Ranger 1850 Reata with 150 Etec or Optimax

[oly67]

I am looking around on the internet trying to get a deal on a leftover Reata 1850. My first choice for an engine would be a Etec but I am finding a couple with an Optimax's that will be 3000-4000 bucks cheaper than the Etec. It is not necessarily that the motor is that much cheaper, it is that the Opti's are at dealers that want to move their boats worse. I am putting the same equipment on each boat. I am having a hard time finding a reason to pay that much more. I know the Etech has less moving parts, easier to winterize, maybe quieter. Anything else I should know? I am wondering if the holeshot and top speed are similar. Also oil and gas useage. Thanks.

[cc-rider]

Optis are strong motors...so are etecs. I have an etec and I love it and will encourage anyone to buy one....but I'm not going to tell you it is tremendously better than an opti. You can research these until you are blue in the face and learn what the differences are. The only substantial difference is the ETEC is quieter and supposedly requires less maintenence. It also has some nice features like self-winterization. Power, fuel consumption and oil consumption will be the same.

$3000-$4000 is a big difference. I think I paid $1500 more for my etec which I was willing to do, but you might want to go with the opti.

Either way, your going to be tickled pink that that boat and either of those motors. Excellent choice. I am still in love with my boat 3 years later....

[maidsrone]

I was lookig at that to,someone suggested that not all dealers are qualified to work on the etec?
I think resale is better on a merc. but those etec s are sweet.

[lundeepv]

I have a Reata 186 with the 150 Opti on it and love it!! The Opti is a strong motor and has a real nice growl to it. I have not been near an Etec but would consider it if the price was equal or close when I bought my boat last spring.

[B-lou]

I have owned both Etec and Opti both are great engines with a few small differences the biggest difference is in the noise level with the merc being louder.....if I was going to buy another boat with that big of a price difference and noise not being an issue than I would go with the opti.....if price is not an issue and you need a big holeshot but not the big top speed go with the etec...JMHO...B-lou

[FWW]

One thing to consider is that the Merc Optimax small block engines ( 135, 150 & 175 ) have been proven very reliable for over a decade. I have owned Optimax engines since 1999 and never had a hiccup or a stall in all those years. Like any engine, a responsible owner will use quality oil & fuel and maintain the engine according to the manual. If you do that the Optimax will prove to be an excellent choice.

[BW]

I love my etec. I thought about putting merc's on the boat, but was not thrilled with the pro kicker vs. a T8. The opti's are good motors from what I have hear. I just like the ease of maintenance and winterization on my etec. Also almost as quiet as the four strokes. I don't know how you figure they have better resale? Yes, they are on more boats and are cheaper in initial price, but I don't believe the resale comment one bit!!! Personally, from what I have witnessed on our own classifieds, the Ranger's with Evinrudes on them go pretty fast too!!!! If you can find a dealer who is selling them that much cheaper, go with the opti and put a kicker on it for the extra money!!! You will love the boat!!!

[coopason]

If price doesn't concern you go with the E-TEC. I was in this dilema back in 07 when I had to figure out which motor I wanted for my angler 1860. I went with the black,silver and a little burgundy color scheme. After plenty of reading on both merc and E-tec and discussions with my dealer, I went 175 opti and the 9.9 pro kicker for the price of just the 175 e-tech. Took that 2500 dollars It would of cost for the t-8 kicker and bought my trolling gear. I like the way the mercs and the color scheme of the boat looks, and very satisified with both motors. that 2500 dollars does go far when your rigging a boat for 6 rods. (trollmaster,rodholders,lowrance 8300 chartplotter, rods reels,etc,etc)

Either motor will be fine but it just seems hard to turn down that much in savings, verses a little less maintenance when it's time to winterize.

Coop