2005 utopia with a 250 optimax ?

[Danosll]

I'm going to look at a 2005 utopia 205 with a 250 optimax. To purchase. The dealer say it needs an air compressor. My question is does the 2005 utopia come with the 250 optimax ? I've never seen one in 2005. I will have the serial numbers after I look at. The boat later this week. Seems very nice in pictures. But I will have a better idea after I see it. I just don't want to waste time if there is a complicated story . Like wrong motor or even worse. Thanks every body.
PS.I need to pay around $6000cad. With trailer.

 

[Murph_13]

The 250 Optimax was available in the 2005 Utopia...it was also available on the 2004 Utopia...sounds like a "too good to be true" price...

 

[Danosll]

I'm always skeptical.because it usually is a story.but I won't know till I see the boat. I bought an 03 Islandia with a broken reverse cable on a trailer for $7200. And my challenger with a seized pump for $1700. So for every 10 scams there is one good deal. I will report back

 

[RiverPro]

The 250 SJ wasn't one of Merc's most reliable power heads...

 

[Danosll]

Ya that's what I heard. Just I wasn't sure if it came in 2005 utopia

 

[Dr Honda]

My rule of thumb is....


If you can't give it a test drive... it's only worth scrap prices.


Sure... it may need an air pump... or a new valve section. BUT... what happens when you change that, and then find out the gear box is shot... the impeller is ripped up... the injectors are dead... it won't charge the battery..... and so on??


As above... the Opti is a good engine... but there could be a bunch wrong.

With that said... if you are doing your own labor... then it may be a good deal, but check over the other systems to get a good feel on what it ACTYALLY needs.

 

[Danosll]

Thanks for the advice Doc.and I agree with you.but unfortunately a water test won't be possible,and I won't have HIN or motor serial number until I see it it in person.but First and foremost I always check compression ( compression should be a little less then the EFI correct 140ish?right). And the impeller and housing are quite easy to verify while installed. The tach should tell me if ignition is not dead. Is there anything else major you can think of? The owner has a work order for the trouble shooting and estimate from a mercury dealer for the air compressor. I am to see it on Sunday am.thats when the owner is free. Thanks again.
.Dan

 

[Dr Honda]

The compression should be typical Merc. 135~140 psi would be a happy engine.

The tach won't tell you anything if it won't run. AND... there could be issues with upper RPM fire.

Yes... you can get a visual on the pump... but if you don't put a load on the gears... then you can't really hear them. If you get ready to put $$ down on it... I would drain the gear case oil first, and make sure there isn't any contamination in it. (water, or metal)

Like I said... assume the worst, and price it accordingly.

 

[Stevenspac705]

I bought a 2005 Utopia 205 with the 250 Optimax in excellent condition with most of the upgraded options this past spring. I paid $15,000 for it on a trailer which was, according to my research, the mid to low end pricing on NADA and also compared to others for sale around the country. We absolutely love the boat and had alot of help from the folks on this forum...thanks again!! After the first weekend on the water pulling tubes and wakeboards it would stall out intermittently. Found it to be fouled plugs, was told way too many idle hours on the motor which we took care of this summer! I was nervous it was a much bigger issue, thankfully it wasn't and the boat has been a hell of alot of fun!
My lack of buying experience and being in a hurry could have really cost me alot of money but so far we have been blessed. When I went out with the seller for a test drive, he didn't let me drive it and we were only out for about 30 minutes, 20 of those were getting from his dock, down river to the lake and back again, and never getting up to full throttle. So for what its worth, I will insist on a good 20-30 minute run on any boat I ever buy and I will drive it or no deal. Also, I am not a mechanic so I will always have a certified inspection done.
My guess is alot of you may already know and do these things when buying a used watercraft, but maybe other first time buyers may get some help from my experience!