafts (2) and soon to be?????
Best Catch: Been practicing C&R
Occupation: Professional Golfer, Captain Mary

Which engines does (or did???) Admin John's boat have?

Reason why I ask (and I have Mercs), is it seems he has had a years worth of problems with things being addressed that doesn't seem to work.

Is there a difference in a first and second generation Verado (if he has Verados)? What is the biggest problem with the early Verados & at what point (year wise) did the gremlins get worked out the engine?

Just wondering...
__________________
GALAZIO

GALAZIO
View Public Profile
Send a private message to GALAZIO
Find More Posts by GALAZIO
Add GALAZIO to Your Buddy List

10-11-2007, 02:41 PM #9
matey1
Sit down Shut up And fish

Join Date: May 2005
Location: middletown, DE
Posts: 462 Flat, you know that yami hahaha can't compare to a merc. just go ahead and get one or two.
__________________
Reel ALure
26' sportcraft
Don't let Matey drive!!

matey1
View Public Profile
Send a private message to matey1
Find More Posts by matey1
Add matey1 to Your Buddy List

10-11-2007, 05:22 PM #10
flatbottom
Fish the Edge
Team Sportfishermen.com

Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bear, DE
Posts: 6,059 Matey1 I am going over the total cost of both engines. Resale after 2 years ( what the market is purchasing). Fuel use at cruise in a given trip. Maintenance beyond my abilities( don't even Tim ) It is leaning towards the Optimax. I hear a heavy power is right around the corner in the 2 stroke with an overall total weight lower than the 4 strokes.
My Yami runs perfectly. I would buy one again in a heartbeat. That is not why I am questioning Mercs. Certain manufactures rig Marcs only and apply greater incentive packages.
I need to make a spread sheet

Keep the info coming ! Thanks everyone

flatbottom
View Public Profile
Send a private message to flatbottom
Find More Posts by flatbottom
Add flatbottom to Your Buddy List

10-11-2007, 06:08 PM #11
Mirage36
"If at first you don't succeed, don't try skydiving"

Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: IR Delaware
Posts: 120
Occupation: Self Employed http://www.boattest.com/flash_video_...ado_walkaround
__________________

Rob aka RM2 Owner of 36' Mirage
Mate Dana Lynn Charters 46' Carman Custom Walkaround
Member Indian River Charter Assoc

Mirage36
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Mirage36
Visit Mirage36's homepage!
Find More Posts by Mirage36
Add Mirage36 to Your Buddy List

10-12-2007, 08:26 AM #12
gottaflylee
I think Admin is going to let me have this space

Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Wrightsville Beach, NC
Posts: 1,719
Boat: 2 many
Home Port: Bridge Tender Marina & Motts Channel Seafood
Best Catch: My family
Occupation: Charter Capt. Flatt, here is my 2 cents on this. I have had 2,150 Optis both were bulletproof and 1 had over 2000 hours on it when I sold the boat. Only thing done on both other than "by the book maintenance", was "TIP"'so (throttle position sensor) Loved them both, so when I got the my new boat in 2001, a 225 Opti was on the back and the problems started. Long story short and 4 years later...4 factory power heads , 2 out of my pocket, I was having so many problems with the last power head and the computer that Mercury gave me an 2005 fully dressed power head (with NO warranty...found that the hard way when I tried to make a claim and had NO serial # for the motor ). This power head has been great with minor problems...thermostats and air pump @ 350 hours and $900.00 later ...I can't say anything bad about it. Oh ya...one more thing, OIL is $30 +a gallon and on a 150 mile trip that's $90 more on top of your gas bill which is $3.84 per gallon here... and they wonder why I have to charge what I do for a charter...
__________________

Gottafly Guide Service
Capt. Lee Parsons
910-540-2464
www.gottaflyguideservice.com
Now booking for Speckle Trout & Duck hunting trips
and for 2008
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year

gottaflylee
View Public Profile
Send a private message to gottaflylee
Visit gottaflylee's homepage!
Find More Posts by gottaflylee
Add gottaflylee to Your Buddy List

