New Mercs?

[patrickh]

Considering getting an '04 Merc 115 Optimax. Any changes to motor? I'm nervous of buying new technology. All the computer/smart monitoring scares me. Dealer says 5 yr warranty so that helps. Also, previous posts suggested that 115hp may not be enough for my 19' Scout Sportfish. Will Optimax help? I also think I am trimming down around 100lbs from my old 175hp Ficht.

 

[Solittle]

Re: New Mercs?

I share your concern on the technology bit. Unfortunately I think the days of the driveway wrench are comming to a close - just like cars. I can still do most everthing needed on my twin 1987s. Were I to buy new today I would resign myself to be at the mercy of the "factory trained tec."<br /><br />I don't know your boat but most 115s should be adequate for most 19'ers. A lot depends on the load you intend to carry and your expectations. Many years ago when my three kids were little I had a 19'er with a 1970 80 hp Merc on it. It served us well for 7 yrs. When it died I put a 79 OMC 140 on it and ran it for another 8 years until I got stupid and wanted something bigger.

 

[patrickh]

Re: New Mercs?

I am definately not a speed demon. Reliability is what I would prefer. I keep the boat pretty light except for when the wife and kids do come along. Have a 54 gal tank amid but rarely have it full. The 175 hardly used any gas and I'd expect the 115 to be much the same.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: New Mercs?

A 115 Opti won't be any stronger than a 115 carbed inline-4 won't be any stronger than a 115 EFI 4-stroke. You're making a huge change going from 175 to 115. You'll lose at least 15mph, so I'm glad you're not into speed. Any 115 on that boat is probably going to be at the very low end of the power you need for it. Kind of like a Mustang I had with an itty bitty 4-cylinder. It did the job, but just barely. It certainly took all of the fun out of owning a Mustang!<br /><br />If you're afraid of the new technology, go with an EFI 4-stroke. I think you'd be happier overall. All 2-strokes like RPMs. Optis are no exception, they just tolerate low RPMs better than most.<br /><br />You also want to consider compatability. You're not just going to pop that Ficht off and install a Merc. You'll need a different wiring harness and some new gauges. Throttle cables, too. Probably more. (Just so you know that the price of the motor is only part of the total cost of switching brands.)

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: New Mercs?

patrickh,<br />You might consider the Johnson/Suzuki 140 4-stroke which is made by Suzuki. I had a 115 Merc 2-stroke on my bass type boat which I just sold and have a Johnson on order. Reason? More power, only a few hundred more than either the 115 Opti or the 115 4-stroke, Optis in my area have somewhat of a bad rap for problems and terribly expensive to repair. Can't say I made the right decision until I actually run the engine but from the research I've done (2 months) and reports I've read from owners, it seems like a very good engine and certainly a lot more bang for the buck. You could probably keep your current controls, etc. Although these are Suzuki video clips, they may give you some insight into it's "white twin" .<br />JD<br /> http://www.boattest.com/engines-outboard.aspx

 

[patrickh]

Re: New Mercs?

Thank you guys for the input! Sure helps with a hard decision.