• Welcome to the Checkmate Community Forums forums.

    You are currently viewing our boards as a guest which gives you limited access to view most discussions, articles and access to our other FREE features.
    By joining our free community you will be able to:

    » Interact with over 10,000 Checkmate Fanatics from around the world!
    » Post topics and messages
    » Post and view photos
    » Communicate privately with other members
    » Access our extensive gallery of old Checkmate brochures located in our Media Gallery
    » Browse the various pictures in our Checkmate photo gallery

    Registration is fast, simple and absolutely free so please, join our community today!

    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact support by clicking here or by using the"contact us" link at the bottom of the page.

2013 Merc 115 Optimax Pro XS or 125 Optimax?

dezlpwr

dezlpwr

Member
Well, I am finalizing putting together my new 2009 Pulsare 1600 and have a dilemma on my hands. I was leaning towards a new 115 Optimax Pro XS but now I am thinking I should go with a new Optimax 125. The specs on both motors are identical. The 125 costs slightly more and gives me an extra 10hp, so why not? Originally I thought the XS was more performance oriented, but I see no indication of that on the Mercury website as far as the 115 is concerned. As far as I can tell, the Pro XS is more marketing hype with the 115. It looks like the Pro 150 may have some benefits. Any input would be greatly appreciated as I need to make a decision ASAP. I will call Mercury in the morning to get their take as well... Thanks!
 
The Pro XS motors are more powerful than their regular Opti counterparts. The reason being is that the 125 Opti is exactly that...a 125 +/- 10%. I don't think Merc goes under on any of their motors, so it's probably right there at 125hp. The Pro XS models are all of their "advertised" HP plus 10%. So you're 115 Pro XS is actually making ~126.5 HP or close to it. Either motor is a good motor and will make you happy. I was just on Merc's website as I was going to bust your chops for not going with a 125 Pro XS, but then saw they don't make one...bummer.

Does anybody out there think the 125 Opti and the 115 Pro XS are the same motor? They very well might be.
 
Sam I am said:
The Pro XS motors are more powerful than their regular Opti counterparts. The reason being is that the 125 Opti is exactly that...a 125 +/- 10%. I don't think Merc goes under on any of their motors, so it's probably right there at 125hp. The Pro XS models are all of their "advertised" HP plus 10%. So you're 115 Pro XS is actually making ~126.5 HP or close to it. Either motor is a good motor and will make you happy. I was just on Merc's website as I was going to bust your chops for not going with a 125 Pro XS, but then saw they don't make one...bummer.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the quick reply. So what I am getting at is that the 115 Pro and the 125 Optimax would basically have no noticeable performance difference? If so, then maybe the 115 would be best since it saves me $400 over the 125 Optimax... Hmmm
 
I have done a bunch of research and everything points to the 115 Pro and the 125 Optimax as identical mechanically. I am curious to see what Mercury tells me tomorrow.
 
Having a family that is a merc dealer i can tell you that the only difference between an opti and a Pro XS is that the Pro has been verified to be at the top of its ratings. They go down the same line and are built the same way in every way from what the merc tech has told us. The only difference is that at the end of the run the dyno check allows them to put the Pro sticker on it. So by the way it was explained to me the chance of getting the same power opti is pretty good. I think in the last 5 years we have only sold 1 Pro motor and that was because it was a prerig. And i dont think that we have ever had a dis satisfied customer with an opti!

With that said they are the same motor so for the $400 difference id go with the 115 and when warranty is up or before spend that money with Simon and have prolly closer to 150!! :cheers:
 
What do you mean "at the top of its ratings"? 115hp and not less, or more than 115hp? Does that mean that a 125 may not be 125hp? I know I am splitting hairs with all of this...
 
Most merc's are rated at the sticker hp at x rpm and that is usually below red line. As Sam stated there is usually a 10% margin in the rating and i dont think that merc will allow anything under to ship. The Pro motors are an almost guarantee (merc prolly wont use that wording) that they will make at least 10% more power than advertised at somewhere between x and red line. the strait opti there is just a pretty good chance that they will make 10% more but they could only make the rated or 2% more.

This could be off but that is they way i understood it.
 
Thanks for the input guys... I think I will go with the 115 Pro XS. I spoke with Merc and the 115 has carbon fiber reeds and a hotter tune as well as hotter injectors according to the rep. I was under the impression that only the 150hp and above had these performance upgrades and specifically asked this and was told that no, the whole Pro XS line had these upgrades.
 
They are probably the same motor.....the Pro XS will more than likely be producing up to 10% more than the decal rating.....go with the one with the best graphics (Pro XS) will look great on a checkmate!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top