Optimax Owners

MIH · 11 January 2006, 20:42

Seeking a little bit of advice.

After much deliberation I have decided that the 150 opti is probably the engine for me. However after reading many good threads on the 150 Opti, I came across one article that compared 150s in Finland (http://www.yamaha-motor.nl/products/...s/article.jsp), but was produced in a dutch mag!!

The one worry / querry with the article was when it discussed the noise in dB(A). The table from the article is as follows:

The speed at which 85dB(A) was reached:

Evinrude 150DI - 38Kts
Honda BF150 - 34Kts
Mercury 150 Optimax - 20Kts
Yamaha Z150 - 41Kts
Yamaha F150 - 42 Kts

From these figures the opti is a very noisey engine - do you agree, should this put me off?

Your thoughts appreciated

MIH

hard1 · 11 January 2006, 21:47

Well, I wouldn't be comparing 4 strokes with 2 strokes anyhow. It's chalk and cheese.

For a 2 stroke, the Opti is very smooth and not ultra noisy. Compared to a 4 stroke, it's noisy. Personally I love the sound of an Optimax.

codprawn · 11 January 2006, 21:48

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIH

Seeking a little bit of advice.

After much deliberation I have decided that the 150 opti is probably the engine for me. However after reading many good threads on the 150 Opti, I came across one article that compared 150s in Finland (http://www.yamaha-motor.nl/products/...s/article.jsp), but was produced in a dutch mag!!

The one worry / querry with the article was when it discussed the noise in dB(A). The table from the article is as follows:

The speed at which 85dB(A) was reached:

Evinrude 150DI - 38Kts
Honda BF150 - 34Kts
Mercury 150 Optimax - 20Kts
Yamaha Z150 - 41Kts
Yamaha F150 - 42 Kts

From these figures the opti is a very noisey engine - do you agree, should this put me off?

Your thoughts appreciated

MIH

This figures could be very misleading - lies lies and damned statistics!!!

For example from JUST these figures the Opti could peak out at 87db at ANY speed whilst one of the others could reach 120db at just another 5mph - unlikely but these figures on their own are useless!!!

Have been out on a boat with an Opti 225 and over about 20mph the water and wind noise drowned out the engine anyway!!!

swginn · 11 January 2006, 21:51

I've got the 150 Opti and yes it is what some people would call noisy

The sound it makes when you put the hammer down can only be decribed as pure grunt or power, it's certainly not unpleasant and varies depending on how you drive the boat (on a charge or just cruising will make a big difference). In a RIB I find that hearing the engine is a comfort anyway.

If you're a bit of a petrolhead, you'll love it, but if you're worried about noise buy a four stroke or a hardboat!!

Mollers · 11 January 2006, 21:52

At 20 knts+ the wind blatting past your ears will drown out any engine noise anyway and most of that you leave behind. If noise is a major issue try an inboard.

Rogue Wave · 11 January 2006, 22:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by MIH

Seeking a little bit of advice.

However after reading many articles in a dutch mag!!

From these figures the opti is a very noisey engine - do you agree,

YES but is it noise or music?

should this put me off?

NO The alternative is a four stroke

Your thoughts appreciated

CRACKING Engine you won't regret buying one it's gotta lot of snap but

MIH

Answers in CAPS

Rogue Wave · 11 January 2006, 22:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

At 20 knts+ the wind blatting past your ears will drown out any engine noise anyway and most of that you leave behind. If noise is a major issue try an inboard.

You obviously Prefer Jimi Hendrix to Hank Marvin

danny · 12 January 2006, 04:57

We have learned to love the sound and now I wouldn't trade it for the world.

And yes when i take her up to 20 to 30 knots, she makes alot of sound. She does.
Once over this speed it's alot better.
I think that's because she has to keep the boat out in plane and therefore must give alot of power at low revs.

If you want i can make you a film with the difference?

JIY · 12 January 2006, 06:23

My last boat was in inboard diesel (250hp Yanmar) - it was considerably noisier than my new boat with Opti 200 at cruising speeds (30 knots+). I agree with the other Opti owners that when you are running at speed the wind takes most of the noise behind you. The Opti is certainly noisier than a four stroke below planing speeds, but who wants to go that slowly anyway!

danny · 13 January 2006, 07:10

I have once posted a film where you can here the Optimax very well.
Judge for yourself.

http://www.rib.net/forum/showthread....light=ijmuiden

I believe the second or third post from the top.

Hugh Jardon · 13 January 2006, 07:24

danny, the film does not seem to be working

danny · 13 January 2006, 08:26

I think that they moved it.

Try this one

http://snelleboten.nl/upload/rnh_2005.avi

That should do it.

Mollers · 13 January 2006, 09:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

You obviously Prefer Jimi Hendrix to Hank Marvin

Yep, as does my son, Joe.

Rogue Wave · 13 January 2006, 10:11

he's gotta be chuffed to bit's you didn't call him Angel!

when I am cracking on in the boat the mental MP3 player plays 'if 6 was 9' most of the time. I realy wanted to call one of the boats that , but I dunno, I felt it was tempting providence

Mollers · 13 January 2006, 10:17

Zinzan was right up there on my list, but his mum veto'd it.

. He's 11 and grinds away on his 3/4 size Squire Strat copy. He's spotted a clear perspex thing ina guitar shop window which he's desperate to have for his b'day.

A good mate of mine bought a Sabreline 36 Express Cruiser which belonged to Pete Thownsend of the Who. It's called "Five Fifteen", Pete gave him a signed framed manuscript of the song which is hung in the saloon area.

Rogue Wave · 13 January 2006, 10:58

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollulnan

Zinzan was right up there on my list, but his mum veto'd it.

. He's 11 and grinds away on his 3/4 size Squire Strat copy. He's spotted a clear perspex thing ina guitar shop window which he's desperate to have for his b'day.

A good mate of mine bought a Sabreline 36 Express Cruiser which belonged to Pete Thownsend of the Who. It's called "Five Fifteen", Pete gave him a signed framed manuscript of the song which is hung in the saloon area.

Great song

I actually flew to the states once just to watch the Who, my arms were well tired when I got there!

I guess if Pete Townshend had a Rib he's call it Squeeze Box.

buy the nipper a tube screamer pedal when he gets older, they do a good job.

well that's this thread well and truly derailed!