10-12-2007, 09:41 AM #13
jawz12
Crab mustard is good

Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 685 thank you !!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by gottaflylee
Flatt, here is my 2 cents on this. I have had 2,150 Optis both were bulletproof and 1 had over 2000 hours on it when I sold the boat. Only thing done on both other than "by the book maintenance", was "TIP"'so (throttle position sensor) Loved them both, so when I got the my new boat in 2001, a 225 Opti was on the back and the problems started. Long story short and 4 years later...4 factory power heads , 2 out of my pocket, I was having so many problems with the last power head and the computer that Mercury gave me an 2005 fully dressed power head (with NO warranty...found that the hard way when I tried to make a claim and had NO serial # for the motor ). This power head has been great with minor problems...thermostats and air pump @ 350 hours and $900.00 later ...I can't say anything bad about it. Oh ya...one more thing, OIL is $30 +a gallon and on a 150 mile trip that's $90 more on top of your gas bill which is $3.84 per gallon here... and they wonder why I have to charge what I do for a charter...

the small block optimax engines were no problem when they first came out,the larger hp models had quite a few problems...
at this point in time,the optimax engines have been squared away...no problems !! these really are the bulletproof set up...
the verado engines,well...i guess the bugs are being worked out
it's unfortunate the way the market goes...4 stroke engines are being marketed really heavy,these are being pushed down everyone's throat...
these engines are not allways the best choice for power...think about this for a second...you purchase a rig with the verado engine,you have problems with it when it's under warranty...these problems are addressed,however,the warranty expires,and now you've got problems again...better get that check book out....
pumping an engine up by super charging it decreases the life of that engine...common sense...you're pushing that small block engine to it's limit,and you shorten it's life...
personally,i like the yamaha engines,the hpdi engines are among the most reliable trouble free engines ever made...the 200 is a work horse...the 250's get a bad rap...as long as the updates were performed,and performed correctly,these guys are bullet proof too...the 300 ??? well that's a different story....
if you're purchasing a rig to run offshore,you want reliability,and ease of upkeep...right ??? you also want good fuel economy...right ??? the new techonolgy being used on the old school 2 stroke design is definatley the way to go,in my opinion...these engines are super reliable,they deliever a huge amount of power and they're good on fuel...and the best part is,they won't kill you in upkeep....again,common sense....
__________________
jimmy's marine service llc
www.jimmysmarineservice.com
jimmysmarineservice@comcast.net
"jawz" is my dog.......
cockpit monkey wannabe....
"don't try this at home..i'm a professional"....

jawz12
View Public Profile
Send a private message to jawz12
Visit jawz12's homepage!
Find More Posts by jawz12
Add jawz12 to Your Buddy List

10-12-2007, 03:13 PM #14
flatbottom
Fish the Edge
Team Sportfishermen.com

Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bear, DE
Posts: 6,059 Nice vid Rob
Thanks Lee
Thanks Jim

flatbottom
View Public Profile
Send a private message to flatbottom
Find More Posts by flatbottom
Add flatbottom to Your Buddy List

10-23-2007, 11:32 AM #15
jawz12
Crab mustard is good

Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 685 feelin' bad...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

took an overnite trip,left sunday...when we were running to the inlet,i seen 2 boats that were powered by merc verados...both boats were running on one engine,the other engine was tilited up....i've heard horror stories from guys i know about these engines...it was kinda funny,we seen the one boat,then a short time later we seen the other coming in the inlet...i feel bad for these guys....
__________________
jimmy's marine service llc
www.jimmysmarineservice.com
jimmysmarineservice@comcast.net
"jawz" is my dog.......
cockpit monkey wannabe....
"don't try this at home..i'm a professional"....

jawz12
View Public Profile
Send a private message to jawz12
Visit jawz12's homepage!
Find More Posts by jawz12
Add jawz12 to Your Buddy List

10-23-2007, 01:50 PM #16
kitebuz
Newbie on board

Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 11 If weight is a concern, go w/ Opti's. If not, Verados will retain better resale. You also get DTS w/ them, which is a big $ option w/ Optis (assuming you are talking about higher hp models).

Fuel burn on the optis is excellent. Fuel burn on the gen 1 Verados was decent at cruise rpm's, but higher than others in the upper rpm range. The gen II verados (ie Mary's 300's) have improved on the fuel burn issues.

