Mercury OptiMax vs Four-Stroke Owner Feedback

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Author Topic:   Mercury OptiMax vs Four-Stroke Owner Feedback

anthonylisske posted 09-22-2006 09:45 AM ET (US)
I am considering moving up in size to a Boston Whaler 27CC. I have searched around and find that the boats are set up (around 2002 through 2004) with either 225 two-stroke OptiMax or 225 Saltwater four-stroke motors. When looking at the engines, I am at a loss for which one is better. It seems like the [boats with] OptiMax motors go a little cheaper than the [boats with] four-stoke motors. Is this just because of fuel economy? Or, is one engine mechanically better than the other?
I would be investing big bucks, so any help/advice would be appreciated.
Anthony
718.250.8174
swist posted 09-22-2006 09:55 AM ET (US)
One point of comparison which you might want to check out - The 4-strokes may be *much* quieter than the Optimaxes. I say "may" because I believe Mercury has done some work on this lately, but at one point the Optimaxes were easily the loudest of the DFI engines.
jimp posted 09-22-2006 09:58 PM ET (US)
Not much to add as I'm only familiar with my 2003 Mercury Optimax 225 on my 1990 Revenge 22 W/T. It's been a solid engine. 72 hours and no problems.
3.2 nmpg at 3750 rpm and 29.3 knots. Tops out at 43 knots (49.5 mph) with a Mirage Plus 19", with bottom paint. I'm happy with it.
Noise wise, it's as loud as my old 1989 Johnson 225. It's what I'm used to, so I don't notice the noise. I understand the four-strokes are quieter, but I don't know.
MPG wise, at cruise, I think they're similar, within tenths. Cost wise, haven't checked in a while, but I'd guess they're less expensive.
Mechanically, no idea.
I like mine.
JimP
ivansfo posted 09-23-2006 03:30 AM ET (US)
I have a pair of 135 Optimax and noise is my only complaint about the motors. The noise is compounded by my hardtop and weather curtains. If I had a choice of motors when I got the boat, I would get the 4-strokes in a heartbeat.

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Author	Topic: Mercury OptiMax vs Four-Stroke Owner Feedback
anthonylisske	posted 09-22-2006 09:45 AM ET (US) I am considering moving up in size to a Boston Whaler 27CC. I have searched around and find that the boats are set up (around 2002 through 2004) with either 225 two-stroke OptiMax or 225 Saltwater four-stroke motors. When looking at the engines, I am at a loss for which one is better. It seems like the [boats with] OptiMax motors go a little cheaper than the [boats with] four-stoke motors. Is this just because of fuel economy? Or, is one engine mechanically better than the other? I would be investing big bucks, so any help/advice would be appreciated. Anthony 718.250.8174
swist	posted 09-22-2006 09:55 AM ET (US) One point of comparison which you might want to check out - The 4-strokes may be much quieter than the Optimaxes. I say "may" because I believe Mercury has done some work on this lately, but at one point the Optimaxes were easily the loudest of the DFI engines.
jimp	posted 09-22-2006 09:58 PM ET (US) Not much to add as I'm only familiar with my 2003 Mercury Optimax 225 on my 1990 Revenge 22 W/T. It's been a solid engine. 72 hours and no problems. 3.2 nmpg at 3750 rpm and 29.3 knots. Tops out at 43 knots (49.5 mph) with a Mirage Plus 19", with bottom paint. I'm happy with it. Noise wise, it's as loud as my old 1989 Johnson 225. It's what I'm used to, so I don't notice the noise. I understand the four-strokes are quieter, but I don't know. MPG wise, at cruise, I think they're similar, within tenths. Cost wise, haven't checked in a while, but I'd guess they're less expensive. Mechanically, no idea. I like mine. JimP
ivansfo	posted 09-23-2006 03:30 AM ET (US) I have a pair of 135 Optimax and noise is my only complaint about the motors. The noise is compounded by my hardtop and weather curtains. If I had a choice of motors when I got the boat, I would get the 4-strokes in a heartbeat.