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Skipjack68.
I am considering a new Bass Cat, Sabre or Classic . Can someone point out the different considerations between the Optimax and the EFI Mercurys. I dont fish often enough for the gas cost to be a major consideration. I am sure that the EFI models would not use anymore fuel than my 91 Carb model 150 HP on my Sabre. I dont go fast, very much and generally travel at 3000 to 4500 RPMs except when I get a wild hair to test wide open. I have always used Wally Mart oil and I have never had a oil related problem. I have always considered the fact the the dont refine the oil that they brand with their name and it goes through a couple of extra distrubution points with added cost before it gets to me. Plus the label says it is safe to use in my motor. I understand that Optimax uses a “Special Mercury Oil and that it uses more. Is that true? I did not think they still made EFIs but a dealer said they do. I have two 200HP Yamahas on my off shore boat, EFIs and I have been very happy with the service and performance of these motors. I realize that the trade in value might be less if I traded often, but my boat is 17 years old and I dont think it would make any difference what motor I had on the boat, if much, now. I do take care of my boat, fix anything that needs fixing as soon as it happens, I keep it clean and waxed and in closed storage. Should I spend the extra cash for the Optimax or save some now with the EFI and have a simpler and maybe cheaper motor to maintain. Any info sharing appreciated. Skipjack Florida
If you dont use the boat very often and fuel cost/use is not a big issue I would go with the EFI. Here is why. I think that the Optis are somewhat of a sensitive motor and sitting up or runny low end oil and gas through them is something they dont like. Both motors are great but that is my take on your situation.
I agree w/ jphishing… While you are right about the oil but there are additives that all manufacturers add to their respective oils. They also design their systems around their oil. My 2 cents on the oil issue mentioned. I always run the manufacturer oil regardless of which brand motor. Judd Lasiter
Anything you may save on sticker price with the EFI will be cut into by burning 93 octane in the EFI and the overall worse gas/oil mileage. Opti oil isnt all that much more than premium plus right now and the fact that you are burning 93 octane gas makes it basically a wash. If you are going to burn cheap oil, it doesnt matter which motor you have. Optis call for 87 octane. EFIs call for 93 (I believe). Add in the lower resale and I feel that an EFI will cost more over the long haul. Some would say that the EFI is more reliable but I am in the camp that says they CAN all have problems so I dont consider that all that much. Get the Opti. That 225 sips oil and gas and the reliability is there as much as any other brand and model.Bill Spence St. Albans, VT [url=mailto:billspence@yahoo.com]billspence@yahoo.com[/url] http://www.twinstatebassin.com Bass Cat Boats http://www.basscat.com Vexilar Marine Electronics http://www.vexilar.com
EFI still use 87 octane. I use Pennzoil XLF synthetic blend (at Wal Mart) for my EFIs. Yes the Optis will get better fuel mileage…AT CERTAIN SPEEDS/RPMS range. Depending on how much you run wide open throttle, the distances you run, you may do fine with an EFI. And the EFIs are very reliable, fewer internal motors/parts. Optis are good too. Yes they can all have problems. Basically comes down to buyer preference. I have always ran EFI. My brother is on his second FTD/250 XS boat. Neither of us have had problems with either style. Of course, he hits the rev limiter when he hits low mid 80s gps. I do not have a limiter on mine and turn 6k rpms with no problems..Last edited by jignpig on May 15th, 2008, 6:01 pm, edited 1 time in total.96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner
Get what you want. If initial cost is a concern then indeed the EFI is the way to go. If you plan on keeping a while, then figure 30-40% better fuel economy with the Opti and calculate the amount of gas youll burn per year. After doing so, figure how long it will take to make up the difference in initial cost EFI vs. Opti and I think youll figure out what you might want. Theres no such thing as the EFI is more reliable than the Opti any longer. The oil consumption is another myth. Resale will always be better w/ the Opti.
There are a lot of things above to consider. I think that if I buy a new boat, I will go with the Optimax. If I upgrade my boat to a new motor, I will go with the EFI, which will be a step up from my Carb motor. Thanks for taking the time to share on this. Skipjack
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