Mercury 115 or optimax 150

Steve Care · 06 November 2003, 16:26

I have ordered my new Avon 620 and need to decide on the engine had decided to go for the four stroke mercury F115 ELPT EFI but wondering if I should go for a Optimax 150
If you have any thoughts be pleased to hear them.

Cheers

MeMe · 06 November 2003, 16:32

....the "Common Rail Diesel"........Sorry Steve, just messing about. I'm just so pleased someone has posted something other than "TCRD" - Thank You

Jono Garton · 06 November 2003, 17:10

I dont think you will be happy with the 115hp, the minimun i would be looking at is a 135 Optimax or waiting for the new merc 150hp 4 stroke. Of course the 140hp 4 stroke Suzuki is a great engine - there one on boatsandoutboards.co.uk ex demo £7000 i think.

Dirk Diggler · 06 November 2003, 19:19

Quote:

Originally posted by JAHNO
Suzuki is a great engine - there one on boatsandoutboards.co.uk ex demo £7000 i think.

Mmmm, I wonder why?

Alex Brown · 06 November 2003, 19:34

Great engine

tue · 06 November 2003, 20:27

Its got to be the opti realy. It is only 25kg heavier than the 115, probably as fuel efficient if not better than the 115 and you get Smartcraft guages too

simmons0 · 06 November 2003, 21:09

Between the two you mentioned its gotta be the opti.
However, the suzuki DF140 would be even better.

thewavehumper · 06 November 2003, 22:11

Not sure that the Avon hull would handle all the power the Opti would put out, suspect you'd be safer with a 4 stroke.

Richard B · 06 November 2003, 22:23

Wavehumper recommends a 4-stroke!!

thewavehumper · 06 November 2003, 22:43

I was being facetious really, it's just the Suzuli mob got in first and I thought, well, might as well let em win one, after all it's only Stevecares money that's being wasted!

Looking at the 620's hull it has quite a shallow V and I do genuinely wonder if an opti 150 would be a bit ballsy for it and as I said he would be safer with the lack of oomph you get from a 4 stroke

However there is a guy over on boatfad who is saying that the RYA is bringing out a new one design junior racing boat which is powered by a mercury 60hp optimax efi 4 stroke.......Shurely shum mishtake

Richard B · 06 November 2003, 23:13

Quote:

Originally posted by thewavehumper
mercury 60hp optimax efi 4 stroke.......Shurely shum mishtake

Buzzword bingo for outboards

Funnily enough, I was looking at an Avon 620 with an Opti 150 http://www.ribs4sale.com/Used/894avon.htm back in June but it sold very quickly.

Jono Garton · 06 November 2003, 23:15

Quote:

Originally posted by thewavehumper
Looking at the 620's hull it has quite a shallow V and I do genuinely wonder if an opti 150 would be a bit ballsy for it

150 Optimax is spot on on the 620 i have put it to the test in various seas, some forum members can back me up.

Because the v shallows out on the 620 you need the wheight at the back to keep the back end in the water. The nose is a sharp v and cuts throught the water spot on. It was a bit of a risk setting the boat up like this, but it is great in all seas for a boat of this size.

The 115 would be like driving a 3 series BMW with 1.6 compared to a 2.8, the Suzuki 140hp would be like a 2.0.

I have driven a 620 with a Yam 100 on, this did nothing for me, also a Honda 130hp this was OK, pretty much did everything you asked it, but the 150hp Optimax does has its told, put 12 people on it and the torque of the 150 really comes in to its own and pushes it straight out of the hole.

Only thing with optimax's is the PTT motor leaking water in, if you get one gget your dealer to put extra silicone round the seal before it goes in the water

chrisallse · 06 November 2003, 23:22

I would say think about how you want to use your RIB, not every one wants to blat around flat out....will you be taking your family out on it or messing about with your mates...i sometimes use mine on the Thames (i live 5 mins from a good slip in Windsor) and my four stroke on tickover is nice and silent and dosnt mind running at low revs....on the other hand when i was in Scotland a few weeks ago i was out in a bit of rough of the North coast and had plenty of power.....each to his own.

chrisallse · 06 November 2003, 23:23

SORRY.............What a boring fkin Answer.....

Jono Garton · 06 November 2003, 23:24

.

Jono Garton · 06 November 2003, 23:28

A falcon with a 115 is a differnt boat to a Avon 620, the 620 is not the fastest hull in the world, however stable, forgiving, good family and traing boat.

Louise · 06 November 2003, 23:28

Wahey!!

(This was supposed to come after the pic!! Doh! Too slow.)

Jono Garton · 06 November 2003, 23:33

if i was a private purchaser not commercial, i would be looking at warranty.

115hp Merc 4 stroke @ 2 years

140 Suzuki 4 Stroke @ 2 Years

150hp Optimax @ 3 Years

150 hp Honda @ 5 Years

chrisallse · 06 November 2003, 23:36

?Was looking at the Avon with a 130 honda before i saw the Falcon for Sale. I think the Falcon is a better boat...its built better than the Avon as well..Have you been in one Jahno?

Jono Garton · 06 November 2003, 23:43

Quote:

Originally posted by chrisallse
?Was looking at the Avon with a 130 honda before i saw the Falcon for Sale. I think the Falcon is a better boat...its built better than the Avon as well..Have you been in one Jahno?

no not been in one as yet but look good boats.

In what way do you think they are better and built better. How many boat around do you see that are 20 yeras old such as the sea rider?

I belive the Falcon is a faster hull... What speed do you get about 40knots???