E-TEC AND OPTIMAX 200's

[bedajim]

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]

3 liters give you more torque.

[Hugh Jardon]

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]

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]

James,

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

[bedajim]

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

[Hugh Jardon]

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]

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]

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]

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

John