Optimax 225 - Page 2

dgpw · 10 March 2003, 09:50

Quote:

Originally posted by Tiger
The ribs i use are normally to support sailing, so its good to have a quiet engine as we sit around a lot.

Also the sailers go sailing to get away from engines etc so the last thing they want is a smokey two stroke right next to them.

Tiger

I know of very few safety boats that are running optimax’s . The main reason is that they tend to be to big but just as importantly safety boats should spend 90% of their life at tick over or low revs. This combined with needing really good fuel efficiency lends it's self to a 4 stroke. The optimax is however a great engine with great power to weight ratio and is perfect for other uses.

stuart hedges · 11 March 2003, 22:12

thats right dgpw. However an Opti will tickover all day long just aswell as a four stroke. It is also just as fuel efficient. i think the main problem here is the fact that the smallest Optimax is 135 hp.

Windchill · 12 March 2003, 11:58

So, for a 150hp outboard should I buy a Yam 150HPDI, an Optimax, or the Suzuki 140 hp 4 stroke? Of the three, the Yam has the worst power to weight ratio at about 0.69hp/kg, the other two are about the same at 0.76!!

Thinking too hard here!!

stuart hedges · 12 March 2003, 12:09

For a 150hp I don't think you can beat the Optimax. I have tested them all and say this with all honesty.

My 135hp Opti has done loads of hours and seems bullet proof. I also have a 225 which has been great.

The Suzuki 4 stroke is supposed to be good too, but I do know they have had a few problems and they are a relitavley new engine.

Buy an Optimax

dgpw · 12 March 2003, 14:10

My choice to. Anything above 100 hp has got to be an optimax anything less and a merc 4 stroke. the merc 75 is great.

thewavehumper · 14 March 2003, 01:59

I agree with H20

The Optimax 150's are super, great outboards!

I have to say that I believe the Yamahs's look like the best made engines and their reliability is legendary.

I don't think you really have an alternative choice from these two makes.

I guess that's hacked off 2 or 3 FICHT owners

TIM · 14 March 2003, 13:23

Now that you mention Fichts!!!! They are the dogs Bo***x of a motor, I should know I have 2!, the early 150/175 gave some serious problems, and rest were down to bad build Quality, But they got there act together..... A bit late for OMC though.....

It is a simpler system that Opti and HDPI, and 30-40%more fuel efficent than them , and the New E-Tech will leave everything behind, Its the second generation ficht, 300hrs before first service, no fresh water flush ever needed...... Lighter, Quiter etc, etc

AND Above all Fichts need less servicing that 4stroke and lots more grunt

For same fuel burn..........

But Inboard Diesel is the way to go, at the end of the day........

Alan · 14 March 2003, 13:53

Quote:

Originally posted by TIM
It is a simpler system that Opti and HDPI, and 30-40%more fuel efficent than them , .

To paraphrase .. Rowlocks!, no way that Ficht is 30-40% more efficient than HPDI or Opti. 30-40% more efficient than conventional efi 2 stroke maybe.

Early motors before Bombardier on the scene were a bit of a lottery. (I almost bought a 97 one and v glad I didn't!) Believe that current models are OK, trouble is the problems and absence from the market rather gave the game away to Merc/Mariner.

Alan

thewavehumper · 14 March 2003, 13:58

Nice one Tim

Re inboard diesels my Son was telling me that he heard that VW are marketing (soon ) a marinised version of their 1.9 TDI unit. That is one great engine and I am really interested in seeing how it goes in a boat.

dgpw · 14 March 2003, 17:14

THat would be very interesting, They get 150 break out of it and it is a light small engeine as well. Could be very interesting in a few years. Do you have any details on who they are partnering with to reaserch it. Just so we can keep a look out for the test boat's.

Richard B · 14 March 2003, 17:24

VW already have a few engines out on the water... They set up their own "marinising" division" last year and demo'd some of the engines in a Scandanavian hard boat. There was also a VW powered RIB at the Southampton boat show - a med style bench seat jobbie. I don't think they've done anything over 120hp yet, though.

TIM · 14 March 2003, 18:02

I have never compared the Opti V Ficht in a head to head or anything like that , But when talking to the Guys doing the Round Ireland, Just as they were compleated the Last leg, I asked about Fuel consumption, Every one said that I asked that Fichts were much better that the Opti's buy a long shot.
OK it maybe not 40% but, my experance of asking people running Opti's on the trip, "Which is better on fuel Opti's or Fichts" They would mutter under there breath that Fichts were, But trying to explain that Opti's are cheeper.......

Also No Evinrude failed on that trip, No so sure about Opti's though.......

The Bottom Line is Fichts are more technically advanced, mechanically simpler and more efficent and better than Opti's and you cant argue with that!!!!!
Even though very early OMC 96-98 ones were made from chocolate, and If you have one and it starts to go wrong, unbolt it from the rib and let it slip peacefuly into a watery Grave, before ringing your insurance company

Dirk Diggler · 14 March 2003, 18:27

Here is a photo of a VW motor, coupled to a Mercruiser drive. I believe it is a marinised Passat engine, 2.5 litre turbo.

Richard B · 14 March 2003, 18:40

Quote:

Originally posted by Dirk Diggler
...marinised Passat engine, 2.5 litre turbo..

...ahh, they might get more than 120hp out of that, then!

Windchill · 14 March 2003, 22:05

Look on www.ibinews.com. They are based on the 5 cylinder turbo diesel and go up to 150 hp, which is, I believe, the unit very tidily fitted to Polymarine's 6.5m King RIB as seen at Southampton.

Lovely technology too - very refined - 5 cylinders sounds great - like a gunboat!

stuart hedges · 15 March 2003, 20:50

Sorry Tim you are wrong.

A Ficht did break down on the round Ireland trip- in a big way. I know this as I supplied it.

I have also tested the latest Fichts and compared them to Opti's. The Opti was better on fuel. I was impressed with the Fichts power though, definatly more than the Opti, however I have had 3 late ones let me down.

I agree diesle is the way ahead.

TIM · 18 March 2003, 20:06

OK I stand corrected then,

The only problem I have with the Ficht motors is , Ficht Ram Oil at €34 (£23)for 4L,..... How much is it in the UK??????

stuart hedges · 19 March 2003, 11:45

No luck here Tim. It's about the same price here. The Opti Oil is just as expensive too. Cheapest option is to buy a 50gallon drum of the stuff, costs about £400 but it obviously depends how much you use your boat.

TIM · 19 March 2003, 19:34

That may be an option, would you go splits on a barell ???? I am over fro the rib net confrence in May if thats any good ?????