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

MERCURYOPTIMAX75 HP to 250 HP

2

Changing the Two-Stroke GameHow do you compare something that is incomparable?More than a decade ago, Mercury introduced the directinjected OptiMax engine, and the game was changed—old comparisons suddenly meant nothing. Blending thebrawn of a two-stroke with the efficiencies of a four-stroke, OptiMax has since become the most preferredtwo-stroke direct-injected outboard on the planet.

Boaters have long been drawn to two-strokes for theirraw strength, but traditionally they had lower fuel economyand poorer running qualities than four-strokes. OptiMaxkept the two-stroke advantages while answering thefour-stroke challenge. The OptiMaxdifference begins with a simple focus: air.A burst of pressurized air shoots the

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

The result is better fuel efficiency and smoother, smoke-free performance from a two-stroke that still deliversblistering acceleration, incredible throttle response and asuperb power-to-weight ratio. And though OptiMaxconsistently leads every DI category—including power,fuel efficiency, reliability and versatility—it remains thebest value on the water. For performance, power, relia-bility and value, nothing can compare to the OptiMax.

Fastest, most proven, designed to fly...the most preferred two-stroke on the planet.

3

OptiMax

Unsinkable Value For the value-conscious boaterwho’s still looking to amp up his outboard performance,nothing compares to the power, fuel efficiency andreliability of OptiMax. OptiMax outboards run faster,cruise farther and cost less to operate than competingmodels. With its unique two-stage fuel injection system,OptiMax achieves remarkable mpg and top speed in atrustworthy package that has consistently earned thepraise from thousands of satisfied anglers fishing in theroughest real-world conditions. There is nothing theo-retical about the OptiMax advantage. It has proven itsreliability and value for more than a decade.

OptiMax ProXS

Born with Racing in its Blood Tournament com-petitors know that their spot on the leaderboard dependson getting to hot spots as quickly as possible. And nooutboard has won more tournaments than the MercuryProXS outboard. Inspired by the legacy of MercuryRacing®, the OptiMax ProXS engine was developedto be faster, stronger and flat-out better than the rest.And with thousands of weekend and competitive anglersdepending on the OptiMax ProXS, you can feel confi-dent that nothing else compares to its power and reliability.

4

The Fastest, Most ProvenThere’s a reason thousands of bass anglers from both the FLWand B.A.S.S. tours prefer OptiMax Pro XS outboards: Testafter test has shown that it is simply the best. In a head-to-head speed trial, a 250 hp OptiMax ProXS ran faster and goton plane quicker than an Evinrude 250 hp E-TEC HO. Whenit comes to serious tournament bass fishing, half the battle isbeating the competition to the hot spots—not to mention hav-ing the confidence to stay out as long as possible before racingback for weigh-in. For speed and acceleration like that, there’ssimply no other engine that can match the OptiMax ProXS.

5

Sources for research and claims on page 16.

First to the FishIn head-to-head tests, a Mercury 250 hp ProXSconsistently outruns a Yamaha 250 hp SHO at topspeed. This means you’ll get to the fish first, where

more casts can make all the difference.

Designed to FlyThe jaw-dropping speed of the OptiMax ProXS outboardbegins with its two-stage direct injection system, whichmakes it the quickest, most responsive DI engine in exis-tence. High performance carbon fiber reeds control theairflow into the engine crankcase for improved responseand performance. And a higher wide-open-throttle rpm-means that blistering acceleration carries all the waythrough to a startling top speed. It won’t be just your jawthat drops.

Confidence that Never Runs OutJust as important as beating the rest of the pack to theprized fishing hole is being able to run farther and stay outlonger without worrying about your fuel level. The DI sys-tem of OptiMax ProXS boasts the industry’s mostcomplete fuel-and-air atomization, with exclusive dome-shaped pistons that more efficiently direct the fuel-aircharge to the spark plug. The result: When a competitorsits at the fuel dock refilling, you’re still on the water withmiles left in the tank of your OptiMax ProXS.

A Mercury 250 hp ProXS has up to14% better fuel economy than

a 250 hp Yamaha SHO.

Mercury250 hp ProXS

Yamaha250 hp SHO

6

The engine choice for the pros—andthe tournaments they fish inTOPDOG

7

Hail to the VictorNo other outboard can claim as many victories in professionalbass fishing tournaments as the OptiMax ProXS outboard. In-spired by Mercury Racing’s® legacy of developing the highestperforming outboard product available, it’s earned its reputa-tion 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-solidTorque Master gearcase, designed to deliver optimal handlingand maneuverability at high speeds.

