E-TEC AND OPTIMAX 200's

bedajim · 23 August 2006, 15:32

I've been looking at a new engine (for a new rib) and both makes offer a 200 hp in v6 and with 2.5 L and 3.0 L

The only difference I can see is the weight, gear ratios, colour options and leg length; I can't find any fuel figures etc

So what would you fit to 6.5 M Rib, not really after manufacture more 2.5 or 3.0 or does it make that much difference and should I look for the best deal/package

Any help would be really welcome before I spend all of my pennies and find out I got the wrong one!

James

MarkM · 23 August 2006, 17:39

3 liters give you more torque.

Hugh Jardon · 23 August 2006, 18:16

when researching my engine it worked out a hell of a lot cheaper than a big block etec 200 or small block 200 and in the usa performance reports is more economical that the big block 200 etec

i have been very happy so as a recommendation i would say the optis are great, however may etec owners are also very happy

research the best price, look at some performance comparisons and reports etc and then make a judgement from there

also consider the smartcraft and other gadgets, stainless prop etc etc, swap out to a mirage prop if you can rather than the lazer 2 it will potentially come with

would i make the same choice again.....certainly

i beleive you can get a 200 opti for less than 7k these days incl of vat

Searider · 23 August 2006, 20:42

Hi James,

Have been mostly happy with my Opti - with the occasional huccup

Smart craft gauges very useful.

Have also looked under the cowling of an e-tec and very impressed with the simplcity of it - and how little there is to go wrong!
Not sure but I think that the e-tecs are getting similar gauges soon?

Would be happy to consider either.

Searider · 23 August 2006, 22:21

James,

I would look at the weight of the engines you are looking at. The 200 opti is a big heavy beast.

bedajim · 24 August 2006, 12:06

Evinrude offer an I-command system which I think is very similar to the smart gauge system ?

Hugh Jardon · 25 August 2006, 07:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by bedajim

Evinrude offer an I-command system which I think is very similar to the smart gauge system ?

price it all up then make the comparison like for like with top mount binnacle if needed, i command or smartcraft, stainless props etc etc installation etc
then if the price difference is not much do a serious comparison

if the price difference is huge then see if you think you can stand living with an opti if that is the cheaper engine, i believe it weighs in at 30 kg more than a small block 200 etec

look at fuel consumption on the usa sites etc

i did all this and made my choice accordingly, remember its your choice on what is important to you. never an easy decision but you wont go far wrong with any engine these days

Hugh Jardon · 08 September 2006, 07:32

http://www.mercurymarine.com/number_...g_dfi_outboard

interesting reading for those looking to make decisions, but of course check out the evinrude site as well for their comparison against 4 stokes

Lostboy · 08 September 2006, 07:46

I read those when I went on the Mercury site, it's very typical American advertising. At the end of the day they got two tests where the Optimax won, we've posted two on here where the Rude won, so that's 2-2 then

Just goes to prove what I said in an earlier post on this thread, I suspect given the loyalty shown to both brands by people on here that each is an excellent engine that will give good service, it's simply a case of doing the best deal you can and buying that one!

John Kennett · 08 September 2006, 07:52

I've moved the prop discussion to a new thread: Prop choice

John

Rogue Wave · 08 September 2006, 10:55

I'd put a 150 opti on your boat. they fit a 6.5 incredibly well and carry less weight than the 200's and the performance from them is stunning. they use proportionately less fuel than the 200's.

If you are set on a 200 then I dunno too much about the ETECs but they are getting good reviews and happy owners. I'd still go with an opti but that's cos the rood's have driven the price down

Mollers · 29 July 2008, 10:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I'd put a 150 opti on your boat. they fit a 6.5 incredibly well and carry less weight than the 200's and the performance from them is stunning. they use proportionately less fuel than the 200's.

I ran a 150 Opti on my 6.5, Bed-a-Jim now runs a 200 on his. The difference in consumption is virtually non-existent.

Nos4r2 · 29 July 2008, 11:03

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

I ran a 150 Opti on my 6.5, Bed-a-Jim now runs a 200 on his. The difference in consumption is virtually non-existent.

The 200 Opti sounds far better than the Etec too. I love the rasping exhaust note.

Mollers · 29 July 2008, 11:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

The 200 Opti sounds far better than the Etec too. I love the rasping exhaust note.

Eh?! What was that?

bedajim · 29 July 2008, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

The 200 Opti sounds far better than the Etec too. I love the rasping exhaust note.

Only on short trips or when wave jumping (had enough of that last week to last for a while) and it's a pain to have to stop to hear the radio or turn the engine off to talk to the rib next to you

Etec 300 for the next toy

Jim

Miller · 29 July 2008, 12:24

I ve just had a opti 175 fitted to my 6.5m rib, goes really well, reckon it ll be good for 50kts when run in.

Picks up well, gets on the plane quickly and seems pretty good on fuel too.

Looked at the etecs, but they are alot more expensive than the opti s and you cant fault a 5 year warranty!

Nos4r2 · 29 July 2008, 12:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller

I ve just had a opti 175 fitted to my 6.5m rib, goes really well, reckon it ll be good for 50kts when run in.

Picks up well, gets on the plane quickly and seems pretty good on fuel too.

Looked at the etecs, but they are alot more expensive than the opti s and you cant fault a 5 year warranty!

You can definitely fault the '3 year or 300 hour service interval' that's being touted though. Not a good idea telling people not to look at their motor for 3 years. It's not quite what it seems either-read the fine print on it.

Mollers · 29 July 2008, 12:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miller

I ve just had a opti 175 fitted to my 6.5m rib, goes really well, reckon it ll be good for 50kts when run in.

Picks up well, gets on the plane quickly and seems pretty good on fuel too.

Looked at the etecs, but they are alot more expensive than the opti s and you cant fault a 5 year warranty!

Good luck with the 50 knots.

Yep, you can't beat a 5 year warranty and no servicing for 3yrs.

Nos4r2 · 29 July 2008, 12:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Good luck with the 50 knots.

Yep, you can't beat a 5 year warranty and no servicing for 3yrs.

Even though it apparently (according to an etec owner from another site) is only a 3 year interval when for fresh water use only?

I wonder if there'll be a lot of refused warranty claims?

Fishing line round propshaft for 2 years?Gearbox full of seawater from the shredded seal? Whose fault is that....?

Miller · 29 July 2008, 12:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Good luck with the 50 knots.

Yep, you can't beat a 5 year warranty and no servicing for 3yrs.

I reckon i ll get there on the 50 kts, my old 2 stroke 200 could do it but didnt like the fuel consumption!!

Its doing about 30kts at 400rpm at the mo.

How long is the running in period on the opti s?