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Posts: 469
Location: MN | Hey guys,
I need your advice. I have an option to choose between this 2 models of Merury motors:
115 EXLPT FourStroke EFI and 115EXLPT DFI OPTMX
What would be your choice ? Pro, cons?
Thank you in advance.
Edited by psv 7/25/2011 11:15 AM
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Posts: 5874
| I'd pick the Opti. Only motors I've had since 2002. Very good on fuel and oil. Very reliable. Great holeshots, midrange, and a top end that can't be beat.
The fourstroke technology has improved over the years. Biggest advantage is how quiet the 4 strokes are. Biggest con is less power on the low end. |
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Posts: 395
Location: NW WI | Same HP motors but that's about where the comparison ends. The type of boat you're going to put it on plus your goals for the performance of the boat might dictate your choice. The Opti likely will give you better all around performance, but you can prop a 4S motor to get a good holeshot, while you might sacrifice a little top end. Are you going to troll? - many people will suggest the 4S. How long are you going to keep the boat? - the 4S might be more valuable to potential buyers. The 4S motor will likely outlast the boat. A 2S is still a 2S....will need to be rebuilt in time.
Are you paying the same price for either motor?
Me? - as long as I could prop the 4S for a decent holeshot, I'm going 4S for fuel economy, quietness, longevity and potential resale. Top speed does not matter to me....but maybe it does to you? |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | The Opti gets better fuel economy, and when required maintenance is figured in, breaks even or just beats the 4 stroke in out of pocket costs. I owned a Merc 4 stroke and loved it, but it was slower and weaker out of the hole. The total lack of any sound at all at idle was nice. WOT she was still a motor.
Nothing about the 4 stroke build indicates they will outlast a DFI. Both are engines that run at basically two speeds..WOT and Idle, and that is tough on any engine. I have a 1974 two stroke that is still running strong. Long enough for me, I guess.
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Posts: 469
Location: MN | Shep, Ifishskis, Steve
Thank you, very much. I really appreciate your help.
It seems, you can't go wrong with both models. The price difference between 4S and Optimax is about 600$. Top speed is not an issue. Occasional trolling.
The boat is 2011 TRACKER® Pro Guide™ V-175 WT.
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Posts: 512
| i had a merc. 115 4 stroke on my boat, before the crash, and i loved it
i will never own another 2 stroke..
however, im not familiar with the opti's to be fair
Dave |
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| Thanks to those that responded. I am looking to buy a new boat next year and these are the two motors I am looking at as well. (Live in Fond du Lac, so Mercury is my choice).
I have 90 hp merc 4stk on my pontoon and have been very pleased but that is a different application. It was interesting to see Steve's observation about mileage. I would not have thought the 2 stk got better mileage.
Those of us without a lot of experience with different boats and motors appreciate you folks that do sharing your knowlege. |
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Posts: 247
Location: Uxbridge Ontario | Far better power output, hp to weight ration and high prop speeds from the Optis. I have never been a 4-stroke outboard fan. As Swarroll mentioned, the oil savings on the 4-stroke get eaten up with maintenance fees. |
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