Pulled the trigger

piperdriver · Jan 29, 2013

After much shopping and research we signed the papers on a 2012 Tracker Targa V-18WT. It has the Mercury Optimax 150.
Should be able to pick it up on Saturday. This will be my first new boat/motor. After working on what ever I owned more than enjoying it, we thought that it was time to enjoy and not have to work as much. Some routine maintenance and many years of enjoyment should be had by all.

While I'm here let me ask opinions on the Optimax VS. Evinrude E-Tech. Which is better?

DON'T ANSWER!!!! It's a trap. I just wanted to make a little humor. Undoubtedly someone will take the bait.

I guess I should ask which oil is best to run too?

If anyone has experience with this rig I would welcome hearing from you.

regards,
Steve

QC · Jan 29, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

Awesome!! Looks way cool and she should get with the program with a 150. Congratulations!

greenbush future · Jan 29, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

Very nice choice, I love etec's and low emissions, but that Merc is just fine, I run only synthetic in my etec. LOL have some fun, that merc will most likely run on veg. oil! and yes I have two of them too.

piperdriver · Jan 29, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

That's the one. We are very excited. We looked a lot of different manufacturers, and at the end of it all we thought that the Tracker Targa was the best Value.

There were different boats with more features that were more expensive, and probably worth it, however the Targa was the boat that presented itself with the best value for our dollar.

The 150 is the max HP. It was an easy decision to upgrade. In all me years of boating I have NEVER heard anyone say " You know, I just have too much HP. I wish I would have ordered that boat with a smaller motor." I'm sure that has been said by someone, but I have never heard it.

piperdriver · Jan 29, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

Greenbush,
Maker not withstanding, I have never owned a direct injected outboard. Are these Optimaxs as turn key as they advertise. Much like starting your car today. No choking, enrichening, just turn key and ECM meters fuel to start it and keep it running?

QC · Jan 29, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

Yep. Opti's and Etecs are both outstanding 2 cycles. Good on fuel, maintenance and emissions. Turn key. Go.

The Rooster · Jan 29, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

piperdriver said:
Greenbush,
Maker not withstanding, I have never owned a direct injected outboard. Are these Optimaxs as turn key as they advertise. Much like starting your car today. No choking, enrichening, just turn key and ECM meters fuel to start it and keep it running?

Congrats on the new rig. You should love the new 150 Optimax. Mercury has had the Di Optimax technology since about 1999 and any problems have long since been worked out. We've owned 3 different ones since 2005 and love them. Not the quietest outboard around, but not intrusive to us. Good luck !!!

tazrig · Jan 30, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

piperdriver said:
After much shopping and research we signed the papers on a 2012 Tracker Targa V-18WT. It has the Mercury Optimax 150.
Should be able to pick it up on Saturday. This will be my first new boat/motor. After working on what ever I owned more than enjoying it, we thought that it was time to enjoy and not have to work as much. Some routine maintenance and many years of enjoyment should be had by all.

While I'm here let me ask opinions on the Optimax VS. Evinrude E-Tech. Which is better?

DON'T ANSWER!!!! It's a trap. I just wanted to make a little humor. Undoubtedly someone will take the bait.

I guess I should ask which oil is best to run too?

If anyone has experience with this rig I would welcome hearing from you.

regards,
Steve

Congratulations! It's such an awesome difference going from repairing to using

Been there done that. Just be sure to break it in right and you'll have years of trouble free use from it!!!

piperdriver · Jan 30, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

Break in?? You mean other than wide open for the first tank of gas? Is there a different procedure?

You can bet your bottom dollar that I am going to follow the break in procedure to the "T". That blasted ECM will tell on me if I don't.
Too much invested not to do it right.

We are looking forward to being on the lake actually fishing instead of working on it.

tazrig · Jan 30, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

piperdriver said:
Break in?? You mean other than wide open for the first tank of gas? Is there a different procedure?

You can bet your bottom dollar that I am going to follow the break in procedure to the "T". That blasted ECM will tell on me if I don't.
Too much invested not to do it right.

We are looking forward to being on the lake actually fishing instead of working on it.

Don't laugh, I have known more than a few in my lifetime that beat the crap out of the engine from the gitgo and then complain when doesn't last very long. Enjoy the fishing!!!

piperdriver · Feb 4, 2013

Re: Pulled the trigger

Picked it up Saturday. With the 150 Optimax on the back it is an impressive ride. We have about 3 hours run time so far. We are being very careful about the break in and doing every thing by the book. It was quite windy yesterday and there were a fair amount of waves, but the Targa rode high and dry. Very impressive ride.