MercuryOptimax_MercuryOptimax

MERCURY OPTIMAX 75 HP to 250 HP

M E R C U R Y

M A R I N E

Changing the Two-Stroke Game How do you compare something that is incomparable?

More than a decade ago, Mercury introduced the direct injected OptiMax engine, and the game was changed— old comparisons suddenly meant nothing. Blending the brawn of a two-stroke with the efficiencies of a fourstroke, OptiMax has since become the most preferred two-stroke direct-injected outboard on the planet.

fuel into the cylinder and optimizes fuel atomization— the smaller the fuel particle, the better the combustion—for a more consistent and complete burn.

The result is better fuel efficiency and smoother, smokefree performance from a two-stroke that still delivers blistering acceleration, incredible throttle response and a superb power-to-weight ratio. And though OptiMax Boaters have long been drawn to two-strokes for their consistently leads every DI category—including power, raw strength, but traditionally they had lower fuel economy fuel efficiency, reliability and versatility—it remains the and poorer running qualities than four-strokes. OptiMax best value on the water. For performance, power, reliakept the two-stroke advantages while answering the bility and value, nothing can compare to the OptiMax. four-stroke challenge. The OptiMax Fastest, most proven, designed to fly... difference begins with a simple focus: air. the most preferred two-stroke on the planet.

A burst of pressurized air shoots the

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OptiMax ProXS

OptiMax

Born with Racing in its Blood Tournament com-

Unsinkable Value For the value-conscious boater

petitors know that their spot on the leaderboard depends on getting to hot spots as quickly as possible. And no outboard has won more tournaments than the Mercury ProXS outboard. Inspired by the legacy of Mercury Racing®, the OptiMax ProXS engine was developed to be faster, stronger and flat-out better than the rest.

And with thousands of weekend and competitive anglers depending on the OptiMax ProXS, you can feel confident that nothing else compares to its power and reliability.

who’s still looking to amp up his outboard performance, nothing compares to the power, fuel efficiency and reliability of OptiMax. OptiMax outboards run faster, cruise farther and cost less to operate than competing models. With its unique two-stage fuel injection system, OptiMax achieves remarkable mpg and top speed in a trustworthy package that has consistently earned the praise from thousands of satisfied anglers fishing in the roughest real-world conditions. There is nothing theoretical about the OptiMax advantage. It has proven its reliability and value for more than a decade.

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The Fastest, Most Proven There’s a reason thousands of bass anglers from both the FLW and B.A.S.S. tours prefer OptiMax Pro XS outboards: Test after test has shown that it is simply the best. In a head-tohead speed trial, a 250 hp OptiMax ProXS ran faster and got on plane quicker than an Evinrude 250 hp E-TEC HO. When it comes to serious tournament bass fishing, half the battle is beating the competition to the hot spots—not to mention having the confidence to stay out as long as possible before racing back for weigh-in. For speed and acceleration like that, there’s simply no other engine that can match the OptiMax ProXS. 4

Mercury 250 hp ProXS

Yamaha 250 hp SHO

First to the Fish In head-to-head tests, a Mercury 250 hp ProXS consistently outruns a Yamaha 250 hp SHO at top speed. This means you’ll get to the fish first, where more casts can make all the difference.

A Mercury 250 hp ProXS has up to 14% better fuel economy than a 250 hp Yamaha SHO.

Designed to Fly The jaw-dropping speed of the OptiMax ProXS outboard begins with its two-stage direct injection system, which makes it the quickest, most responsive DI engine in existence. High performance carbon fiber reeds control the airflow into the engine crankcase for improved response and performance. And a higher wide-open-throttle rpmmeans that blistering acceleration carries all the way through to a startling top speed. It won’t be just your jaw that drops.

Confidence that Never Runs Out Just as important as beating the rest of the pack to the prized fishing hole is being able to run farther and stay out longer without worrying about your fuel level. The DI system of OptiMax ProXS boasts the industry’s most complete fuel-and-air atomization, with exclusive domeshaped pistons that more efficiently direct the fuel-air charge to the spark plug. The result: When a competitor sits at the fuel dock refilling, you’re still on the water with miles left in the tank of your OptiMax ProXS. Sources for research and claims on page 16.

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TOP DOG

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The engine choice for the pros—and the tournaments they fish in

Hail to the Victor No other outboard can claim as many victories in professional bass fishing tournaments as the OptiMax ProXS outboard. Inspired by Mercury Racing’s® legacy of developing the highest performing outboard product available, it’s earned its reputation as the most reliable and highest performing direct injection (DI) outboard for the professional fishing circuit. Additionally, the ProXS family of outboards is available with the rock-solid Torque Master gearcase, designed to deliver optimal handling and maneuverability at high speeds.

