Mariner 80 EFI 4 Stroke or 90 Optimax 2 Stroke

[RichS]

Hi,

I'm new to this site and would appreciate some help in choosing between these engines, they are being offered to me at the same price

Mariner 80 EFI 4 Stroke or 90 Optimax 2 Stroke

It will go on the back of a 5.5m Bombard SB

Thanks in advance richard

[Downhilldai]

It would depend on what you use the boat for and where your priorities lie in terms of accelleration, noise levels, etc.

What is the max power rating of the boat? I ask as the 80 4-stroke Merc is the same basic motor as the 100 and the 90 Opti is the same as the 115.

Opti will be noisier (2-stroke), but will give more accelleration/holeshot. The 80 should be smoother but less exciting.

Have you considered a 90 e-tec, or 90 4-stroke Suzuki?

[Rogue Wave]

The 80 4 stroke is a very heavy lump iit's very large also!

We run one on the back of a Gemini 5.05 (75hp same block) and I hate it the balance is all wrong. Having said that it's particularly frugal and very reliable and gave the previous owners many happy years of service.

We also run a 100 merc 4 stroke (same block again) on the back of an XS 550 and that is a little better but definitely is arse heavy

You will undoubtedly have more fun with the Opti but I suspect with about a 15% fuel uplift.

I kinda thing Dais suggestion of an Etec makes sense but then us Welsh ribnobbers tend to stick together!

[Jono Garton]

If it a new 80hp efi it will be the new de rated naturally asperated verado block, any one tried one yet?

Jono

[Downhilldai]

Seems strange that now merc/mariner have stopped using 80/100 hp Yamaha powerheads, they have altered the design of the engine cowl to mimic the Yamaha

[RichS]

Thanks for the advice
rich