Mercury Optimax 150 Saltwater

Within the first 6 months, both engines blew powerheads. Factory replaced them virtually overnight. Had to wait about 2 weeks each time for the dealer to do the work though. Right in the middle of the season.
They are quiet, for 2 strokes, peppy, miserly on oil, no smoke, and have held up well for 4 years. Had to replace alternators on both, and had a tilt motor go out. Other than that, good service out of them.
Will go 4 stroke with the next set though.

Magic Tilt aluminum, dual axle, surge brakes. Good trailer, although the bunk carpet has worn considerably. The cap on the master cylinder is made from a cheap plastic that "adheres" itself to the inner threads. Removing the cap results in tearing it up, and it takes forever to get a replacement. Magic Tilt will not ship them direct to me.

Yes, trailer it to the lake, gulf and atlantic. This is a heavy boat. A 1/2 ton truck with heavy duty tow package is adequate. I tow with a Suburban 1500. Does a fine job, but you do know it's back there. A 3/4 ton truck would do much better.

2

If the chop is tight enough that I can get on the tops, I can run at a good speed without too much pounding. It handles rough water very nicely --- and very wet. Running head into 5 to 6 footers with steep sides will give you a dousing. It does have a tendency to come off a bit with a following sea, but not too bad.

It's a good all around boat. Relatively shallow draft - 16", engines up. So I can fish the flats. It handles great offshore, not too rolly on a drift and it's even better trolling.

This is a center console with a head in the console. Not a lot of storage down there as a result. Everything else for storage, under forward seats, large forward locker are good for anchor ball, fenders, extra anchor, etc. But not for dry gear. Large transom live well -- very good. Plenty of rod storage under gunwales, on t-top and extra rod holders on gunwale. Replaced the captain's chairs with leaning post -- good decision - also got more rod storage with rocket launcher in post. Plenty of room for electronics on console and in electronics box under t-top. Rear folding seat at transom, and substantial Armstrong boarding ladder.

The usual "production boat" hiccups. After 9 years, a few spider cracks in gel coat, a couple of dings, some rub rail dings. But everything else that counts, transom, hull sides, hardware, etc. is still solid as a rock.

I like the fact that it's big enough to feel comfortable offshore, and still can fish the shallows. It is very stable at rest. For the money (at the time) it was the most boat I could get for my budget. And it's a great combo boat, I can fish in it, momma can get comfortable up front on the cushions, and I can pull the kids tubing or skiing on the lake.

The wiring harness was a nightmare. That's a production issue, and not a hull design issue though. With the extended "European" transom, it's really about a 22 or 23' boat from a interior space standpoint. Waterline length and usable length are two different things.

No

Yes, provided the construction and quality are still there. I've actually been offered more than I paid for it -- on a trade in on a bigger boat. So they seem to be holding their value somewhat.

Around $30k with all the electronics, trailer, and upgrades.

For a new boat, there really wasn't another boat that appealled to me for the same money. If a used boat, then a 26 Regulator (gotta find a deal though) or maybe a SeaVee used.

Get to know the dealer VERY well. Make sure they can deliver on service, etc.