Optimax vs 4-Stroke

[springbok]

I'm buying a new 16' Crestliner Fish Hawk in the spring.
I'm trying to decide between a 75hp Optimax and a 75hp 4-stroke.
I'm really leaning towards the Optimax, as I know the performance is better from hole shot to top end and the fuel economy is basically the same as a 4-stroke.
The only question I have is the longevity of the Optimax vs the 4-stroke. I know from experience, with high performance 2-stroke snowmobile engines if you drive them hard all the time you can expect to rebuild the engine every 6-8 thousand miles. Should I expect the same from a high performance 2-stroke outboard? Is the Optimax considered a high performance motor?

Thanks in advance,
Any input is appreciated.

Paul

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Optimax vs 4-Stroke

You are not comparing apples to apples when talking about snowmobiles and outboards. There are two stroke outboards in regular use that are 30, 40, 50 and even 60 years old that have never been rebuilt. If one considers 50 hours of use per year which is sort of an industry average number here in the tundra, and considering that the average speed of those engines might be in the 20 MPH range, that's 1000 miles/year. So you have anywhere from 30,000 to 60,000 miles with no overhaul. Yes, some go far less. People kill engines, they don't just die.

 

[springbok]

Re: Optimax vs 4-Stroke

So basically you're saying that a snowmobile engine under goes a lot more stress thus wear and tear due to the fact that they are higher performance engines, correct? I know the max rpm for the 75hp Optimax is apx 5500 where as my sled max rpm is over 8000rpm.... That alone would tell me that the sled engine must be higher performance??

Paul

 

[alana]

Re: Optimax vs 4-Stroke

see my post ( goodbye mariner ) and go for the 2stoke

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Optimax vs 4-Stroke

You are correct. The sled engine is in a higher state of tune than the standard outboard. Outboards are tuned for a compromise between performance, reliability and longevity as they must propel a boat far from shore. Most folks can't swim that far whereas one can walk if the sled breaks down. And unlike a sled, they also have no transmission so they essentially run in high gear all the time.