I have had multiple negative experiences with both of my year 2001 225 optimax engines. In 2001 both engines were stuck in break in mode, mercury never notified me that they had engine sofware issues and both engines burned 3x's the normal oil cunsumption. I ran out of oil 105 miles offshore after using 10 gallons.

In year 2002 engines built up pressure in the oil lines and oil tanks exploded into bilge. 2003 constant idle, stalling and shifting issues when docking. In 2004 on an offshore fishing trip, lower unit gearcase cracked and exploded off the midsection. In 2006 water would leak into engine through cowl stalling out engine. In 2007 Both thermostats failed and "smart guages" would sould alarms with high engine temps. The list keeps going.