merc 115 opti or 115 4 stroke for 2012 lowe 175 Fish and ski. first time boat buyer.

[KP1959]

Hi all,

First time boat buyer here. Purchasing 2012 Lowe FS175. Will be doing lots of fishing and skiing. Have been reading lots of info on both outboards. I am leaning towards the 2 stroke opti because of the hole shot for skiing but I'm not sure. I have read that the 115opti has had coil problems in the past and is not that reliable. Is the hole shot that bad on the 4 stroke? Will I be able to pull up a 200lb skier with the 4 stroke. Thanks in advance for your advice!

KP1959

 

[timdan94]

Re: merc 115 opti or 115 4 stroke for 2012 lowe 175 Fish and ski. first time boat buy

I have a 2010 crestliner superhawk 1700 with a 2008 merc 4strk efi and I have to go with a 4 blade 15 pitch prop to ski with it. it works great for skiing and tubing with the prop change. I like the 4strk because it is quiet and good on gas.

 

[Philster]

Re: merc 115 opti or 115 4 stroke for 2012 lowe 175 Fish and ski. first time boat buy

Newer Optis have proven rock solid. Opti's light up fast. A 4-stroker of the same peak HP is a total boring snoozer at every other RPM

Instant throttle response and power on demand. Fuel efficient and reliable. I have both 4 and 2-strokers (see my signature). If my little boat had better snap, I'd enjoy it more.