Posted 3/10/2009 7:46 AM (#365297 - in reply to #365279) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 457
Location: Minneconia
I have the 115 4 stroke Yammy, completely bulletproof going in to it's fifth season with over 500 hours. Not one single issue, in fact the same plugs it came with new are still in great shape after checking them this winter! Awesome motor.
Guest
Posted 3/10/2009 8:50 AM (#365302 - in reply to #365297) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
115 Opti will give you better performance overall. Holeshot, midrange and top end. Plus better fuel mileage. Has proven to be a very reliable motor. Yamaha will be a bit quieter.
Posted 3/10/2009 9:29 AM (#365310 - in reply to #365308) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
I really dont think you should compare a 2 stroke to a four stroke. Completely different deals. If you want a four stroke because the are quite and troll really well compare all four strokes. If you want a 2 stroke because of torque, power to weight ratio and general better economy then compare all 2 strokes. All have their place and purpose. You really need to compare apples to apples.
Posted 3/10/2009 9:29 AM (#365311 - in reply to #365308) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI
I second guest #2, the Opti will walk all over a 115 4stroke Yammie any day. The overall performance of the hole shot, mid range, top end and fuel economy is why I'd go with the Opti. However, if you want quieter, the Yammie is the way to go, but if if cost and performance is what your looking for, the Opti all the way. Personally, I like the Opti grumble!
Posted 3/10/2009 9:37 AM (#365313 - in reply to #365279) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 97
A few years ago I was shopping between a Opti and a 4 stroke. I went with an Opti because the benefits that the Opti provided benefited me, whereas any benefit that the 4 stroke had didn't really apply to me.
If memeory serves me right, the opti was a bit lighter in weight which was more comparable to the older motor I had. I was worried about hole shot, and felt a heavier motor wouldn't have served me as well.
I've had the Opti for 2 years now and haven't had an issue with it. I know some guys that run 4 strokes and it fits their needs perfectly.
I would suggest listing the pro's and con's of each one, and see what fits your style best. Both motors will give you reliable service.
Posted 3/10/2009 11:50 AM (#365345 - in reply to #365279) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 743
I vote for Yamaha. I have a Yamaha. 2 of my good friends have Optimax's, and new ones at that. both of my friends have replaced thier powerheads two or three times on a 3 year old motor. the optimax is probably faster if you are try to race someone, but more than likely you are not interested in holeshots and an extra 1 or 2 MPH since you're looking at 115 HP motors anyways. Most guys people who talk/want performance go with a 200 HP or 225 HP.
Guest
Posted 3/10/2009 12:18 PM (#365350 - in reply to #365345) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
So which is it? 2, or 3, times?
I know hundreds of people with Opti's, and yes, there have been some that had problems. Far more have had no problems, than those that have. I also know many that have Yamaha's, Evinrudes, and Suzukis. Not every one of those motors have been trouble free, either.
They all make good motors these days. Piick the one based on what's important to you. Performance, cost, noise, color, 2 stroke, 4 stroke. The dealer probably is more important than the actual motor you choose.
Posted 3/10/2009 2:18 PM (#365377 - in reply to #365279) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 1462
Location: Davenport, IA
They're both great motors. It depends what you want out of it. Optimax will probably be a little less maintenance. (no oil changes) Optimax will be quicker, faster and lighter. The Yamaha would be quieter and able to run slower more easily. Although the optimax gets better fuel mileage, the yamaha may cost less to fill up because you wont' be paying for all that oil that is really getting expensive. For me it would be an Optimax, but there is a reason that all these motor manufacturers are able to stay in business...people like all of them for different reasons.
Posted 3/10/2009 5:00 PM (#365402 - in reply to #365279) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 189
Location: West Bend, WI
Steve, call me a newbie, but I didn't realize you sell motors. Do you own a marine dealer or something? Where at?
Guest
Posted 3/11/2009 12:17 PM (#365568 - in reply to #365279) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
thanks guys, ended up going with a 135 optimax...little more power, not too much additional cost, liked the 135 opti over the 115 opti....loved the fact that the company is based in Wisconsin.
Posted 3/11/2009 12:21 PM (#365570 - in reply to #365279) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 32885
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
mrmatt;
One of OutdoorsFIRST's clients is Tuffy Boats. Tuffy offers packaged boats rigged with Mercury and Suzuki Outboards, and we handle all sales and marketing functions for Tuffy per our agreement with Fiberdome, Inc, the mother ship. Our function is to sell to the dealer, who then sells to the customer.
Guest
Posted 3/11/2009 3:42 PM (#365605 - in reply to #365570) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
The 135 Opti is probably the best motor made. You're going to love it, and you're going to go fast! And you're going to sound good doing it!
Posted 3/11/2009 4:14 PM (#365608 - in reply to #365279) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Location: Des Moines IA
Depends on how much maintenance you are willing to have done as well, opti's need plugs and tune ups more often, the Yammi will probably cost more from the get go? Comparing a 4 stroke to a 2 stroke really isn't fair for either motor.
Posted 3/12/2009 12:15 AM (#365707 - in reply to #365279) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 324
Location: In the slop!
How do you figure opti's need plugs and tune-ups more often?! I've changed the plugs in my 01 135 opti ONCE. They were six years old and still gapped perfectly. The only maintenance item to keep an eye on is the water pump impeller.
