need info/opinions re mercury motors and bluefin boats

[e-sea-e]

Ok, sorry to do this again but I am now looking at 1998 bluefin 2200 pro sport with a 200 HP mercury offshore motor. any got an opinion? Ive heard alot of horror stories, the "black anchor" bit, and one of the boat dealers in salem stopped selling sea pro boats when sea pro started outfitting them with mercs due their, shall we say, unfavorable opinion of the motor.

The motor has (allegedly) been well maintianed and cared for and has aporx. 350 hrs.

also wondering if anyone has any info about bluefin boats particularly the 2200 pro sport. I love the layout but Ive never driven one or been on one on the water.

so, what do you all think? yeah or nay?

Thanks!

[bass1]

I love the ride of the 2200 because of the stepped hull and bracket. Comparing it to the ride of a Key West 225, Proline 2300, or other comparable 22 CC's I have driven it is like night and day. The bluefin is a softer ride, handles turns better, and gets on plane quicker. The lay out is pretty nice with a cutting board and livewell on the transom. Since the deck/sole is pretty deep on the boat the gunwales feel much higher as well. One negative that this creates, I have "heard", that bluefins are more susceptible to sinking due to the low deck.

IMHO It rides like a bigger boat.

[Go Fish]

Bluefin = GOOD

Nice boat for the (new) price and the ride is great. I'm not a big fan of 2 piece hulls. 3 piece tends to be stronger for the long haul and it gives you somewhere to put your toes when you're leaning against the bolsters.

Mercury = BAD.....

But only because I am biased. A well cared for low tech Merc will most likely treat you fine....but me and Dale are going to make fun of you...

[capemike88]

Check the mounting brackets and make sure there not rusted, I guess thats a trend with older Mercs.

Mike

[Brad G.]

I have a 2003 Merc 200 hp 2 stroke. It is not the most techie engine out there, but it is a proven workhorse and has been great for me. Its light, fast, plenty of power, and has been reliable. Fuel consumption is not the best, but it wasn't the most expensive engine either. Everyone has an opinion on engines. My theory is to stick with the the company does the best. And Merc makes a good solid V6 2 stroke for years. I would be bit hesitant to go for their new Verado at this point, but I am comfortable reccomending the 2 strokes.

My two cents

[SageBoy]

Can't speak for the boat but I can for Merc's. I had a 2001 125 Salty that I ran for 4 years without any issues. I now run an 05 Verado which I have never had any issues.

Everyone is going to have there favorites based on there own experience. The fact is they all have there share of problems regardless of who the manufacturer is. Go with your gut feeling.

[e-sea-e]

thanks guys. I am biased towrds suzuki and yamaha. 2 motors, 1500 hrs, no repairs. I just cant find a boat i want to buy that has on of them on the back.

[Slamdance]

It's important to remember that Dale (ReelRascals) and Kevin (GoFish) have matching Johnson/Evenrude tattoos strategically placed on their bodies and that they sleep under JohnnyRude bed sheets at night. I heard a rumor Dale tried to change his name to Dunk, and Kevin his name to Seahorse, but the judge wouldn't let it fly.

FWIW, I have a 1996 Mercury 2-stroke on the Maritime Skiff that has never needed anything other than preventative maintenance parts. A good friend owns a 1998 225 Offshore which has performed well for him over the years. It's thirsty and lights-up with a blue cloud, but it gets him there and back all time.

[striperman13]

I have a 2001 Merc 150HP saltwater carb job (same 6 cyl block as the 200 I think) on the back of my 22' CC. I don't have an hour meter but I would conservatively say 500 hrs. over six long seasons in the salt without a burp. Change the plugs, lower unit oil, fuel separator, zincs, hit the grease fittings once or twice a year. May do an impellar this year. Very little rust on the few steel parts (a few bolt heads and the base of the tilt/trim pump starting to show some corrosion. No corosion on any of the aluminum, still shines like new. This motor has not let me down yet, some tuna trips we have done almost 100 miles.

[Go Fish]

they sleep under JohnnyRude bed sheets at night.

Maybe Dale, but my wife got sick of them. I still have my 1960 V-75 Super Seahorse commerative eddition blankie to sleep with ;)

When talking about the sturdy old two-strokes it boils down to a Chevy vs Ford argument...They are both good except one is black --123-3

[e-sea-e]

steve, I am also checking out another boat this weekend that has a 1999 225 HP merc on it. thanks for the info.

[pelkins]

FWIW,
I have a 94 Merc Black Max 2.5L (offshore)200 hp on my boat. It has a little over 1200 hours on it. Came with a boat I bought @ 5 years ago. This engine has never failed to start or run for me. When I bought the boat I was not sure I would keep the engine, but decided to drive it till it dies. Well guess what, I cant kill this thing! The harder I run it the better it runs. Compression is still excellent. I did replace trim pump and starter, but they were the originals.
The only thing I dont like about it is that it is thirsty for gas and oil.

I was not a big Merc fan before I owned this engine, but my next engine will be a Merc without question. I think all mfg's put out great products now, but Merc has earned my business.