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txbassman.
Me and a friend have been having a discussion on what is the better motor Opti or HPDI. We both or looking to buy a boat more than likely they will be a newer used boat rather than a brand new boat. Just wanting to get some opinions on how other people rate these motors. Also we both have always had Motor Guides and we see a lot of boats with Minn Kota just looking for a little info on these also. Neither one of us has ever owned a Bass Cat but we know they are the best boats on the water.
Both will be great motors. My suggestion is to buy whatever your local mechanic prefers to work with. If you keep them long enough, all motors will have some issues, and you want to be able to take it somewhere that a qualified mechanic is available to work with that motor. All mechanics seem to have their preferences, and Id stay with that. Motor Guide vs. Minn Kota may get lots of opinions, but mostly it also comes down to your personal preference. Both of those are great motors as well. Most important, you have found the right boat company. You wont be dissappointed with BCB. Good luck searching for your new boats. KentKent Charles 2002 Pantera Classic & 200 Yamaha VMax
Youll find a lot more variety of boats (Bass Cats) with Optis than anything else. Youll also find a lot more dealers/mechanics that can service a Mercury than a Yamaha. Im hard core Mercury and I think Mercury tops the field in all categories. Top end speed Fuel economy Reliability Yamaha may have a little more torque on the bottom end and the Series 2 HPDI is a step better in performance than those of previous years. However, it still wont hang with a Opti! Lastly, MotorGuide all the way as well. Good luck in your search and hope youre in a Bass Cat sooner than later!
I just took delivery on a 08 Classic and I was planning on another Mercury, as my XR 4 had been around 17 years and still cooking. I demoed a PT 2 with an Optimax 200 and I was disappointed in the motor noise even at idle. A couple of days later, I demoed a Skeeter with a Yamaha 4 stroke and it was much quieter, but I thought hole shot was a little slugish. I spoke to one brother who owned the same 4 Sroke and his brother had the HPDI and he said the HPDI was quiet too. So I optied for the Yamaha 175 HPDI and to me it is much quieter at idle, low speed. At high speed I dont think there is that much difference. Your can hardly hear it run at idle. I like that. I have always had a Motor Guide and a long way back, a Johnson trolling motor. Like you, I could see that a lot of people were going with the MK trolling motor. I demoed one on the Skeeter, and the petal action was different for someone use to the Motor Guide, so I ended up with the MG 71 lb Digital. Everything works the same as my old MG except for the Spring loaded mount, which I am starting to like, as you dont have to strap it down while underway. Mine is makeing a shrill whining noise at medium to high speed, which I am hoping there is a reason and a fix. I only noticed this the last two times I used it and today we were fighting a strong out going tide on the St Johns river. It may be the prop, but it is anoying. There is a lot to be said about choosing a motor that you have a good mechanic to work on it. That was the other reason for me to choose the Yamaha. I had a local dealer that would honor my warranty and service my motor even though I did not buy the boat from him. In addition, I have another Yamaha service dealer that will do the same, and he is not selling new boats now. I am liking my Classic more and more each day as I get more use to the differences in it and my old boat, a 17 year old Sabre. For a short while, I didnt think I would be saying that, but the new boat rides better and my new motor is doing a great job. My grandson agrees 100%! He already has dubs on it. Skipjack
I have not had a Mercury and the last OMCs were carb. I have a 225 HDPI and it is doing OK. I have heard no one give a bad report on Yamaha so I think it would be OK. I would try both if you have the opportunity. I like to try things and make my own decision. I didnt do it on this boat but I am not a pro. Some day I may try a Merc with someone that has one. I do like the longer warranties that Merc is offering. MooseG
Tough one no doubt about it and DPT brings up a good point with service. Having said that I am on my 6 Merc and I owned 2 Yamahas and I havent had a problem with any of them. The Optis are definitely better on fuel and oil compared to the Yamaha and they have top end and midrange that is unmatched. The Yamaha is quiter and has more low end torque but that is the only place the Yamaha will shine. I personally like the noise of the Merc and it idles more smoothly in my opinion. I am sure that has something to do with the Yamaha cutting down on cylinders for idling. Merc for me but I also understand different strokes for different folks. MK vs MG is the Ford vs Chevy deal and get what you want. I have run MKs since 99 but might try a MG on the next one just so see what the differences are first hand…not for sure on that one yet. Judd Lasiter
I have been a Mercury guy for a long time. I have owned Yamaha. Fuel economy and power go with Mercury hands down. Im with Phil on this one.
I think it could be one of those things where the motor could fit the personality. While both Mercury and Yamaha engines are reliable and well represented on this board. We then could all say its our personal preference to why we buy what we do. Me, I want the so called noise and power that is my “Mercury Beast”. To help you make your mind up, think of this. Two BassCats utilizing the same horse power, Both rigged representing one of the two for-mentioned brands, running from point A to point B. Who do you think will get there first? I know, because my cat is rigged with one! Youll definitely be looking at my Merc when I pass your quieter Hammer. So make up your mind. Do you want to be first? Or do you want to slip in a quieter second? GlynnLast edited by NELA COUGAR on July 30th, 2008, 6:22 am, edited 1 time in total.
Glynn some of what you said may be true but buy what you can have serviced and worked on. What does your local dealer sell? That would make my mind up. And by the way there is not a huge difference in performance as some on here lead you to believe. Look at some of the Bass and Walleye Magazine tests. Personally I think Yamaha is more reliable. Just my opinion. I have run MK trolling motors on my last 5 boats and recently went to a Motorguide. MK quieter but I do like the compact design of the Motorguide and it feels like it has more power. Have not looked at the new Minn Kota. They are supposed to be improved.
I have noticed that the resale value of boats with Mercs are allways higher than with the other brands.I have had 3 Basscats with Mercs with no problems at all .
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