Optimax

[Redfish]

Anyone out there running any of the Mercury Optimax motors? Looking at outfitting a new DLX and have heard mostly positive reviews on the Mercs. Have several choices of motors available through different dealers here in Fla. The Optimax Mercs price out a little more competively than the four-stroke Yami, Suzukis, etc. Any input would be appreciated.

[al_e._gator]

Don't know alot about the Optimax's but I do know that the powerhead and cover is about 1 1/2 times the size of the powerhead on my Evinrude Etec. Considering how tight my engine well is with Etec I would hate to try accessing the bilge pump area with an Optimax sitting there. Another consideration is that Optis use a belt driven compressor for the injection system. No belt = no run. With modern belts it may not be a big deal but its something you should be aware of. It only has to break once at the wrong time to let things get ugly in a hurry. BTW, my only choices in my region were Opti or Etec so I can't comment on the Japanese 4 strokes. I paid a premium for the Etec basing my choice on size, the belt and Evinrude's "newer technology". So far I'm mostly happy with my decision except for those times when I remember that I could have had an Opti 115 for the price of my Etec 90.

[Redfish]

Actually, one dealer has both the e-tec and Opti motors available. For a 115, the quote difference is only half a K more for the E-tec. I have heard some negitives on the E-tecs, however, mostly having to do with the "newness" of the technology. I know all the Rudes went throgh a real rough patch a few years back and those comments have been from folks who were scared off. Maybe they have gotten the bugs out. I know the E-tec design is a very new one. Thanks for the comments.

[emsiegel]

evinrude has deffinetly gotten the bugs out. Bombardier took over the company and I am impressed with their motors. My best friend who takes me fishing a lot has a optimax and over all i think that it is an ok engine. I like the etechs better but my over all favorite is Yamaha. I guess tthat would be why i have a yami.

[Slim to None]

my parents have a 200hp Optimax on there Sea Pro and it is one sweet motor! i was never a mercury fan growing up, but i now am a believer in them! the etec would still be my first choice with the opti a very close second. we have over 200 hours on my parent's motor and have had ZERO problems. the only time it has been to the dealer is for the 100hour services. there Sea Pro is a 23' walk around cabin and the fuel comsumption is 3mpg at 30mph. and that is pushing a rather heavy boat around. either way Etec or Opti, you'll be happy!

[tommybuoy]

I have an '05 90 hp Opti, '03 70 hp Tohatsu TLDI, and an '04 50 hp Honda. The Opti is my favorite by far. It's super fuel efficient, averaging about 1-1/2 gph; runs great; and is IMO actually quieter than the Honda. Has a great tone for a 2 stroke, nothing like the noisy errating pitch of the Tohatsu. Downside might be the pricey OPTIMAX oil at nearly $30/gal. Every mech. I've talked to says NOT to run a cheaper oil. Love the OPTI. Factor in dealer availability in your area; you'll need something someday.

[otter]

I would not hesitate to buy the e-tec over the mercury. The marine Mechanic I take my motors to says that Mercury every year cuts corners and the motors are getting more and more problems. He is not an etec dealer but he would say without question to go with the evinrude. The etec motors are very fuel efficient, very quiet, and very kind to the environment. The have very little schedulted maintainence and no belts etc to break.