Tournament Tested, Tournament Approved Thousands of bass pros turn to OptiMax ProXS to get the job done, and both the FLW and B.A.S.S. tournament series have made it the official engine sponsor of their circuits. It’s a testament to Mercury’s standing as the #1 most-trusted name on the water as much as it is a rousing endorsement of OptiMax, the best-selling outboard on the planet. The tournament pros put their trust in OptiMax ProXS, and the tournaments they fish in proudly put their names alongside it. What more needs to be said?

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EXPERTISE

Designed by the industry's ďŹ nest engineers, Mercury gearcases help maximize OptiMax performance

Geared Up The OptiMax ProXS outboard certainly delivers incredible power and acceleration, but the story doesn’t end there. Look beneath the water to see more of why the ProXS is the preferred outboard of thousands of anglers. No other marine company has more expertise with gearcase design and hydrodynamics than Mercury Marine. And Mercury uses this knowledge to design gearcases that improve the performance and reliability of your Mercury outboard.

The Mercury gearcase advantage includes: Reduced drag Less drag means better boat performance.

Patented dual water intakes This Mercury innovation incorporates strut pick-ups and front-mounted intakes to ensure a steady supply of cooling water with any engine angle regardless of the engine’s mounting height.

Flat design The pointed gearcases of competitors can often snag weeds, which restrict the intake of critical cooling water. The flat design of Mercury gearcases eliminates this issue.

Mercury’s OptiMax ProXS outboard produces more torque than comparable engines from other manufacturers, throughout the power curve.

Torque Master Gearcase Serious anglers who power their bass boats with OptiMax ProXS outboards will appreciate the unique design of the Torque Master gearcase, built specifically for boats with heavier loads and top speeds between 75 and 85 mph. A larger 1.25” propshaft adds durability when running at elevated engine heights, with patented front-water pickups ensuring optimal cooling no matter your engine height. A cambered skeg improves handling and drivability, meaning you are delivering power through one of the most hydrodynamically efficient lower units available.

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OptiMax Value — Save and Go Proven value. That’s what OptiMax outboards deliver, and what they’ve been delivering for more than a decade. Why? Because OptiMax’s direct injection technology offers clear advantages, repeatedly leading every DI category, including power, fuel efficiency, reliability and versatility— but OptiMax makes perhaps its most significant impact on your wallet.

For starters, OptiMax is the featured outboard offered by hundreds of boat builders as a means to keep boat packages affordable, while delivering the performance boaters demand. Then there are the gains at the pump: Over five years you can save up to $2,710 in fuel costs running a Mercury 200 hp OptiMax instead of a competitor’s DI two-stroke. The 200 hp OptiMax also gets 32 percent better mpg and 49 more miles of range at cruise than its Evinrude counterpart.

The OptiMax Advantage The difference is the proven direct injected system, which boasts the industry’s most efficient fuel-and-air atomization. Unique pistons help redirect the fuelair charge to the spark plug, and the OptiMax air compressor delivers a precise charge of air for maximum combustion efficiency. Every drop of fuel is burned more consistently and completely, allowing you to get the most out of every gallon. And regardless of conditions, your SmartCraft power control module manages the engine to ensure efficiency and peak performance.

Lean and Mean These days, the business mantra is “do more with less.” OptiMax has been accomplishing this since the beginning. The Mercury 225 hp OptiMax is the lightest two-stroke in its class. That’s the “less.” The “more” is significant: Beyond best-in-class fuel efficiency, Mercury OptiMax outboards boast outstanding power-to-weight ratios and acceleration. A compact 60-degree V6 engine block provides the burst without the bulk, allowing OptiMax to strike a sophisticated balance of power and weight while delivering optimal performance.

497LB

518LB

The Mercury 225 hp OptiMax is 21 pounds lighter than the Evinrude 225 hp E-TEC and a whopping 65 pounds lighter than a Yamaha 225 hp offshore four-stroke.

Pays You Back Some engines spend as much time in the shop as they do strapped to a boat.

Not OptiMax. A major part of its value comes from its rugged durability. Built with saltwater-tough, stainless steel components, OptiMax is the industry leader in corrosion resistance, adding value by saving you time and money that you might otherwise spend on repairs.

Sources for research and claims on page 16.

