Opti vs. EFI

This topic has 9 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 18 years, 3 months ago by mocatt.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

Author

Posts
March 17, 2008 at 2:06 am #326206

kdaves
Participant

Hey Guys, Considering the price difference between an opti and an efi are you really gaining anything? If you are just an average fisherman only fishing 25 to 30 times a year would it pay off to go with the opti? Is one a better performing engine over the other?

March 17, 2008 at 2:08 am #326232

PhilAddison
Participant

Depends on how long you keep the boat, but yes, the higher the fuel cost, the quicker it pays for itself. In addition, resale value will be better w/ the Opti.

March 17, 2008 at 3:04 am #326253

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Phil is right about resale. And it also depends not only on how long you plan to keep the boat, but what size of water, lakes or rivers, that you are fishing. If you only fish small lakes, say 8-10,000 acres, then wont make much, if any difference. Fishing large lakes or rivers can make a big difference. There, the Opti truely shines. How you run your engine also makes a difference. Both engines use fuel at wide open throttle, the Opti slightly less than the EFI. The EFI are becoming extinct like the dinosaurs. But like the dinosaurs, in their prime they ruled.. I have an EFI and have learned for recreational fishing, to plan ahead of where I want to fish, the area that I plan to be around and tow my boat to the nearest ramps where I intend to concentrate my fishing. Towing an extra 5-15 miles can save a lot of gas over trying to get there by water….Good Luck!96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner

March 17, 2008 at 12:27 pm #326271

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

If you keep your rig three years, then yes it is a value benefit and you gain a year of warranty. It used to be three to five years, and now three or less, depending on how many hours a year that you run.

March 17, 2008 at 4:11 pm #326288

MOUNTAIN CAT
Participant

I went with the Opti. One of the things to consider is the oil consumption. I did considerable research before I bought mine. The oil injection ratio on the efi is approx 50 to 1 idling or at WOT. This can cause the engine to “load” up if idled for a very long period of time and can cause fouling of the plugs. The Opti oil injection rate at idle is extremely low and increases as you increase throttle. Even at WOT the rate is greater than 50 to 1. I forget the exact ratios but you can find out on the Mercury website. Something else to consider. Martin

March 17, 2008 at 8:20 pm #326311

Tideman
Participant

NOW THATS FUNNY……ESPECIALLY IN THE HATTIESBURG AREA……YALL R VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE WHAT YOU HAVE.. SHOOT I BET YOUR STATES EVEN STOCK…. SO DOES MISSISSIPPI,,,,,,,,,,IN THE SPRING…. ROBIN

March 17, 2008 at 8:28 pm #326324

jignpig
Participant

Tideman wrote: NOW THATS FUNNY……ESPECIALLY IN THE HATTIESBURG AREA……YALL R VERY FORTUNATE TO HAVE WHAT YOU HAVE.. SHOOT I BET YOUR STATES EVEN STOCK…. SO DOES MISSISSIPPI,,,,,,,,,,IN THE SPRING…. ROBIN I SUPPOSE THAT IS A GOLF COURSE POND OR AN OLD OXBOW OFF THE RIVER ON YOUR SIDE, RIGHT?96 Eyra/12 Mercury 175 Pro XS with 2015 single axle trailer2017 Victory Gunner

March 18, 2008 at 2:01 am #326340

basscat4life
Participant

i would go with thw efi. yes its a old school engine, but it has proved that it is a strong runner. its a it bit heaver on fuel, but cheper on oil, efi will use priume plus oil. and a opti will have to use dfi old watch is way more money,plust u never hear about that guys blowing up efi and the xr6 engines,

March 18, 2008 at 1:27 pm #326386

sabreski
Participant

kdaves, If I could go back and change my purchase, I would have bought the EFI. I have already missed some good fishing days because of part failure on my new opti. The EFI has less scheduled service too. basscat4life you only need to use mercury premium oil, premium plus is for proxs motors. Another plus is the EFIs sound much better at idle to mid range. I know the others are correct on resale, especially if you live in or close to a “green state” say California. Im pretty sure I saw a 4 year warranty on the EFI from Merc check their website. John

March 18, 2008 at 2:15 pm #326410

mocatt
Participant

I agree with Phil and BCB, but if youre talking only fuel economy, the Opti really shines in mid range rpms. At WOT they are very similar in comparsion with the Opti having a very slight edge. Most of the anglers I know have two speeds stop and WOT. This may change as fuel prices continue to rise and our economy continues to correct itself. If I was buying a new boat with the intention of reselling it in 12 to 24 months I would probably go with an Opti. If I was buying a used boat with with no warranty left on it I would lean toward an EFI. I like to look at the EFI as the old chevy 327. Takes a lick-en and keeps on tick en. Everything breaks and maintenance and consumer responsibility is must. Just my two cents for whats its worth. Glenn
Author

Posts

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login Register