merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

[FNB]

I have a new 17' bowrider with a 2004 115 opti. The motor seems rough at low speeds and full out. mid range is smooth. The dealer has offred to look at the opti or trade for a new 2003 4 stroke.<br />Any thoughts?

 

[JRJ]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

I'd trade You'll like the 4-stroke.

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

The Opti is a new product. Might need a quirk or two ironed out. 4-strokes are partially Yamaha and they're feuding right now. Divorce sounds likely.

 

[imported_JD__]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

With the 115 Opti being a 3-cylinder it may never run real smooth. I changed from a 2 to 4-stroke early this year, no regrets whatsoever.<br />JD

 

[manitoba1]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

I know someone who has the 115 4 stroke and loves it. Go for it. Nice quiet engine and no more 2 stroke oil.

 

[FNB]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Thanks for the input. Any comments on hole shot or top speed? My son who is 12 likes speed.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

i already answered you on the OTHER post you mad, lease keep it all in one thread...<br /><br /> http://www.iboats.com/cgi-bin/ubb/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=29;t=013517

 

[tee-boy]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

The answer to the hole shot is "port the prop" on the 4stroke.

 

[FNB]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Tee-boy What is port the prop. Is this just finding the appropriate pitch ect.?

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

you really dont want one of those mercury/yamahas right now,,,,, as willy said, they arent getting along and yamaha is trying to rip off (raise prices) to merc for the four stroke powerheads. as with some of the other/ealier products that were made for merc by other companies, you cannot get parts anymore....<br /><br />be carefull what you do... it doesnt matter how good a 4stroke merc 115hp is if you cant get parts caused merc royaly pissed of yamahas parts people

 

[quantumleap]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Mike- I can guarantee you that part of their production agreement included providing replacement parts down the road for the merc version. Yamaha will have to honor that regardless of the outcome of the current situation.<br /><br />FNB- as I stated in your other post- Once you let the dealer try to fix the Opti, the offer to switch will be over and you be stuck with the Opti at whatever level of "fixed" the dealer feels is acceptable. <br />I would trade in a heartbeat. Nothing but good things I've heard about the Merc 4 stroke.

 

[JRJ]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

You will be able to get filters and parts from your favorite Merc and or Yam dealer for the 4-stroke no problem. If they are at all like Johnson/Suzuki the parts are the same. I dought Merc and Yamaha part company anyway.

 

[FNB]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Thanks for the info. My dealer has my boat now. <br />To my surprise he has made some adjustments, is willing to tke me for a water test and if I am not satisfied he is still willing to change to the four stroke.

 

[FNB]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Sorry for the two posts. I am newbie and was not sure where to post.

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

If it's any help FNB I have a 2003 115 4stroke Merc. on a 160 Boston Whaler Dauntless. I wouldn't trade it for the world. Well maybe the world. <br /><br />I really can't say enough good things about the engine. Great hole shot, sips gas, quiet, turn key instant start, no smoke... Well, you get the idea.

 

[FNB]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Just got home with my boat from the dealer. Went out on the water this morning with dealer, opti ran terrible. Dealer couldn't believe how rough. He took the boat back and I now have the four stroke. I will let you what I think. Right now I would not look at another 2004 3 cylinder opti. Maybe the larger optis are better. I will post Friday with results of the new motor.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

Good choice. It's good to hear that your dealer was willing to be helpful after the sale as well.

 

[FNB]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

New four stroke is very smooth and quiet especially at idle. Would like a litle better hole shot and top end. Any suggestions on props.<br />"Old Jarhead" what prop are you running? Anyone else? Otherwise so far so good. "Tee-boy" never explained port the prop

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

port the prop.....<br /><br />you drill a hole about 1/2" from the edge by the gear case, in between each blade, so a 3 blade prope would get 3 holes. drill them about 3/16" and if that makes no difference, enlarge the holes, one at a time, by 1/16" ata time till you get a difference...<br /><br />i did my 21p aluminum prop on my 115 mercury. i did 3/16" and left it like that. what this does is allow "controlled ventilation" by allowing some of the exhaust and backpressure out these holes before it can even get to the end if the prop , where it usually goes. by doing this, your motor is able to rev up faster from slow speeds or stand still take offs, but it has absolutley no effect on mid or top speeds, and you can still troll and cruise slowly with no noticable difference<br /><br />i have the official OMC service bulletin that outlines the entire process, email me if you want a copy<br /><br />now my 115 merc takes off like it has a 17p prop, but has the top speed of a 21p.... gotta love it!<br /><br />m ikey

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: merc 115 opti vs. merc 115 4 stroke

what the heck.... i hope i dont get sued... here goes

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