Newer optimax vs. 4 strokes

[jeffb]

There are a few topics on this but they do not necessarily address my question so sorry the new post.

I'm looking at getting into a whaler CC and most have merc optis on them but I'm really set on 4 strokes.... I have read various articles posts etc that claim the optis are very economical and compare to the Yami 4 strokes in most areas.

Can anyone comment on this?

I'm looking at a 26' outrage w twin 150 Opti's and economy, smoke and noise are the obvious reasons I'm looking for the 4 strokes... I would have serious regrets getting into another boat with 2 strokes if they compare to the 150 saltwater series Yami's for example.

 

[Captain PartyMarty]

I have a 2005 Optimax 135hp (V6) which I think is pretty much the 150 with a diffrent engine map. My Opti is great on fuel I average 8.0GPH doing 28 to 30 miles/per hour on a 2002 trophy pro.

In terms of Smoke, I have no issue at all I have yet to smell anything, I do however run the mercury oil and troll with a 4stroke.
Noise ya, my opti sounds terrible, it's loud enough that you can't have a normal conversation when running, and my old man wears ear protection , I have heard that newer versions may be better.

Oil consumption is another one, I adveraged about 0.15GPH for this year, I notice a definite increase when running slower in heavy seas, I am pretty sure the engine switches between 50:1 and 100:1 ratio which explains that.

I haven't had the pleasure of running a 4 stroke yet so I can't comment or make a comparison

 

[Finished Business]

smoke and noise? Go with an Etec. Both are smoke and noise non existant. The only motor at the Seattle Boat show that can be started indoors!

The new 2 strokes will change the market.

 

[mikep]

I will take my quiet, smokeless verado 4 stroke any day!! Plus you never have to fill up an oil tank.....

 

[Finished Business]

I will take my quiet, smokeless verado 4 stroke any day!! Plus you never have to fill up an oil tank.....

but I never have to do an oil change as a result....a fair trade IMO.

I'd take either if the price was right

 

[beemer]

I have owned and run commercially , opti s and evinrude etecs and Suzuki 4 stroke. I would install Suzukis hands down. I love the power and response from 2 strokes but the engine life and cost of maintenance do not compare. IMHO

beemer

 

[albernifisher]

Love my verado, have to go out back to make sure it's running. oil changes are pricey though,6 liters at allmost $20 per

 

[mikep]

albernifisher, are you using the mercury verado oil which I believe is a synthetic blend? If this is what your using try picking some up in the states as it can be had for like $8/L.

 

[Revenge]

I have a 25 revenge with a 06 250 yam 4st and burn 10.5 gal per hr at 28-30 mph . Love the motor . Has about 2500 hrs and run perfect . Boat is around 4000lbs hull weight (with out the water logged foam)lol

 

[scott craven]

Check out the camp returns ?

 

[scott craven]

The 50hp weighs 247 lbs & would push your boat about 25-30mph at wot .
The 75hp is likely too heavy at 399 lbs
Too bad there isn't a 60hp

 

[Fish Assassin]

Those are some great deals..... Two bad they are all four strokes. I have been trying to decide weather to run my yamaha motor into the ground then replace or sell now and go new. Thing is I am looking at putting an offshore bracket on my boat if I do I'd need to buy new cables anyways why not just buy a new motor. For me I think I'd buy a 2 stroke and run a four stroke kicker. Just not sure what brand to buy. I am leaning towards the new mercury 115. I run my boat year round and in some every cold weather so for that reason as well as weight and reliability I'd buy a 2stroke.

 

[scott craven]

you can troll all day on that 75hp 4-stroke
thats all Westcoast resorts use on their 18' welded guide boats

 

[scott craven]

50hp Honda, its been great buts it coming up 12 years old
gotta keep my eyes open

 

[Saxe Point]

I've got a 2 stroke Johnson 90 on my DE16. Fantastic if speed is your thing. But I'd go 50-70 HP if I had to repower. The new Yamaha F70 is extremely light. I think 250 or 260 lbs.

 

[scott craven]

The new Yamaha F70 is extremely light. I think 250 or 260 lbs.

Buddy has one on his boat, he loves it.

$9699 MRSP

 

[Saxe Point]

Damn I don't know how you put a 90 on that and not sink it. That' way to heavy on my boat, but maybe the envinrude/johnson 60/90 of those years were similar in weight...

I've got a Yamaha T8 hanging back there too. Suprisingly, it's not that bad. A little stern heavy, but okay. The big motor is a 2 stroke V4 that weighs only about 300 lbs, I believe, while the T8 is about 100.

 

[Saxe Point]

I love the boat but want something bigger, in the 22-25 ft range.

 

[fshnfnatic]

I've got a Yamaha T8 hanging back there too. Suprisingly, it's not that bad. A little stern heavy, but okay. The big motor is a 2 stroke V4 that weighs only about 300 lbs, I believe, while the T8 is about 100.

I've got a 16.5 D.E. with a 115 Johnson V4,and Honda 8 hp kicker. The V4 is 300 lbs. ,the kicker is 80 lbs.,and I also
run dual batteries. It is definately stern heavy. I'm looking at a 90 Yammy 2 stroke that weigh in at 260 lbs. I figure
with that 40 lb. savings,and getting a bow tank for fuel,that will balance it out really well.

 

[JAC]

I had a optimax 135 it was a good motor, not much smoke and was pretty quiet. I liked the smell! Anyways no oil changes is nice and they don't burn that much oil. Hands down more power than the four strokes. I would still buy a sukuki four stroke over the opti just my opinion