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I have the recore scheduled for December and will post pics on progress using that thread.
I found a 225 Optimax w/ new head. I am currently running a 175 Merc.
There is about a 150 lb weight difference and of course the horsepower
Do I need to reinforce the transom for this? Currently, I have only very minor stress cracks at the corners.

Thanks,
Jeff

I would do the transom just for a piece of mind if there is any kind of cracks. If your going to be doing the core it is nothing to do the transom at the same time. Just my .02 cents.

That way way you could go a little thicker if you wanted for little more strength and then tie some knees into everything all it once then hang a 300 off it with zero worries.

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Thanks, I'm not sure about the added cost...but I really don't want to go through this again.
I was even looking at an 52' sailboat that incorporated stainless steel mesh...hmm?
Anyway, thanks for your 2 cents...exactly what I'm looking for.
As far as a 300, that would earn me a definite "dope slap" from the wife

What year is the opti? The early years weren't the most reliable. Add some transosom knees and you should be fine.

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Jeff I own a 88 Valero that was owned previosly by afriend of 77Viper its has a225 mariner and your talking about some serious ponies it has knee braces and glassed over splash well .Im not the local genious but I would think Hippie and Viper are steering you in right derection. And if your doing core its the right time to do transom. Might seem like alot more work but you well be happier in the long run knowing your motor is going to stay put and not at bottum of river . Plus as fast as it well be you"ll be wanting good solid mounting .Especialy if adding jack plate .Just keep asking ? and the guys well steer you the right way .

If it is'nt an 05 or newer opti forget it. That's a lot of weight on the back of a valero, i'd stick the money in the 175 for performance upgrades.

It's a 2003 Opti...the current '87 175 is running great. Did notice a huge difference when I used ethanol laced gas though...try to avoid that now.
Well, I am going to reinforce the transom and skip the 225 for now...money well spent while torn apart. Appears I'll have this boat for a long time.
Thanks for all the feedback and knowledge, that is why I come here. There is a 2003 225 Optimax for sale if anyone is interested 3k sounded like a great deal to me. Do not have any connection to seller.
http://toledo.craigslist.org/boa/2058636409.html

1$ is'nt a deal for a 03 opti that was put together out of several motors.