Posted 3/16/2009 9:34 PM (#366580 - in reply to #366092) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 619
i would go w/ a Yammy 4 stroker, it will troll alll day long, wont use much gas, it wont be noisy so you can talk on the cell or or talk to fishing buddy!!!!!
Posted 3/16/2009 10:06 PM (#366587 - in reply to #365707) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Location: Des Moines IA
sledge51 - 3/12/2009 12:15 AM
How do you figure opti's need plugs and tune-ups more often?! I've changed the plugs in my 01 135 opti ONCE. They were six years old and still gapped perfectly. The only maintenance item to keep an eye on is the water pump impeller.
I know of one person who has changed plugs in his 06 150 opti at least twice. And was told that was not uncommon. It all depends on driving style, waters fished, and fishing styles.
Posted 3/19/2009 10:36 PM (#367192 - in reply to #365279) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 203
Location: Alexandria, Minnesota
If you do any trolling you are going to want the four stroke, I own and I have known many fishing that own Yamaha's and I have yet to hear of a performance issue.
Posted 3/25/2009 2:45 PM (#368271 - in reply to #367192) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN
I have a Yamaha 115 and its been a very good motor. The 115 Opti sounds like a good motor too.
Spark plugs? I replace them every year just as routine maintenance so I don't know how long they would last.
I am not sure about the Opti, but if you get the Yamaha, make sure you have one of the ten micron gas filters installed. Its a can filter that is inserted into the gas line. They only cost $18 per filter and maybe $60 to put in if you do it yourself. (I did it last year.)
I talked to a Yamaha representative at the Minneapolis Sports show and he was telling everyone who would listen that Yamaha four-strokes need that ten micron filter or you can get plugged up fuel injectors. And its a really big deal if those fuel injectors get plugged up. I had mine plug up last year and it cost me $1156 to fix them. Yes, over a thousand dollars. Ouch!
It wasn't the motors fault. It is actually the poor quality of gas and especially the ethanol blended gas which is causing all the trouble. And its not just Yamaha motors either. All of the new motors with the high pressure fuel injected systems can be damaged by bad gas and the only way to prevent it is to filter the gas. Of course buying good gas and keeping it fresh helps, but even fresh gas can cause issues.
Yamaha is doing their best to get the word out about their ten micron filters. They want everyone who has a Yamaha to install one if they don't have one already and they want everyone who has one to replace the filter once a year to make sure it works. So moderators, please do not remove this post. Yamaha wants everyone to know about their filters and how much they are needed with the poor quality of todays gas. They don't want anyone to have gas problems with their motors.
No matter what motor I had, I would put in one of the full size ten micron gas filters. They don't cost much and it can save you so much hassle, money, and down time.
Opti, Yamaha, Suzuki, E-Tec. Don't know if you can go wrong with any of them.
Posted 3/29/2009 10:05 AM (#369019 - in reply to #365291) Subject: Re: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 670
Location: Minnetonka , MN.
I have a 115 4 stroke and would rather have the Optimax. I have had no problems
with the 4 Stroke but the Optimax uses less gas and better at getting up to speed.
Posted 4/1/2009 1:32 PM (#369607 - in reply to #365279) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 14
When you get out to parts of the world where people aren't nearly as brand loyal and just need something reliable you will find a lot of Yamaha 4 strokes hanging off the backs of boats. I've read that the newer Optis are a lot better than the earlier models with all the powerhead problems but you can't argue the track record of the Yamaha 4 strokes. Also taking into consideration of how many there are out there.
Posted 4/1/2009 1:55 PM (#369609 - in reply to #369607) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN
I don't think the 115 Opti had power head problems. I believe the only Optis that had trouble were the large 175 HP and larger models with 6 cyclinders. The problem was with cyclinder 6 running to lean. I believe the 115 has 4 cyclinders and so it doesn't have that problem.
No motor is perfect though. Sometimes my Yamaha adds gas to the oil if I troll to much in cold weather without warming the motor up enough. I find that its important to get the motor warmed up good by hammering it a little before a trolling run and its best to hammer it a little between trolling runs. The motor just seems to cool down a little to much at times in cold weather and doesn't always burn all the gas. The unburned gas leaks down into the oil pan and then you just have to change oil an extra time. Its no big deal. Its easily preventable and just something to be aware of.
I plan to run my 2003 Yamaha for many years. Based on my experience so far, I should be able to.
Posted 4/2/2009 12:52 PM (#369783 - in reply to #369658) Subject: RE: 115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax
Posts: 829
Location: Maple Grove, MN
The E-Tecs look like very good motors too. Light and fast and they look cool.
I would ignore their claim about "no maintence for three years" though. Sorry, but every motor needs to be winterized and spark plugs do not last forever. Any motor that is used very much can benefit from fresh or at least properly re-gapped plugs once a year. Every motor needs some routine maintenance. Even lawn mowers need a little maintenance from time to time.
Because E-Tecs also have a high-pressure fuel injection system, bad gas can cause them trouble just like a Yamaha four-stroke. The mechanic at Hannay's that fixed my Yamaha last year told me that it is a really good idea to add the ten micron gas filter on the E-Tecs too. Those filters can save you a lot of trouble and its no big deal to install or change out once a year. Just something to be aware of.
115 Yamaha 4 Stroke/115 Optimax