Opti 150 - Reassurance Needed

davecb · 27 April 2007, 21:54

After 3 years of looking for a family RIB have finally taken the plunge and ordered a Solent 6.5 which should be ready in mid June. After a lot of indecision about engines, including browsing this site and various tests have finally gone for an Opti 150 rather than a 4 stroke Suzuki but would welcome reassurance that this is still a sound choice.

Family pressure suggests that I should have an auxiliary just in case, and I need to replace a defunct suzuki 3.5. Are there any views about what the smallest option is with sufficient power to manouvere a 6.5 ? It may be stored inboard rather than pernamently mounted.

Dave

Jimbo · 27 April 2007, 22:18

Dave,

Nothing anyone can say on this forum will reassure you. The day you first take her out, hear that opti scream (and I mean scream!) and power past 4 stroke suzuki owners, will be the day you have all the reassurance you need.

I've got an opti 150 on a Tohatsu 6.6m (same hull as the solent) and the match is superb!

Enjoy her, they're great boats and great engines.

Ian M · 27 April 2007, 22:23

Be re-assured, IMHO a sound choice, but why, when browsing the engine lists, did you stop at 150

Jimbo · 27 April 2007, 22:27

Ian, bring your new Osprey out to play behind Sidewinder one day, and they you'll know!

Ian M · 27 April 2007, 22:38

Bugger, obviously quick wit and repartee are not for me tonight, first the laptop threw the blue screen of death at me, and then the battery cried enough

Charger located, plugged in, and sensse of humour on line

You did say behind?

Andy Moore · 28 April 2007, 09:12

The Opti is a great choice! Just wait to you hear it. Great sound.

Why not forget the auxiliary engine and join SeaStart instead?

Hightower · 28 April 2007, 09:31

Have you considered an Evinrude etec?

I have never owned an Optimax but am in the same position as you, looking for a powerplant for my new RIB.

I've looked on some forums and Opti's are a very technical engine and seem to spend a little more time in the workshop than other outboards. I could be just that there is more opti's out there and that's the reson, but just an observation.

Tim M · 28 April 2007, 09:39

Solents are very nice boats

I love mine.

Whilst I do like the smoothness and quietness of my 4 stroke, Jimbo is correct when he says his engine screams. It sounds fantastic when you wack the power on, albeit incredibly loud!!

Nos4r2 · 28 April 2007, 11:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

The Opti is a great choice! Just wait to you hear it. Great sound.

Yep!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

Why not forget the auxiliary engine and join SeaStart instead?

Although the idea is good, Seastart won't be following 20 feet away if you break down 100 yards off the Needles and are being washed towards them...

v666 · 28 April 2007, 13:01

For the Aux I have an 8hp 2 stoke Yamaha, which I find woks just fine. I hope I never need to use it in an emergency, but believe the safety it offers (could just be in my mind though) is worth the extra cost and weight.

It’s attached direct to the transom but could really do with a bracket to keep the prop out of the water at slow speed.

Tim

Andy Moore · 28 April 2007, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nos4r2

Although the idea is good, Seastart won't be following 20 feet away if you break down 100 yards off the Needles and are being washed towards them...

That's what the anchor is for.

A little-used auxillary can't be relied upon either. Plus, they look awful strapped to the back of a sexy looking RIB, I think.

Biggles · 28 April 2007, 14:57

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

That's what the anchor is for.

A little-used auxillary can't be relied upon either. Plus, they look awful strapped to the back of a sexy looking RIB, I think.

I agree.

Neil Harvey · 28 April 2007, 15:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

That's what the anchor is for.

A little-used auxillary can't be relied upon either. Plus, they look awful strapped to the back of a sexy looking RIB, I think.

Whilst I agree that auxiliaries can go wrong, you can't always rely on an anchor holding either.

Personally I think I am more inclined to agree with Nos. I like the idea of having an aux there ready to be lowered in case I need it (although I don't have one yet and have not decided if I will), with the anchor available as a last resort. there's no reason a little used but well maintained aux should not get you out of trouble if you need it. Especially if it is run for a few minutes at the start of every outing to check all is OK.

I think this one comes down to personal preference.

Oh, and not wanting to totally hi-jack Dave's thread - I can say from recent experience, you'll soon know if you made a good decision or not when you get out and open her up for the first time

Given the amount of people that have Opti's, it can't be a bad decision.

Bigmuz7 · 28 April 2007, 16:58

Well I like my Verado, but using it shows just how good a two stroke, the opti 150 was that I used to run. Economical, reliable, good choice

Poly · 28 April 2007, 17:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

Plus, they look awful strapped to the back of a sexy looking RIB, I think.

A sexy looking rib won't look pretty smashing against the rocks as its anchor (presumably selected on its "shiny curves" rather than its usefulness in an emergency) drags along the sea bed......

tim griffin · 28 April 2007, 17:58

Got a 150 Opti on my 6.9 Solent and the new 6.9 Solent will have a 200 etec

Nos4r2 · 28 April 2007, 19:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Andy Moore

That's what the anchor is for.

Ever tried anchoring on a rocky bottom in a heavy sea?

Biggles · 28 April 2007, 20:04

But then I doubt the average Aux carried would be any use anyway.

Bigmuz7 · 28 April 2007, 21:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by tim griffin

Got a 150 Opti on my 6.9 Solent and the new 6.9 Solent will have a 200 etec

And your reasons for changing ?

davecb · 28 April 2007, 21:56

Thanks for the advice . Reliability was key for me and since Fairweather Marine would be maintaining engine followed their line that Optis seemed to have very good track record based on their experience. Price also counted !
Agree with many of sentiments about auxiliary - initially wasn't going to bother but will probably now fit seagull type bracket so have option and seek multipurpose 2 stroke.

Dave