Tournament Tested,Tournament ApprovedThousands of bass pros turn to OptiMax ProXS to get the jobdone, and both the FLW and B.A.S.S. tournament series havemade it the official engine sponsor of their circuits. It’s a testa-ment to Mercury’s standing as the #1 most-trusted name onthe water as much as it is a rousing en-dorsement of OptiMax, the best-sellingoutboard on the planet. The tournamentpros put their trust in OptiMax ProXS, andthe tournaments they fish in proudly puttheir names alongside it. What more needsto be said?

Designed by the industry's finest engineers, Mercurygearcases help maximize OptiMax performanceEXPERTISE

9

Mercury’s OptiMax ProXS outboardproduces more torque than comparable

engines from other manufacturers,throughout the power curve.

Geared UpThe OptiMax ProXS outboard certainly delivers incredible powerand acceleration, but the story doesn’t end there. Look beneaththe water to see more of why the ProXS is the preferred outboardof thousands of anglers. No other marine company has more ex-pertise with gearcase design and hydrodynamics than MercuryMarine. And Mercury uses this knowledge to design gearcases thatimprove the performance and reliability of your Mercury outboard.The Mercury gearcase advantage includes:

Reduced dragLess drag means better boat performance.

Patented dual water intakesThis Mercury innovation incorporates strut pick-ups andfront-mounted intakes to ensure a steady supply of coolingwater with any engine angle regardless of the engine’smounting height.

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

TorqueMaster GearcaseSerious anglers who power their bass boats with OptiMax ProXSoutboards will appreciate the unique design of the Torque Mastergearcase, built specifically for boats with heavier loads and topspeeds between 75 and 85 mph. A larger 1.25” propshaft adds dura-bility when running at elevated engine heights, with patentedfront-water pickups ensuring optimal cooling no matter your engineheight. A cambered skeg improves handling and drivability,meaning you are delivering power through one of the most hydro-dynamically efficient lower units available.

OptiMax Value— Save and GoProven value. That’s what OptiMax outboards deliver, and what they’vebeen delivering for more than a decade.Why? BecauseOptiMax’s directinjection technology offers clear advantages, repeatedly leading everyDI 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 ofboat builders as a means to keep boat packages affordable, whiledelivering the performance boaters demand. Then there are the gainsat the pump: Over five years you can save up to $2,710 in fuel costsrunning a Mercury 200 hp OptiMax instead of a competitor’s DItwo-stroke. The 200 hp OptiMax also gets 32 percent better mpg and49 more miles of range at cruise than its Evinrude counterpart.

11

The OptiMax AdvantageThe difference is the proven direct injected system, which boasts the industry’smost efficient fuel-and-air atomization. Unique pistons help redirect the fuel-air charge to the spark plug, and theOptiMax air compressor delivers a precisecharge of air for maximum combustion efficiency. Every drop of fuel is burnedmore consistently and completely, allowing you to get the most out of everygallon. And regardless of conditions, your SmartCraft power control modulemanages the engine to ensure efficiency and peak performance.

Lean and MeanThese days, the business mantra is “do more with less.” OptiMax has beenaccomplishing this since the beginning. The Mercury 225 hp OptiMax is thelightest two-stroke in its class. That’s the “less.” The “more” is significant:Beyond best-in-class fuel efficiency, Mercury OptiMax outboards boast out-standing power-to-weight ratios and acceleration. A compact 60-degree V6engine block provides the burst without the bulk, allowing OptiMax to strike asophisticated balance of power and weight while delivering optimal performance.

Pays You BackSome 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. Builtwith saltwater-tough, stainless steel components, OptiMax is the industryleader in corrosion resistance, adding value by saving you time and moneythat you might otherwise spend on repairs.

Sources for research and claims on page 16.

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

497LB 518LB

Can more than a decade of satisfiedcustomers be wrong?RELIABILITY

13

Proven, Time and AgainOf all Mercury’s countless marine innovations, the OptiMax outboard, year afteryear, has stood out as its most proven engine technology. Since it was first intro-duced more than a decade ago, OptiMax has reeled in numerous leading awardsfor customer satisfaction. OptiMax has earned recognition as the two-stroke indus-try leader thanks in large part to its lower-pressure DI system and reliable stainlesssteel components that lend to its superior longevity and durability. It’s no wonderOptiMax is consistently the best-selling DI outboard on the market.

