performance recommendation on Merc 150hp outboard

[pcgood]

hello all.<br /><br />I am a new boat owner and need to purchase a 150HP motor 25" shaft for my boat. I want to stay with Mercury, so I can save some $$ on extra already on my boat. I am looking at the following series for Mercs. Any recommendations would be appreciated.<br /><br />150HP XR6 25" <br /><br />150HP EFI 25"<br /><br />150HP Optimax 25"

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: performance recommendation on Merc 150hp outboard

If Eco-friendly is important to you, go with the Opti. It'll use less gas over it's lifetime, too. Some lakes won't let the other two on the water. The number of those will increase sharply over the next decade. The XR-6 may be the most self-maintainable model if you have basic mechanical skills. The EFI would probably be the most reliable and be more consistent if traveling to different lakes, etc. where differing altitudes may screw with a carbed model.

 

[down_time_1]

Re: performance recommendation on Merc 150hp outboard

pcgood, <br /> I have a 150efi on a Taho Q3 ski/fish of the three you stated, i chose the efi.Fuel economy 30% at idle,15% at mid range 5% at wide open over the xr6 (per mechanic at dealer). As fore the opti i had one and did not have good luck with it and the maintenance of these can get expencive to keep up,unless you run a lot of fuel through it.This is just my experiences and my views. good luck <br /> DT1