Dilemma which engine to go for

Scoobysnax · 24 November 2007, 14:37

I am purchasing a 6 metre Humber Destroyer which can handle up to 150hp.There are variable boat/engine packages available and have attempted to do as much research as possible including reviewing these forums. My dilemma is excerbated when I get differing views from the Dealers and the main UK importer as well.
Requirements are reliabilty especially after being at idle for say 15 minutes - instant response is required incase I need to move quickly from an impending tricky situation, economical, quiet at idle. Top speed is not such a criticality 5 knots differential will be OK. Reasonably priced servicing costs.
So the engine choice is Mercury 115hp 4 stroke, Mercury 115 Optimax 2 stroke or Suzuki DF115 TX 4 stroke
All views appreciated

simmons0 · 24 November 2007, 14:48

The opti will probably give you the quickest response, the other 2 will be not far off and smoother, quieter and use less fuel at idle.

Whats the price difference?
H

Biggles · 24 November 2007, 14:58

I wouldn't say my Suzuki has the fastest response in the world. So as standard I couldn't recomend a 4 stroke. However if you did go for that type of engine and a quick getaway was important you could always put a different prop on it.

Scoobysnax · 24 November 2007, 15:06

The Suzi and Opti are roughly the same with the Mercury 4 stroke more expensive by say £600

Jono Garton · 24 November 2007, 17:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by simmons0

the other 2 will be not far off and smoother, quieter and use less fuel at idle.

Hi Harry

Have to disagree with you on this one, comparing the Mariner 75hp Four Stroke or par with a Mariner 75hp Optimax on the same 5.5m Destroyer the Optimax was near on exactly the same with regards to noise at tick over and fuel in general. Ill be the first one to agree that the v6 Opti is a bit grizzly and throaty.

Jono (Four Stroke Man Fully Converted to Optimax) Garton

Downhilldai · 24 November 2007, 17:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobysnax

The Suzi and Opti are roughly the same with the Mercury 4 stroke more expensive by say £600

What price have you been quoted on the DF115? They have always sold for a lot more than the 115 Opti.

Mollers · 24 November 2007, 17:42

Why 115 and not 150?

Downhilldai · 24 November 2007, 17:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Why 115 and not 150?

Hate to admit it, but I agree with Mollers here. The 150 Opti is very good value for money, compared with most 115s

Scoobysnax · 24 November 2007, 17:57

According to the list price there is a difference of £1500 between the Opti 115 and 150

Mollers · 24 November 2007, 17:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Hate to admit it, but I agree with Mollers here. The 150 Opti is very good value for money, compared with most 115s

The saving would be neglidgible if any and the residual would be compromised. 150 Opti's are good value, the only downside is that they're a bit noisey on tick-over.

Downhilldai · 24 November 2007, 18:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobysnax

According to the list price there is a difference of £1500 between the Opti 115 and 150

But who pays list price for outboards?
On discounted prices, you're probably still looking at around £1200 difference, but the 150 is a 2.5 litre V6, whereas the 115 is a 1.5 litre 3 cylinder - easy decision (if you can spare an extra £1200)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

... 150 Opti's are good value, the only downside is that they're a bit noisey on tick-over.

Sorry - didn't hear that

Andy Moore · 24 November 2007, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobysnax

According to the list price there is a difference of £1500 between the Opti 115 and 150

But you get the SmartCraft dials and a stainless steel prop.

Scoobysnax · 24 November 2007, 18:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

But who pays list price for outboards?
On discounted prices, you're probably still looking at around £1200 difference, but the 150 is a 2.5 litre V6, whereas the 115 is a 1.5 litre 3 cylinder - easy decision (if you can spare an extra £1200)

Granted one may not pay list price but as the 150 has just been brought into discussion I had not spoken to vendor, I was just illustrating the difference. But I suspect there would be a greater or lesser difference depending on the current stock to be shifted at this time.
As the original discussion centred around which is the 'best' 115, if the advice is more power to boat weight ratio should I consider dropping size to 5.8mtr and a drop of 30kgs?

Andy Moore · 24 November 2007, 18:26

What about a brand spanking new sexy Mercury Verado 135?

Phwoar.

Downhilldai · 24 November 2007, 18:35

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobysnax

I am purchasing a 6 metre Humber Destroyer which can handle up to 150hp....

As your boat could handle 150hp, it seems reasonable for forum members to give their opinions on the 150 Opti, based on their experiences.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobysnax

...instant response is required incase I need to move quickly from an impending tricky situation..

Would you expand on this, so people can get an idea of what you really want from your o/b in terms of acceleration?

Is total weight of boat & outboard an issue?

Mollers · 24 November 2007, 19:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Would you expand on this, so people can get an idea of what you really want from your o/b in terms of acceleration?

Is total weight of boat & outboard an issue?

Also, not sure where you're going with the '15mins at idle'.

Outboards will idle at infinitum.

Roy Smith · 24 November 2007, 20:16

I see no mention of
Yamaha or E.tec reason ?

Scoobysnax · 24 November 2007, 20:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roy Smith

I see no mention of
Yamaha or E.tec reason ?

Because these engines aren't being offered as a potential package

Scoobysnax · 24 November 2007, 20:24

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Also, not sure where you're going with the '15mins at idle'.

Outboards will idle at infinitum.

as I stated "reliabilty especially after being at idle for say 15 minutes - instant response is required incase I need to move quickly from an impending tricky situation"
To clarify further I would not wish a hesitant response from the engine..so when I want to go it goes without spluttering

Mollers · 24 November 2007, 20:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scoobysnax

as I stated "reliabilty especially after being at idle for say 15 minutes - instant response is required incase I need to move quickly from an impending tricky situation"
To clarify further I would not wish a hesitant response from the engine..so when I want to go it goes without spluttering

Any new engine will be able to do this. An older carb engine might choke up a bit if left to idle for a while. Are you looking to rob a bank with the thing?