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Posts: 100
Location: W-PA | Have a question on a 90 Hp mercury. I am looking at a new boat purchase. I have three motor options. The first two are either a 2011 Mercury 90 Optimax or Fourstroke. Third option is a brand new leftover 2009 Merc 90 2 stroke. The 2 stroke is significantly lower in price(approx $2,000). I also live in an area where there are a bunch of HP restricted lakes, So a four stroke kicker is a must. My question is would the 2 stroke be fine, or spend the extra cash on the newer motor? It needs to be able to pull tubes and get around a few big lakes. Will I use 2,000 less of gas with one of the newer motors compared to the 2 stroke? Just trying to lay out the options before buying the opti or the four stroke. Any info on these three would be appreciated. |
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Posts: 2323
Location: Stevens Point, WI | The classic carbureted 90 is a solid motor, actually one of Mercury's most popular and reliable they've ever built. The downside to that motor is that it can be a bit cold blooded and fussy.
I would suggest that if this boat is something your looking to have for some time, I'd go with the Fourstroke or the Opti. I think you'll find the ease of use with one of those two motors a bit easier than the classic carbureted 90 hp. Both the Fourstroke and Opti will be a turn key deal where the carbureted 90 you will have to choke and and work with it till it's warmed up, not a huge deal though.
If it was me, both the Opti and Fourstroke are great, I've owned both. Both engines have their good and bad. The Opti you have to feed it oil, which isn't a big deal, but you get better overall performance and is better on fuel. The Fourstroke is nice because it's quieter and you do not have to feed it oil like the Opti.
Any way you decide to go, all three motors will serve you good in my opinion.
Biggest thing is, ask yourself how long your looking to have this boat and make a decision accordingly. The investment in the Opti and or Fourstroke will not hurt you in my opinion.
Edited by TJ DeVoe 6/13/2011 8:27 AM
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| Do yourself a favor and get the 4 stroke 90 Merc.I have one and its the best motor I have ever owned. The top end is from the Verado line and bullet proof.Its very quite and can idle up to a walleye spot and coast in(no trolling motor). I agree with the other post about a 2 stroke carb motor being cold blooded. When a big HP 2 stroke carb motor get old its even harder to keep at a idle while it warms up on a cold fall morning. Cough wheez die, start ,cough wheez die. The other guys are a half mile down the lake already.Spend a little more and you won't regret it. |
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| I have a 90hp 4 stroke on my pontoon boat. Bought it new 3 years ago and could not be more pleased. If we take someone for a ride, at 2,000 rpms it is so quiet that we don't need to raise our voices to talk and pulling kids on a tube it has plenty of power. Starts every time without a bit of hesitation.
My brother in law is a heavy equipment mechanic and has always had two stroke motors. The first time I gave him a ride he rode in the back so he could listen. He just laughed and said that a guy would have to be careful not to try and start it while it was running.
On the other hand, I live in Fond du Lac and have talked to a couple of engineers from Mercury and they are big fans of the Optimax relative to power and fuel consumption for fisherman. They suggested the four stroke for the pontoon but really like the hole shot with the Opti.
Edited by North of 8 6/14/2011 7:47 PM
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Posts: 116
| love my 2004 2 stroke 90hp, but she is a stubborn old hag when she first gets off the trailer. I can't speak for the other two, so I won't. |
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Posts: 395
Location: NW WI | 4 stroke Merc and don't look back. Sips fuel, easy start and QUIET. |
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Posts: 32950
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I'm running a 90 Opti, Great motor, sips fuel and is very quiet for a two stroke dfi. Nice motor all the way around. |
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