If flat out speed is most important, I think the 300XS would be hard to beat, but have not seen #'s on same boat rigged w/ 300V's yet.

Over-all, the market sense on the V's seems to be these are proving pretty reliable. The Opt's rank among the tops for consumer satisfaction. Check out http://veradoclub.com/ for real world feedback - not the friend of a friend saw someone driving funny.

Hard to go wrong either way, but if I could handle the weight issue, I would go for Verados (esp. the 300). The 300XS Opti requires 93 octane, while the Verado recommends it, but people are not seeing much hp difference running 93 or 87 w/ them.
__________________
Kitebuz

1973 Formula 233F

kitebuz
View Public Profile
Send a private message to kitebuz
Find More Posts by kitebuz
Add kitebuz to Your Buddy List

10-23-2007, 03:24 PM #17
flatbottom
Fish the Edge
Team Sportfishermen.com

Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Bear, DE
Posts: 6,059 thanks kitebuz

Jim I was one of those guys 365 days ago. Eerie feeling when more alarms than a jewelry heist go off sensitive black biotches. i asked the captain to cut it loose so we could fish. He just looked at me like I was a flippin nut

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Last edited by flatbottom : 10-23-2007 at 03:26 PM.

flatbottom
View Public Profile
Send a private message to flatbottom
Find More Posts by flatbottom
Add flatbottom to Your Buddy List

10-25-2007, 08:04 AM #18
Shutterbug
Hide- My Wifes Logged On

Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Crisfield, Md.
Posts: 153 Not a technical minded person here so I've got to keep this short and simple.

Re-powered in 03 with twin 150 Optimax. Prior to 03 always had Yamaha. Hard, gut-wrenching decision for me at the time.

I've a great mechanic and have only had minimal problems to date.

Have a 24 Grady, so 4 strokes were too much weight.

No doubt they're louder than 4 strokes but I believe much more efficient. Typically trolling offshore on an approx. 120nm trip I'll burn 55 to 60 gallons.
Bay fishing, 1 tank empty, much less gear I'll get 2.7 nm per gallon. I'm tickled.

I use 87 octane. Not as efficient as Yamaha with oil consumption, but a trip offshore I'll use 1 gal to 1 1/2. Fortunately I've been able to purchase 55 gal. drums of oil. So my cost has been around $11 a gal. But, that may change. Tim

Shutterbug
View Public Profile
Send a private message to Shutterbug
Find More Posts by Shutterbug
Add Shutterbug to Your Buddy List

10-28-2007, 11:07 AM #19
trollman
Crab mustard is good

Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Nantucket, MA
Posts: 850
Best Catch: 15 BIG sailfish in a day
Occupation: New England Patriot Mary - Mary - Mary

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Quote:
Originally Posted by GALAZIO
Mary

Which engines does (or did???) Admin John's boat have?

Reason why I ask (and I have Mercs), is it seems he has had a years worth of problems with things being addressed that doesn't seem to work.

Just wondering...

Galazio has some good questions here, have you had a chance to think about a response, i am curious. thanks

trollman
View Public Profile
Send a private message to trollman
Find More Posts by trollman
Add trollman to Your Buddy List

10-28-2007, 11:40 AM #20
LuckyLady
"Life is what you make it!"

Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Manahawkin, NJ
Posts: 2,129
Occupation: CONTENDER SALES Quote:
Originally Posted by trollman
Galazio has some good questions here, have you had a chance to think about a response, i am curious. thanks

Please do not take this the wrong way it is the best way I can answer it

Your a lawer and would love to help you make some money but this is not the case.

IMO Mercury marine has 100% taken care of their Verado's issues and deal with them on a case by case. I have witnessed it and helped with it. Not every Verado has a problem it is spaced apart pretty far.

If someone has an issue with their Verados please feel free to contact me and I will assist you with it and get you to the right people

I am a dealer and I can get sued over anything I say and I will not start a slander campaign against them. If it was a huge deal it would be all over this site and many others..

Some problems were started from when the boat was rigged at the factories and not Mercury. Not too many people can understand where the problem starts and ends and rather not get in to it.

When I say all this I am looking out for the consumers in getting help and not tarnishing their retail value for resale of their boat.

The rocketship was effected by both boat and engine verado issues