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RELIABILITY

Can more than a decade of satisďŹ ed customers be wrong?

Proven, Time and Again

OptiMax outboards have earned the trust of more customers than any other DI outboard because of the painstaking attention Mercury engineers pay to every minute detail.

Of all Mercury’s countless marine innovations, the OptiMax outboard, year after year, has stood out as its most proven engine technology. Since it was first introduced more than a decade ago, OptiMax has reeled in numerous leading awards for customer satisfaction. OptiMax has earned recognition as the two-stroke industry leader thanks in large part to its lower-pressure DI system and reliable stainless steel components that lend to its superior longevity and durability. It’s no wonder OptiMax is consistently the best-selling DI outboard on the market.

Maximum Performance With optional SmartCraft® integrated marine technology, the advantage of running an OptiMax engine hits new levels. SmartCraft® integrates your boat and engine functions into an intuitive management system. Features such as Engine Guardian, a proactive operator-warning and engine-protection system that alerts you to unusual activity, help you achieve optimal performance from your engine and provide peace of mind while you’re out on the water.

Sum of the Parts OptiMax has earned the trust of more customers than any other DI outboard because of the painstaking attention Mercury engineers pay to every minute detail.

From the slim, smooth-running, compact V6 block, to the efficient piston design, every component of an OptiMax maximizes the performance of the whole. The 60amp, 756-watt automotive-style alternator controls electrical output to easily power all your boat’s electronics. Mercury-designed gearcases showcase the best in modern hydrodynamics and are built to deliver precise control and handling. From prop to piston, there’s not a better-made DI engine out there than OptiMax.

Walking the Talk Listing the benefits of an OptiMax engine is not just lip service: Mercury backs every OptiMax with a three-year limited factory-backed, nondeclining warranty, along with the industry’s only three-year limited corrosion failure warranty (excluding Mercury Racing® Outboards). The best DI outboard on the market deserves a warranty to match.

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OptiMax Standard Features Horsepower

250 Pro XS

225 Pro XS

200 Pro XS

175 Pro XS

150 Pro XS

115 Pro XS

250

Full Throttle RPM Range 5500–6000

5500–6000

5500–6000

5250-5750

5250-5750

5000-5750

5500–6000

Engine Type

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

In-line 3

V6 (60º vee)

Displacement

185 cu in (3032 cc)

185 cu in (3032 cc)

185 cu in (3032 cc)

153 cu in (2507 cc)

153 cu in (2507 cc)

92.9 cu in (1526 cc)

185 cu in (3032 cc)

Induction System

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

Ignition

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

Starting

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Gear Ratio

1.75: 1

1.75: 1

1.75: 1

1.87: 1

1.87: 1

2.07: 1

1.75: 1

Alternator Output

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

Trim System

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Dry Weight*

505 lb (229 kg)

505 lb (229 kg)

505 lb (229 kg)

431 lb (195 kg)

431 lb (195 kg)

375 lb (170 kg)

505 lb (229 kg)

Steering

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Shaft Length

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm);

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm)CR; 30" (762mm)CR

25" (635mm)CR; 30" (762mm)CR

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

*Dry weight specification is for lightest-version model. Comparative weights refer to base engine without oil, propeller or integral steering cylinder.

CR = Counter-Rotation Model available.

Related Products Mercury does more than make industry-leading outboard engines. Offering a variety of parts and accessories designed to improve the performance, ride and efficiency of your OptiMax engine, Mercury is dedicated to elevating your boating experience to its highest potential.

Prop Pros Nobody knows propellers like Mercury does. For more than 60 years, Mercury has been designing and building the best marine engines and drives on the planet. That experience and expertise has led to proprietary technology breakthroughs such as the performance-boosting Flo Torq prop system; X7 Alloy, which is 30 percent stronger than conventional stainless steel; and the Performance Vent System, which allows you to adjust vent

plugs based on load and environment for optimum acceleration. All three of these innovations (among others) are found on Mercury’s state-ofthe-art Fury tournament bass propeller. The Fury, Mercury’s most sophisticated bass prop, measurably improves bass boat acceleration and top speed—to the tune of 12 percent faster holeshot and a top-speed boost of 1.4 mph. The Fury is an ideal match for 200 hp outboards and up.

Visit www.mercurymarine.com for more information, or to purchase these items, go to www.mercurypartsexpress.com or visit your local Mercury dealer.

