Mercury OptiMax 150HP - Saltwater Series?

[Hdhuntr01]

I am in the process of purchasing a new 2007 Sea Pro 186DC which comes equiped with a Mercury OptiMax 150HP. The dealer states that this motor is a saltwater series however I recal from an earlier time that Mercury used a Blue Cowl Decal on their saltwater series motors. I can not find any reference to "saltwater series" on the mercurymarine.com website. How can I determine for positive if this is a saltwater series motor? Or, is there such a distiction anymore?

thanks for any input....

 

[j442w30]

Re: Mercury OptiMax 150HP - Saltwater Series?

Find the serial number on the outboard and call up Mercury Customer Service. They will be able to tell you if it is a saltwater series or not. You are correct that saltwater series used blue decals on the cowl and midsection, the originals could have peeled off and been replaced with the incorrect ones, or the dealer is lying.

 

[Hdhuntr01]

Re: Mercury OptiMax 150HP - Saltwater Series?

Much to my surprise, I spoke with the Mercury factory rep today and he stated that Mercury has not made a "Saltwater Series" motor since 2004. He states that all the stainless steel components which were in the saltwater series motors plus the corrosion protection have been incorporated into all current Mercury outboards.

If anyone knows anything to the contrary, please do not hesitate to update me...

 

[studlymandingo]

Re: Mercury OptiMax 150HP - Saltwater Series?

I was looking at some sales literature last fall while I was at a Merc dealer waiting on the guy to get my parts. I do seem to remember the brochure stating just what you said. Kind of a good thing to know.​