View Full Version : Anyone run a 115 Optimax yet?
Cougar Guy
08-07-2003, 07:37 PM
Just curious if any of you have had a chance to try out this new engine and what your impressions are. I'll likely be buying either a 1700 Prosport or 1700 Fisherman in the near future and was considering the 115 Opti if I went the Prosport route. How do you think it would compare to a 115 4 Stroke? I'll likely get a kicker on either boat so it would used primarily for running. I guess the Smartcraft guages with the Opti are another plus.
I had the opportunity to test drive an 1890 XST Warrior Back Troller with this motor in a tiller model. AWSOME performance. It was much quieter than the 6 cylinder Optimax motors. This thing had a great hole shot, and was FAST. It is obviously a bit louder than a 4 stroke, but with that kind of performance....I'm gettin' one!!!
Cougar Guy
08-08-2003, 06:25 PM
Hey RG,
I was thinking that the fuel economy would probably be similar to the 4 Stroke and the performance would probably be better. I can't really think of a downside which is why I was interested.
Sounds like a definite option!
upnorttj.
08-08-2003, 07:08 PM
What is the boat rated for? A 115 may work ok on a 17 foot boat but after you load it down with all your gear you may wish you had gone bigger. It sounds a bit small for a 18 foot boat which I beleive is rated for somthing in the 150 range.
Cougar Guy
08-08-2003, 08:53 PM
The 1700 Prosport is rated for 115 max so I think it would work well on that application. You are right about the 1700 Fisherman, it is rated for a 150. If I go Fisherman route, I'd lean towards the new to be released 150 Honda or a 150 Optimax. Either way I'd want to max out the hp. Just not sure if I want to step up to the Fisherman. I imagine that 150 puts you into a whole other class as far as operating costs and whatnot.
southdakbearfan
08-10-2003, 10:20 PM
Check with other owners on the performance with the particular HP motor you are looking at. My father bought a 18' Sylvan and the dealer told him to go with the 150 opti. After much debate he went with a 115 2-stoke, which gets him 44 mph with 3 people and gear fully loaded. My uncle bought the same boat, but with the 150 opti, which gets 54, for that 10 mph difference, which really isn't needed, my uncle spent a ton more money, $4000 to $5000, not sure, which pays for an awful lot of equipment, electronics, and gas, not to mention interest if you are borrowing for the boat. I have seen the 17' fisherman with a 115 4-stroke yamaha, and the performance seems pretty good. Sure, the speed and performance will be better, but unless you are a pro or a guide, do you really need it. Just my two cents.