carburated vs optimax or hpdi

[Terry]

Was wondering how much better the Merc Opitmax or Yamaha HPDI is on fuel compared to the carburated motors in the 150 horsepower class. I have heard that the carburated engines need the carbs adjusted often. I really don't have the money for the optimax or hpdi. Thank you.

[Todd_NE]

Best source on actual MPG would be Bass & Walleye Boats, they've had articles to that effect.

Another way to look at is something my dealer sponsor asks me to tell consumers. That is, he feels strongly that unless the consumer has extra money to spend there is a threshold of around 50 hours of use/year before the Opti's start to pay for themselves. Belive it or not, that is a LOT of hours for most people. Carb motors have came a long way, get what you can afford and don't feel like you are buying a bad engine if it's carbereuted. Another option is EFI.

Certainly Opti's and EFI motors have many intangibles (starting, pollution, fuel consumption, etc) that also increase their value in my opinion. It comes down to what you value most in a motor.

Contrary to popular board opinion at times, I think it is very difficult to buy a bad motor from any manufacturer, not withstanding some isolated instances in the overall scheme of things.

Todd

[Al]

You can run the numbers. They say that the DFI's are 30% better on fuel or more. It takes one heck of a long time to make the 2-3 thousand dollar premium pay off. Even with gas prices where they are.

[Mr. Pike 17]

Al, you are right about the fuel savings. I'm convinced that the fuel savings on my Opti are more than 30%, but actual payoff does take time to make up the $3000 extra I paid. However, as Todd said, the intangibles are what I really wanted. I wanted an engine that wouldn't cough and sputter at idle like most carbed 2 strokes. I wanted instant throttle response. I wanted a quieter and virtually smoke-free engine. Those things combined sold me on the DFI.

[TJ]

Another factor to consider is the added value of an Optimax or HPDI when you sell your rig in the future. The absolute reliability of my 150 opti with no smoke, instant starting, excellent fuel economy and instant throttle response will make my rig more desirable when I trade it in or sell it in the future. It is something to think about.

[Smitty]

The fuel economy is pretty dramatic from my experience. As an example, this year during our Erie trip my 1800 Fisherman w/ 135 Opti burned 20 gallons of gas compared to 25 gallons for my uncle with his 1700 Pro Sport w/ carbed 90HP Evinrude. While some of that may be IPS, etc I assume most is due to the DFI.

But, as others have already said unless you fish a LOT it will take a long time to account for the price difference in motors. Like others, I bought mine because of the effortless starts, smooth running, etc.

If money is a question, maybe you can split the difference and go with Merc's EFI?

Good luck.

[Jeff]

I'm with Smitty.

I just bought a 150 Optimax and love everything about the motor. But if I wouldn't have had the extra money I certainly would have went with the EFI.

Right now we own the 150 Optimax and a 225 Yamaha with carbs. The 225 smokes and sputters. Is kind of tricky to start after it has been sitting for a few weeks. When you start it you have to run the choke and the throttle to keep it running.

Where as the 150 you just hit the key and all is well. I would assume the efi model would start in a similar manor.