Boating fans may enjoy the Mercury OptiMax 115. The Mercury OptiMax 115 is a V-6 boat engine that can predictably go 115 mph, according to BoatTest.com. The engine was the first V-6 direct-injected 115-horse power engine on the market, said Mercury Marine spokesman Tony Esposito in a 1995 article for BoatingMag.com. The OptiMax 115 is compatible with SmartCraft systems, Engine Guardian, and Total Vessel Intelligence, and has an inline-3 engine type, according to the Mercury brochure.
OptiMax Key Features
The OptiMax 115 is controlled by a Motorola Propulsion Control Module with smart features that BoatTest.com says makes boating more enjoyable. The engine has an OptiMax DI system for fuel efficiency. The engine is made with plenty of stainless steel for decreased corrosion.
OptiMax Basic Specs
The Mercury OptiMax 115 weights 375 lbs dry. It has a gear ratio of 2.07:1. The displacement is 92.96/1526 and the max RPM range is between 5,000 and 5,750 rpm. It has a two-stage direct fuel injection. The injector works by expelling a plume of air and fuel droplets that are approximately 10 microns in diameter into each of the cylinders, according to BoatingMag.com. You should use minimum 87 octane fuel with the OptiMax 115, recommends BoatTest.com. The CARB rating is a three-star. You get an alternator output of 60 amps, 44 of which work at 1,000 rpm. The shaft length is 20”/25”. The dry weight of the 115 Mercury engine is 375 lbs.
ECM-Controlled Oil Pump
The Mercury 115 has an ECM-controlled oil pump, which allows the engine to run with very little smoke and use about half the oil, according to BoatingMag.com. The ECM has an erasable memory system so that when the key is off the pump doesn't drain power from the batteries. The ECM oil pump is also unique because it lubricates the rods directly. The oil ratios change because of the electronic controls, meaning that while you are cruising at top speeds it may be 44:1, but then when idling it'll only operate at 400:1. According to BoatingMag.com, the ECM is also responsible for better performance.
OptiMax Price
The Mercury OptiMax 115-hp V-6 engine is a lightweight, compact engine, but don't expect it to be cheap just because it's small. Expect to pay upwards of $9,000 for a newer model.
Sources
- "Mercury Optimax 115" published on BoatTest.com, accessed May 15, 2011.
- Becker, Brett. "Mercury/115-hp Optimax V-6" published on BoatingMag.com, accessed May 15, 2011
- "Mercury 115 Hp Optimax" published on OutboardEngine.com, accessed May 15, 2011.
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