Outboard type selection

[rbruce63]

I am considering a 17 footer center console from Brunswick. The choice of engines are: Optimax 90, Four Stroke EFI and Two stroke classic (still available in 2005 models). Which would be your choice?

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard type selection

Well, I have a prejudice against Brunswick, which includes never buying or using a Mercury outboard, but that's all it is. . .a prejudice.

Of those choices I think the EFI 4 stroke is the hands down choice.

Too bad you can't buy an E-tec on a brunswick boat.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Outboard type selection

I am with JB
out of the black anchor selections you give the only one I would have would be the EFI four stroke.
personal choice would be a two stroke 90 yamaha.

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Outboard type selection

JB:

What made you prejudiced against Mercury engines?

Indeed, it's a sorrow having to buy ETEC boat without favorite E-TEC, it's my favourite motor type also.

Both dealerships are great in Costa Rica, where I live.
Optimaxes
The Mercury dealer has not imported Optimaxes as EFIs as two stroke classics and Evinrude stroke EFI's. ETECs

However, the Evinrude dealer is pushing E-TEC's at wide open throttle. XD50

It is odd XD100 they only sell XD-50 oil for these reprogam instead of the XD-100. commit the issue is having to "reprogam" the EM and having to committ RBruce63 carrying this oil for all the converted motors!

Regards,

RBruce63

 

[machicj]

Re: Outboard type selection

I am considering a 17 footer center console from Brunswick. The choice of engines are: Optimax 90, Four Stroke EFI and Two stroke classic (still available in 2005 models). Which would be your choice?

i just went though the same senario. i ordered the efi 4 stroke.

 

[JB]

Re: Outboard type selection

Part of my prejudice is over 50 years old, RBruce. My second outboard was a green Merc 5 (I think) that was cantankerous and noisy. I traded it for a Johnny 3 and have been a fan of JohnnyRudes since.

The main part of my prejudice is not against Mercs as much as it is against Brunswick for their arrogant marketing practices. They use their large range of boat brands to try to shut out better engines made by companies that don't own 20 boat brands. That part is so strong that I wouldn't buy a new Boston Whaler because I couldn't buy it rigged with Suzuki or E-Tec.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Outboard type selection

Part of my prejudice is over 50 years old, RBruce. My second outboard was a green Merc 5 (I think) that was cantankerous and noisy. I traded it for a Johnny 3 and have been a fan of JohnnyRudes since.

The main part of my prejudice is not against Mercs as much as it is against Brunswick for their arrogant marketing practices. They use their large range of boat brands to try to shut out better engines made by companies that don't own 20 boat brands. That part is so strong that I wouldn't buy a new Boston Whaler because I couldn't buy it rigged with Suzuki or E-Tec.

JB,
I completely understand and agree with your beef about Brunswick's size & practices.

I've bought two Mercs in the last 3 years. Although I considered Johnson and other brands, what it came down to in the end was pure economics- the Mercury's were priced substantially lower than comparable models in other brands. And this after a lifetime of running Johnsons & Evinrudes. I felt like a traitor almost, but so far am satisfied with the engines.

Maybe next time, something else!

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Outboard type selection

JB:

That arrogance on the part of Brunswick could be construed as monopolistic behavior, being a liberal these days is hard...

However, based on pure economics like Lakelover's would it make more sense to own then the Classic two stroke? It's a $1,500 difference, imagine in gas money that amount! Also, these mid horsepower (low by today standards of 250 and more HP outboards) come with oil injection which reduces the fumes in the exhaust.

JB, I'm a fan of E-TEC also. But I believe that they have had some issues with the fuel-air mapping of their computer's in very cold and very hot operating conditions. These, have been of course repaired under warranty.

Regards,

RBruce63

 

[rbruce63]

Re: Outboard type selection

Which makes of boats are equiped with the E-TEC range of motors in the center console class and within 17' to 19'?

I did a search in Evinrude website and Google to no avail!

Regards,

RBruce63

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Outboard type selection

The classic is your best choice in terms of realibility and ease of service for your area. Less complicated systems will result in more water time. In terms of performance the Opitbomb has the edge over the 4-stk EFI, while the EFI has the edge in terms of realibility over the "Black Wonder".

 

[Bwalker]

Re: Outboard type selection

FWIW the "optibombs" have been performing good for several years now. Seems the bugs have been worked out.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Outboard type selection

i would by what i want. buy the boats and take it to the evinrude dealer. of course when it comes to warranties there are going to blame each other. it's my money and my boat.damn it.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Outboard type selection

"Optibomb's" are fairly reliable today. Redesign of the fuel rails and injectors helped a lot. But, of the three types of Mercury's that Rbruce63 is considering, it is the one with the greater chance of a non-consumer assisted failure. I would trust one in the U.S. , but in a 3rd world environment it would be a little too modern to assure trained, up to date service techs. d