Motor advice?

[L Storch]

I am gonna take the plunge and order a new ranger 618. But I have a motor dilemmma. I am trying to decide between the 125 Carb Merc, 135 Opti or 150 EFI. Price is a consideration, but I don't want to rob my pocketbook too hard either. Any suggestions?

[ProV]

L Storch
Go with a Ficht.You get 7 dollars a horse back or a 7 year warranty.Rigged Bombardier Motors for 2 years now and have not had one come back.Great Motor

[Mark_AZ]

I have a 96 Force/Merc 120hp. It is carburated AND oil premix. It is my first motor and I love it! It is reliable in the hot AZ climate, it is simple to work on, and parts are cheap (relatively speaking).

However, I've never had an EFI or Opti... So I don't know what I'm missing out on. Kinda like when I was 16 years old and drove a 25 year old truck and loved it. Once I got a new truck I could never drive an old clunker again.

Its a tough choice. I'd lean towards the higher hp because I like to go fast. IMO if you take good care of your boat there will always be someone willing to buy it regardless of the type of engine.

I know I sound like a contradictory hypocrite... but you asked:)

[1fife]

efi
-dependable

[Dutchman]

In comparison of those outboards the 125 is an inline 4 cylinder very reliable, but they like to make a oil mess in the splashwell, directly under the engine. The Opti is going to be the best fuel economy and also the most environmentally friendly. The best buy would be the 150 EFI, more ponys = more speed and probly about the same price as the Opti. If it where my choice I'd be bolting the 150 EFI on. Just my 2 cents worth.....



" Fishing is the pursuit of what is elusive but attainable, a perpetual series of occasions for hope "

[Walleye Guy]

In my opinion, the Ranger 618 would "FLY" with a 150 Opti. I really like my Opti, but on a lighter boat like the 618, I'd seriously consider an Evinrude because of the 7 year warranty.

[johnp034]

In my opinion, I wouldn't own a Carbed Merc. for all the tea in China, of course if you ask ten boat nuts, you'll get ten different opinions. My 150 carbed Merc runs like garbage, gets lousy mpg's, and won't get out of its own way. Never owned an EFI, so can't comment on them. I'd buy the Fitch or a Yammie. I'll bet that 130hp Honda 4-stroke would also be a sweet combo on that boat!

Johnp034

[Dodge1]

I went through the exact same question you’re asking 2 years ago for my Skeeter and here’s what I found.

The Opti 135 and the 150 efi are within a couple of dollars of each other and are great engines but the 125 is priced ~ $2,800.00 under either of those motors.

Having owned a Merc 100hp for 10 years, I knew the 125 would be somewhat cold blooded, not as fuel efficient and make a mess in my splash well. However, $2,800.00 is $2,800.00 is $2,800.00.

The other point is weight. The 135 Opti weighs 443 lbs, the 150 efi weighs 416 lbs but the 125 weighs 347lbs.

Did I mention you can save almost $2,800.00 ;)

FYI – I bought my 125 online from these folks http://www.outboardsales.com/ and the money I saved by not having to pay sales tax, more then paid for the shipping. My local Merc dealer was happy to have the motor shipped to his dealership and honor the Merc warranty; after I mentioned I’d be willing to pay him an extra $200.00.

[fishhunter]

If the 135 and the 150 are close in price I would go with the 135opti going to be a lot easier to get rid of when the time comes.

[t.o.]

Given an unlimited budget I would go with a Yammy V-Max 150 hpdi or efi in a two stroke and a Suki 140 in a four stroke. I am not much for BLACK but given the choices you gave I would buy the EFI for it's dependability and past performance. I ordered a 150 V-Max carb. for my 618 and am very happy with it so far. Your decision depends heavily on how much you run on the water, how much you troll, local lake regulations, and of course your pocket book. So without all that info. we can only offer basic suggestions. Good luck.

[Box]

We almost bought the 125 when we did, but upped it to the 150efi. Bullet proof motor, very strong and reliable. I would not rule out the Opti 135, just depends on money. One thing, if you go with lower HP you WILL wonder what a bit higher HP will get you later in the boats life. Trust me ;) We could have gone 175, but didnt. 150 is more than enough, but we still wonder...

We don't regret the efi at all.

-Box

[Mariner]

I have 150 E.F.I. MERC.it runs strong and it like it that way

[eye4aneye]

I've got a 125 Merc that I've run for three seasons. My fishing partners each have 125's that they've run some really unbelievable hours. I'm talking 200 plus days a year on the water and a whole bunch of backtrolling (Warrior tiller boats) and forward trolling for 6 seasons. For a carburated motor, they are tops in reliability. I don't know where that "oil mess in the splashwell" thing comes from, I've never seen it in my or my friend's boats.

If I had to choose between the 135 Opti and the 150 efi, I would have to consider fuel consumption. Reliabilitywise, the 135 Opti has a much better reputation than the bigger opti's so it's probably a wash between the efi and the 135 opti. Power wise the 150 gives you a little more but at a big fuel cost so fuel is the biggest difference.

[Musky3]

I am buying a 618 with a Johnson(Suzuki)140 4 stroke...great reviews on this motor,I hope I get 50mph with this setup

[Heiz]

I would go with the 135Opti. These motors start with the turn of the key, and save fuel. I'm not positive but with the 618 you could probably use it trolling crankbaits most of the time. That would not be possible with the other two motors. If you are getting a kicker, that wouldn't be an issue. I've ran two Opti's and would be hard pressed to run anything else.

[Husky]

I would forego the 125 and move up to the v6 blocks. The extra torque and low end power will make the boat more manuverable while going through rough water.

As for the 135 Opti vs 150 EFI it is a decision of personal choice.

Both are based on the 2.5 liter block. The 135 Opti is actually somewhat under rated. In tests by Bass and Walleye Boat mag, it has been dyno'd at 143 hp. The 150 EFI's have come in at about 162 hp in some of the same magazines tests. This difference would probably only mean at best, one or 2 miles per hour topend between the two motors.

Think of resale value. With all the EPA regulations coming into effect, a "green" motor will probably be more desirable, and maintain value better. The Opti wins out here.

As far as reliability goes, the EFI is well proven and very dependable. The Large block Opti's have had their share of tough times, while the 135 Opti has not been affected to anywhere near that degree. Opti's are more complex and out of pocket repair costs, if needed, are likely to be higher. But then again, if neither engine needs any major work?--not a problem.

Basically you have to get what works for your personal situation.
My personal choice would be the 150 EFI, only because its more powerfull and cheaper to maintain and repair (I'm keeping mine for a loong time, at least my wife tells me that!)

Regards,


Husky