Re: 150 Verado or Optimax
You don't need any more room in your boat for a OPTI or Verado.The OPTI uses the same size oil tank that is in the boat already.As the servicing goes,you change the oil and filter on the Verado just like any other 4 stroke and everything else is the same.On the OPTI you will need to upgrade to a monitor or smartcraft gauges and a new ignition harness but you can use your same throtle shift control .The Verado you will need to Mercury's DTS control (digital throttle / shift) and their steering(basic hydraulic or power)so the rigging costs goes up.As the OPTI goes It's proven and been out for a few years now ,the Verado has only been out a short time but I can tell you I've heard no complaints with the 135 to 175 L-4's.The larger L-6's had a few issues at the start but but most have been worked out.The biggest complaint is the weight and the rigging costs.As for service work all new engines ,Etech,Verado,Opti,EFI 4stroke , require special service tools(ie:laptop computer)to diagnose, the days of the backyard fix are gone.<br />The weight diff. is about 50-60 lbs between the OPTI and the Verado.