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

Sum of the PartsOptiMax has earned the trust of more customers than any other DI outboardbecause 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 60-amp, 756-watt automotive-style alternator controls electrical output to easily powerall your boat’s electronics. Mercury-designed gearcases showcase the best in mod-ern hydrodynamics and are built to deliver precise control and handling. From prop topiston, there’s not a better-made DI engine out there than OptiMax.

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

OptiMax outboards have earned thetrust of more customers than any

other DI outboard because of thepainstaking attention Mercuryengineers pay to every minute detail.

14

Mercury does more than make industry-leading outboard engines. Offering a variety of parts andaccessories 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. Formore than 60 years, Mercury has been designingand building the best marine engines and driveson the planet. That experience and expertise hasled to proprietary technology breakthroughs suchas the performance-boosting Flo Torq prop sys-tem; X7 Alloy, which is 30 percent stronger thanconventional stainless steel; and the PerformanceVent System, which allows you to adjust vent

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

Horsepower 250 Pro XS 225 Pro XS 200 Pro XS 175 Pro XS 150 Pro XS 115 Pro XS 250Full Throttle RPM Range 5500–6000 5500–6000 5500–6000 5500-6000 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 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage directfuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected

Ignition PCM PCM PCM PCM PCM PCM PCMDigital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive 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); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm)CR; 25" (635mm)CR;25" (635mm) 25" (635mm) 25" (635mm) 25" (635mm) 30" (762mm)CR 30" (762mm)CR

*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

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

OptiMax Standard Features

15

Mercury OptiMax Outboard Oil

When it comes to taking care of your OptiMaxoutboard, look no further than Mercury OptiMaxOutboardOil—the recommended oil from the peo-ple who designed and built yourOptiMax outboard.

The specially formattedDFI oil is designed to providemaximumprotection across a wide range of operating

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

Mercury Fuel Care System

Mercury’s specially formulated 1-2-3 fuel caresystem is designed to keep your engine hummingsmoothly and optimize performance, whether youuse ethanol-blended or non-ethanol-blended fuel.Step one, Quickare fuel treatment, maximizesperformance by controlling moisture, corrosionand buildup (and phase separation with ethanol-blended fuel). Quickare cleans up existingdeposits and keeps fuel fresh between fill-ups.Step two is Quickleen engine and fuel system

cleaner, which aggressively removes carbon depositsfrom carburetors and injectors, intake valves, sparkplugs, piston crowns and cylinder heads. It extendsspark plug life and prevents engine knocking andpiston seize-up. The final step, Quickstor fuel sta-bilizer, prevents fuel breakdown and oxidation,combats corrosion and the formation of gum andvarnish in your system, keeps injectors and carbu-retors lubricated and stabilizes fuel for up to a year.

225 200 150 135 125 115 90 755000–5750 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 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage direct 2-stage directfuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected fuel injected

PCM PCM PCM PCM PCM PCM PCM PCMDigital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive Digital Inductive 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) 20" (508mm) 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm); 20" (508mm);CR; 30" (762mm)CR 25" (635mm)CR 25" (635mm)CR 25" (635mm) 25" (635mm) 25" (635mm) 25" (635mm)

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.

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 anEvinrude 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-TECHO 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.

© 2011 MERCURY MARINE. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is prohibited. Bass & Walleye Boats is a registered trademark of Ehlert Publishing Group Inc.FLWOutdoors Logo is a registered trademark of Operation Bass, Inc. B.A.S.S. Logo is a registered trademark of B.A.S.S. (IP) LLC. Yamaha is a registered trademark of Yamaha Motor Co., Inc. SHO,VMAX and HPDI are registered trademarks of Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha. Evinrude is a registered trademark of Bombardier Recreational Products, Inc. E-TEC is a registered trademark

of BRP-Powertrain GMBH & Co. KG. All other trademarks belong to Brunswick Corporation.

90-8M0054840

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

MERCURYOPTIMAX75 HP to 250 HP

135 hp - 430 hp 150 hp - 350 hp 2.5 hp - 30 hp 40 hp - 115 hp 75 hp - 250 hp90-8M0054843 90-8M0054839 90-8M0054841 90-8M0054842 90-8M0054840