After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

[Rodrunner]

Well fellas, I've read till my eyes burn and still cant decide wether to go with the optimax 150 or the E-tec 150. Sounds like the optimax is a little more complex with the extra parts (ie belt driven compresser and additional components, changing plugs yearly, extra filters) I have to wonder if some of this is hyped up because other threads stated opti and E-tec are very comparible. Problem for me is I dont hear any details on the E-tec other than "you dont have to service it for three years" So please lay your thoughts on me as to which is the better motor for my buck. Also the closest E-tec is 450 miles away as a package deal. I can get an optimax right hear in town on a new 18'6" fisher hawk186 sport loaded for 28,000 even. Thanks so much for your replys.they are greatly appreciated.

 

[al_e._gator]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Also the closest E-tec is 450 miles away as a package deal. I can get an optimax right hear in town on a new 18'6" fisher hawk186 sport loaded for 28,000 even.

There's your answer right there. I'm an E-tec guy but I won't buy anything that I can't get serviced locally. Buy the Mercury.

 

[JB]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

What Al e gator said.

I think the E-tec is a better engine, but the Opti is a good engine and it is where you are and can be serviced there.

 

[Major Woods]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

I have the e-tec and like it a lot.
At 450 miles away from a dealer the choice is easy, get the Merc.

 

[Laddies]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

The are both warmed over models of prior models and much improve apparently E-rude thought that Ficht had such a poor name they simply changed the name. Any engine is only as good as the servicing dealer and to think that you could service either is a dream. Lubrication and filters maybe ever thing else is simply a dealers job. Buy the one that you are most comfortable with, to me 450 miles to the dealer is no comfort.

 

[JB]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

"apparently E-rude thought that Ficht had such a poor name they simply changed the name."

I don't think so, Laddies. At the very least they re-engineered it.

 

[Laddies]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

I said both systems were improved just That BRP felt the need to change the name of a system that they and the now defunct OMC have owned the major interest in for some time.

 

[JB]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Well, I sure agree that they needed a different name. The word, FICHT had become an expletive.

 

[Bigprairie1]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Well, I sure agree that they needed a different name. The word, FICHT had become an expletive.

What was the issue with the FICHT motors? I often see them for sale.
BP

 

[Captain Paul]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Just wondering, why didn't you like the Yamaha Vmax HPDI? That comes in a 150. Or how about Suzuki? Again, just wondering?

 

[JB]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

"What was the issue with the FICHT motors? I often see them for sale."

The V4 engines were okay, BP, but the V6s, particularly the 175 & 200 blew up.

My son in law had two 1997 FICHT 150s bite the dust in just a few months. He went to a carbed 150 and it is still humming.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Rodrunner,

What part of the U.S. is 450 miles from an Evinrude dealer?

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

I prefer the e-tec but as said several times above this post, if you do not have a dealership for that distance then there is no choice but to go with the optimax

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Well,
I chose the Optimax 150 for my boat. I love the motor, and it is a real screamer with fantastic hole shots. if you stay up with the maintenance, you will love this motor.

 

[Rodrunner]

Re: After lots of research,still torn,optimax or E-tec 150???

Thanks guys..I'm going withthe optimax.