etec 150 vs optimax 150
 

So, an '07 eTec 150 just popped up for $8500 with prop only and 3yr warranty. Also, there is still available an '06 optimax 150 for $8500(no prop/controls) and 3yrs warranty. Spares made a good point how it is expensive to repair the optimax. What I'm wondering is what about the eTec? Arguments were made for the Yamaha 150 2stroke but I don't like the idea of the 2-stroke because I'm a little concerned about the range I would have. The DF140 seems like a good motor but I think only a 2010 model is only available so I'm estimating around $11k installed. Man, I sound like a broken record with this repowering issue. :( What do you guys think about the etec over the optimax?

Both are good engines so long as they are under warranty, but out of warranty they are BOTh expensive. The OPTIS have the air pump along with an electric fuel pump and then 2 injectors per cylinder for the air and fuel. The ETEC uses 6 injectors and an alectric fuel pump, but it uses ALOT more electricity to fire the injectors which is one of the main downfalls of the FICHTS. The OPTI uses high pressure air to shoot the fuel into the combustion chamber whereas the ETEC uses an electric solonoid to do it. It's really a toss up either way to me as I wouldn't want either of them out of warranty.

If the 06 is a NOS model wouldn't they cover it under the Mercury promotion going on where you get 5 years?

Thanks Ferm. Do you have an opinion on the DF140...reliability and out-of-warranty? If I could get a 200mile range with the Yamaha 150txr, then I think I could be happy with that; I have a 60gal fuel tank.

The 140 SUZUKI is a great engine as well. It isn't regarded as powerful though for a 140 as it is the same basic engine as the 90 and 115HP. Still more than enough for a V-20 as RM is very happy with his and says he gets about 5 MPG out of it. The YAMAHA 150 carbed 2 stroke is a pretty much legendary engine like that of the 150 JOHNNY-RUDES from the 90's. It is actually decent on fuel for a carbed 2 stroke and is about as reliable as one can be. Also it is a low maintence engine that is easy to work on.

With the local optimax that's for sale, I went to the extent of calling a dealership to see what the deal was with the warranty but they needed the serial number. I didn't follow up with it after reading what Spares said about the optimax and the cost involved with repairing it.

as far as parts for the opti vs the e-tec once its out of waranty, there are some aftermarket stuff available for the Opti power head, I'm not aware of anything available for the e-tec. I'm still a little scared of the e-tec, although they are great performing engines and are earing a good reputation. If it were me(and I didn't work on boats for a living) and it was between the opti and e-tec, I'd make my decision on my local dealers, which one and how many of them are going to take care of my motor when I need it done, and do a good job. It changes from area to area, around here, ther are 10-12 dealers and shops that do good work on Yamahas, 5-6 that do good work on Merc's, Two that work on e-tecs. I know where I'll have a better choice of service adn parts when(if) I need it. I still think the 150 Yamaha 2 stroke is the way to go. the Suzukis don't have the good rep they once held in this area(corrosion and high parts price), but they are good running engines. I'd check out some boat manufactures, if there are any sitting on loose motors, they would probably make you a deal.

BTW, be carefull of the NOS engines when titleing. SC requires a title on the engine. All the motor manufactures have stopped using a year model designation and only using a serial number and model number to distinguish them, it was supposed to keep dealers from having to sell new engines as non current inventory. Some dealers are selling older motors as NOS, but giving them current year title when sold(in service date), the year model is still set by the production date(day it was assembled), not by the manufactures "year model" or series. The epa sets the year model for certification on emisions. Titleing an older motor as current can get a dealer in a bunch of trouble from falsifying a title to violation of epa laws. Giving an older motor a new title can effect the loan value and be cosidered fraud by the banks. If the production date is 09, then its an 09, if the production date is 06, and its being sold as an 09, then it fraud. this is new teritory for the dealers and a lot of them are not intentionally doing wrong, they just don't know any different

I wouldnt' mind going the Yamaha 150 2-stroke route, but I'm just concerned at the range I'll have. If this motor gets 2.5mpg(which I have no idea what real life numbers it gets), then I'll have a range of about 150 miles(60gals). The other motors are getting something like 4mpg, so that'll put the range at 240 miles. I know with my old '88 150 Black Max, I went out 30 miles, cruised around a bit looking for fish, then headed on in with just a slight detour(may be 10 miles total). Total miles was approx. 80 miles+/-. Imo, I didn't do a lot of cruising/fishing. When I got to the dock I had less than 1/4 tank left. May be the Black Max was old and tired and that's why it used a lot of fuel.

Just search for trained service dealers and here's what I found:

2 Evinrude

2 Yamaha

12 Mercury

I'm not a big fan of them, but have you priced a verado?

All 3 motors you mention are 2 strokes...