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225

200

150

135

125

115

90

75

5000–5750

5000–5750

5250–5750

5250–5750

5000-5750

5000–5750

5000–5750

5000–5750

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

V6 (60º vee)

In-line 3

In-line 3

In-line 3

In-line 3

185 cu in (3032 cc)

185 cu in (3032 cc)

153 cu in (2507 cc)

153 cu in (2507 cc)

93 cu in (1526 cc)

92.96 cu in (1526 cc)

92.96 cu in (1526 cc)

92.96 cu in (1526 cc)

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

2-stage direct fuel injected

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

PCM Digital Inductive

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

Electric (turn-key)

1.75: 1

1.75: 1

1.87: 1

2.00: 1

2.07: 1

2.07: 1

2.33: 1

2.33: 1

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

60 amp (756 watts)

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

Power trim

497 lb (225 kg)

497 lb (225 kg)

431 lb (195 kg)

431 lb (195 kg)

375 lb (170 kg)

375 lb (170 kg)

375 lb (170 kg)

375 lb (170 kg)

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

Remote or Big Tiller kit

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm) CR; 30" (762mm)CR

20" (508mm) 25" (635mm)CR

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)CR

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm); 25" (635mm)

20" (508mm);

Mercury OptiMax Outboard Oil When it comes to taking care of your OptiMax outboard, look no further than Mercury OptiMax Outboard Oil—the recommended oil from the people who designed and built your OptiMax outboard.

The specially formatted DFI oil is designed to provide maximum protection across a wide range of operating

Mercury Fuel Care System Mercury’s specially formulated 1-2-3 fuel care system is designed to keep your engine humming smoothly and optimize performance, whether you use ethanol-blended or non-ethanol-blended fuel.

Step one, Quickare fuel treatment, maximizes performance by controlling moisture, corrosion and buildup (and phase separation with ethanolblended fuel). Quickare cleans up existing deposits and keeps fuel fresh between fill-ups.

Step two is Quickleen engine and fuel system

conditions such as long periods of running at wideopen throttle, or extended time at idle. It also offers outstanding protection against carbon build-up, which helps your OptiMax deliver the top speed and acceleration you count on. Mercury OptiMax oil is a must-have for boaters who want to ensure the performance and life of their engine.

cleaner, which aggressively removes carbon deposits from carburetors and injectors, intake valves, spark plugs, piston crowns and cylinder heads. It extends spark plug life and prevents engine knocking and piston seize-up. The final step, Quickstor fuel stabilizer, prevents fuel breakdown and oxidation, combats corrosion and the formation of gum and varnish in your system, keeps injectors and carburetors lubricated and stabilizes fuel for up to a year.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT MERCURY POWER, including its full lineup of engines, propellers, parts and accessories, visit the ultimate resource for Mercury outboards at www.mercurymarine.com. You’ll also find special promotions, Mercury news, service and support information, side-by-side comparison charts, photos, videos and much more to help you achieve maximum engine performance and an unbeatable driving experience on the water.

MERCURY MERCRUISER

MERCURY OPTIMAX 135 HP to 430 HP

M E R C U R Y

75 HP to 250 HP

M A R I N E M E R C U R Y

M A R I N E

135 hp - 430 hp

150 hp - 350 hp

2.5 hp - 30 hp

40 hp - 115 hp

75 hp - 250 hp

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90-8M0054841

90-8M0054842

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DIVE IN AT WWW.MERCURYMARINE.COM

Sources (ProXS 250 hp tests): Mercury Marine Engineering Dept.—May 2008. Test conducted on 21' bass boat using a Mercury OptiMax 250 hp ProXS and an Evinrude 250 hp E-TEC HO. Assumptions: Engines are run 100 hours per year over five years; price of gas is US $4.00 per gallon/ US $1.06 per liter.

(200 hp tests): Tests conducted by Bass & Walleye Boats magazine—December 2005. Test conducted on a 20’ bass boat using a Mercury OptiMax 200 hp, an Evinrude 200 hp E-TEC HO and Yamaha 200 hp HPDI® VMAX®. Assumptions: Engines are run 100 hours per year over five years; price of gas is US $4.00 per gallon/ US $1.06 per liter.

Bass & Walleye Boats is a registered trademark of Ehlert Publishing Group Inc. E-TEC is a registered trademark of BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. Evinrude is a registered trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products Inc. VMAX and SHO are registered trademarks of Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha. Yamaha is a registered trademark of the Yamaha Corporation.

FLW Outdoors is a registered trademark of Operation Bass, Inc. B.A.S.S. is a registered trademark of B.A.S.S., LLC. All other trademarks belong to the Brunswick Corporation.

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