switch to OptiMax or carburetor engine in my 240EFI

[sweden]

Hello
tok out my engine out of the boat and took it to a mechanic and it turned out that it probably can not be reconditioned.
but the mechanic had two other options.
1 convert a OptiMax 200hp
2 convert a 2.liter 200hp carburetor engine

so I was wondering if anyone has changed engine to the carburetor engine and how big a difference there is in driving compared to 240hp EFI?
I would choose a 200hp OptiMax would not be very big difference in preformens for it is a better engine than 240efi (according mechanic)?
but is big differs in price.
OptiMax 5800usd
carburetor 2950usd

it is worth double the price for an OptiMax?

grateful for all the advice I can get

 

[Sportster-2001-951C-Stock]

I like the carburetor engine, for price and simplicity. But, can you live with 200hp, that's my question? I guess this boat is fairly small, so it will probably be okay, depending on if you will ski and pull heavy loads, then power might be an issue.

What about impeller selection, does the smaller engine require a lighter wheel? I don't know, never experienced someone changing the engine type for sportjet.

 

[Dr Honda]

To answer the question above... The 200 and up used the same impeller. The 175 got a 3 blade with the same pitch.


I don't know how bad your 240 is... but they are almost always rebuildable. I had a beat crank busted rod, blown out cyl liner, meted piston, and a big hole in the side of the block... and I got it all back together and running for around $2,000 USD. So, personally... I don't think I would take either of your mechanic's recommendations.

Also... the only sportjet engine that Mercury still builds is the 200 Opti. So, the carb engine is going to be used.

Even though, they are both "200" engines... the Opti makes more torque, and in turn, it will feel more powerful. And... since it's going to be a new engine... it will give you a lot of years of trouble free service. AND... it's fully "Smartcraft" compatible.

With that said... Carbs are easyer to work on... but the opti has more going for it.

 

[sweden]

hey not easy to find parts for these boats in this cold country, but I have now found a 1997 250hp outbord engine that I'm looking to mount in the boat. will make a new shaft between the engine and the jet .
but wonder if it is the same bolt pattern on the 240 2.5L to 3.0L 250?

 

[Dr Honda]

The 3.0L engines have a different pump unit than the 2.5L engines. I do not believe that it will bolt to the other pump.