Repower: DF140 vs Opti 175 XS

[lmurtagh]

I need to repower my 1983 20' Mako. Currently has a 1986 135 hp Merc Black Max. I will be buying new.

To keep my weight close to the current Merc, my top choices are the Suzuki DF140 and the Optimax 175 Pro XS. Its a win-win compared to my current power plant, but I need some more info to make my decision. Or just tell me what you would do given the choice.

I know there are lots of 20' Makos out there with DF140s...do you ever wish you had more HP? I am more concerned with hole shot than top end.
I heard parts and regular service are more expensive on 4 strokes...is the difference significant?
I heard that Optis are loud (even compared to modern 2 strokes) but in the boat tests that I reviewed it was quieter than the DF140 in decibels. Any Opti owners care to comment?
Anyone heard of any problems with the Pro XS Optis?

 

[lmurtagh]

Re: Repower: DF140 vs Opti 175 XS

Come on! I am not asking for financial assistance here, just tell me what you would do if you had an old outboard and $10K to burn.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Repower: DF140 vs Opti 175 XS

Instant response is not a quality of this forum. We are all volunteers and unless one actually owns the boats you describe there is little more to add beyond what you already know. However, maintenance consists not only of parts but labor as well. there are considerably more parts in a four stroke motor so it stands to reason parts costs are higher. Therefore four strokes tend to be more labor intensive than two strokes. Beware of sound levels. Two identical engines on two different boats will exhibit different sound readings. Four stroke noise is also a "different" noise than a two stroke so what may appear quieter may not actually be what you think. Lastly, the 175 Opti is going to run away from the 140 Suzy on identical boats. That's not rocket science. The Suzy is down 35 HP. Your choice is to live with the lesser hole shot or go more power. At wide open throttle the Suzy is going to be more economical -- maybe. Remember, a big engine loafing can be as economical or more so than a smaller engine that must be run at near WOT just to stay on plane. As for durability, engines don't die -- their owners kill them. By the way -- I own a Suzy and it is a sweet motor. In your case, if those are the only two choices, and provided you are after optimum performance and all other things are not important, the Opti is your choice. Four strokes simply don't get out of the hole like a well set up two stroke and since that is a concern of yours, once again the Opti is the choice.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Repower: DF140 vs Opti 175 XS

If hole shot is your only concern, the Merc is probably your engine. If reliability is a major concern, I would go for the Suzuki in a heartbeat.

I hear nothing but good things about the Suzukis, while I hear lots of bad things about the Opti-Max engines.



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