Optimax or 4-stroke???????

[Jon Tallis]

I am looking for a replacement boat, about 6 metre with a motor around 90 - 150hp. Due to my budget the package will be a few years old.
I have moved away from carb'd 2-strokes due to the fuel consumption.
I had assumed I would buy something with a 4-stroke but have seen a few good boats at the right price fitted with Optimaxes (variously 115 / 135 / 150hp).
Can anyone offer any comparisons between the Opti's and typical 4-strokes on:-
Typical fuel consumption
Noise
Servicing costs
Any known faults

Thanks
Jon Tallis

[ian parkes]

Talk to mollers he has a 150 opti
On the last Scilly run he used 128 litres I think for 100 miles . But the oil is another 20 or 30 quid I guess . It doesn't use much different to the equivalent 4 stroke , just stinks

[Lostboy]

I know the 4-stroke/2 stroke debate is one that will run and run but why do so many people on here regard the Optimax as the "default" 2-stroke of choice against a 4-stroke? The Evinrude E-tec offers better value when servicing periods costs etc are taken into consideration, is cleaner and on most tests out-performs the Optimax for economy, power and torque (until you get to the highest part of the rev-band). I am sure that one or two E-tec users on here come along and sing its praises.

[Daniel]

having had an opti (150) i would always choose this over a 4 stroke. this is a biased opinion and i havent owened any other "new tech" 2 stroke. i have driven 4-strokes and not found them nearly as responsive but they are quieter.

[Daniel]

in answer to your questions:

Typical fuel consumption
(for the opti 150): 1li / nm or 30 li / hr @ crusing
Noise
opti louder than a 4-s
Servicing costs
little difference
Any known faults
early opti's had a few problems (1999, 2000 i think)

SmartCraft is excellent. Early opti's did'nt have this.

[Jon Tallis]

Thanks for replies so far, keep the info coming.
How much noisier is the Opti? I have moved from a Mariner 75 3 cyl, which was bloody loud on full taps. One of the reasons I want to change is so I can actually have a conversation on the boat!
Any views on this?

Anyone got real comparison figures opti Vs 4S on same / similar boat?

Jon

[Hugh Jardon]

have an opti now and have had a honda 4 stroke 90 for last 8 years

on a rib i would have an opti as i think they make a fab noise and performance and economy is great, they make a lovely scream and howl in my opinion which is very enjoyable and at a certain revs it goes very quiet

i did research, spoke with others, test drove a few boats, priced up the options and am very happy with opti

[eupa]

Optimax as the "default" 2-stroke of choice against a 4-stroke?

what about yams and suks- both >= to than an opti!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

jonathan

[Andy Moore]

We chose an OptiMax after intially wanting a Honda 4-stroke.

All I can say is, I am sure we made the right choice. Great acceleration and growl!

[Jon Tallis]

Thanks for all the responses.

Also found this artice after a google search.

It's from Yamaha's website, but is a good bit of independant research. Puts the Opti 150 as a good comparison against other 150hp engines on all fronts.
Interestingly shows it as the second most economical of the engines tested (evin 2S/ honda 4S/ yam 2S & 4S), but the noisiest of all(I guess we knew that!)

Anyone else thinking about the same problem as me - have a look at
http://www.yamaha-motor.at/Images/ve...cm29-45881.pdf

Jon