Opti max vs 4 stroke

[albinotrout]

Ok I am looking at boats and the manufacturer is offering both the mercury 4 stroke Efi and the opti max as options. Now I look at these and get lost. What are the differences? Good bad? Not sure what I am looking at. Thanks!
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[fsh4fun05]

What kind of boat? What is the weight? What HP of motor? What kind of fishing do you plan on doing?
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[albinotrout]

I won't give out specific brands or manufacturers for I know there are a lot of different opinions but to let you know I am leaning toward an aluminum bass boat (currently looking at 2 different manufacturers). They are recommending anywhere from 75 Hp to 115 up depending upon the model. I am looking at both 17' and 18' craft. The weight between craft is approx 50 lbs. other than length and weight all craft have same options. And I am multi species fisherman.
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[BearLakeFishGuy]

Both are excellent motors. However, the 2 stroke (Optimax) would be my choice. Its a lot lighter, and definitely less expensive, the fuel economy is about equal, but 4 strokes just can't compare to the 2 stroke power in my book (with the exception of the Merc Verado). The benefit of the 4 stroke is you change the oil in the engine just like a car and you don't have to buy or add 2-stoke oil. However, the Opti is very oil-efficient and you don't have to mix the oil and gas, you simply add it to the oil tank and you're set. However, the new Merc 150 4stroke has really changed the game and I'd have to think about the 4stoke then. Prices are coming down on 4stokes but not enough for my pocket book.
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[fsh4fun05]

There are advantages/divantages of both. The newer Optimax engines are 3 star certified and two stroke motors are not going anywhere. Lighter, faster but louder.
Four strokes are heavier but sip gas and have more torque. For an 18' aluminum boat I'd go with the Optimax.
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[albinotrout]

Ok does anyone know if there are restrictions at lake Powell?

Another question concerning the optimax, on an 18 ft aluminum bass boat 90 Hp or 115?
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[raghorn4]

Once you load the boat down with gear, coolers a couple of friends and all the fish you will catch...I would go with 115hp.[]
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[fsh4fun05]

There are no restrictions that I know of. The Optimax that you are looking at is most likely going to be 3 Star, good enough for the California nature nuts. It's going to be Direct Fuel Injected, cleanest of all the 2-strokes.
I'd go 115 HP, bigger is always better [] and when you need to get gone for whatever reason the power will be there.
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[albinotrout]

Thanks for the info. It will be used when considering the final package.
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[dtayboyz]

I'd get a Verado. If your gonna make a major purchase, buy the top of the line. I worked for a seadoo dealership and lots of the PWC went 4 stroke years ago. I thought long and hard about replacing the powerhead on my Merc 200hp EFI or buying a new motor last summer. It seemed that everyone wanted to "make me a hell of a deal" on a Optimax. Why? There are lots of two strokes on ebay for sale, I believe they are take offs in restricted areas. I am a snowmobiler and really dig the two stroke performance and I'm tickled with the new powerhead on my bass boat. Zak had my boat at Clearlake last week and nothing was said about two stroke motors all week there. Did get a ticket on a two stroke jetski at Lake Tahoe a few years ago. Tight lines . . . Dale
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[fsh4fun05]

The Verado's are limited to higher horsepower engines, EFI 225, 250 and 300 HP. The boat in question has been recommended a 90-115 HP engine so a Verado is completely off the table. With the DFI Optimax engines that are 3 CARB star rating how could you go wrong with a 115 HP Optimax?
The biggest restrictions that I have found are the carburetor motors first, EFI motors second and I'd be hard pressed to find ANY restrictions on a DFI Optimax besides the obvious lakes that don't allow any gas motors.
I'll keep my PWC opinions to myself, a small group has ruined it for everyone.
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[Trackerg]

I am running a 115 DFI Optimax on my 17 and a half ft Tracker aluminum Deep V. I have added a little weight to the boat with an extra deep cycle battery, walk thru windshield and a passenger side dash and glovebox. I've had it up to 42 mph with quite a bit of throttle left so power is not a problem. (I chickened out lol) excellent mileage on fuel and oil. No problem planing out either. I actually troll with it quite a bit, between 1.7 and 2.3 mph depending on wind. that is using a 17 pitch prop instead of the original 19P. There may be better boat motors out there for this size of boat but I'm not looking. Couldn't be happier.
Good luck in your search.
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[albinotrout]

Thanks for the reply. Nice to get info from those who actually use it on the size of boat I am looking at.
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[Trackerg]

You are welcome. I get a kick out of folks that tell me "you can't troll with a two stroke without carbs loading up".....id take that bet....
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