Optimax vs TwoStroke

[tmehew]

Mercury have 2 x two stroke models:

'Optimax'

and

'TwoStroke'


Obviously i appreciate the basic differences ie 2 stage fuel injection, upto 50% fuel savings

BUT, beyond that, are they more reliable?
better power? surely 2 x 90hp versions are exactly that - 90hp!
better salt water corrosion resistance?

I'm just trying to work out why it's worth spending 50% more on the Optimax?! This extra cost in fuel savings will take a fair while to pay off...

Look forward to hearing your comments.


(This is for a RIB520 for basic runaround with a bit of waterskiing etc ie thinking of 90hp models but it's relevant to all)

[Dirk Diggler]

If your talking about buying new, then your going to be hard pushed to find a 90hp 2 stroke, as they are no longer available and suppliers can only sell existing stock.

[Rogue Wave]

well that's killed that thread off!

[tmehew]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

well that's killed that thread off!

I'm based in Hong Kong. Suppy isn't the issue! It'll be a long time before China kill the 2-stroke - trust me!

the question is... Optimax or TwoStroke....

[codprawn]

Is the 2 stroke you are reffering to carb or efi? I have a Suzuki DT225 - it's the last of the Suzuki 2 strokes. It does not use the compresed air technology but it's fuel injected with 2x plugs per cylinder etc - pretty high tech. I get virtually the same fuel consumption as the optimax at anything over 1/2 throttle.

At full throttle there doesn't seem to be much difference between any of the engines. A lot depends on how you will use it.

A basic 2 stroke will obviously be more reliable as there's less to go wrong. I suspect purchasing price will make a difference as well.

[GuyP]

1. What's the difference in purchase price?
2. What's the price of fuel in Hong Kong?
3. Do you require the extended cruising range that the Opti may give you over the regular 2-stroke? (I expect not, as you say it's for a run-about)

If the answers are:
1. a lot
2. low
3. no
- then I'd go for the regular 2-stroke.

If:

1. not a lot
2. high
3. Yes or No

Then I'd go Opti

[tmehew]

Originally Posted by codprawn

Is the 2 stroke you are reffering to carb or efi?

this is the optimax:

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...pecs.php?ID=51

this is the TwoStroke:

http://www.mercurymarine.co.uk/detail.php?product_id=68


BUT from the Mercury website, i can no longer see the 'TwoStroke' - have they discontinued the model due to the new EU regulations?

I can still buy them here BUT will spares become a problem?

==============


Price difference :

opti - gbp 3500
2-stroke - gbp 2300

range shouldn't be an issue. Will be max 30mins full throttle in any one direction (from port).

fuel price - same as UK

[Mollers]

Originally Posted by tmehew

this is the optimax:

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...pecs.php?ID=51

this is the TwoStroke:

http://www.mercurymarine.co.uk/detail.php?product_id=68


BUT from the Mercury website, i can no longer see the 'TwoStroke' - have they discontinued the model due to the new EU regulations?

I can still buy them here BUT will spares become a problem?

==============


Price difference :

opti - gbp 3500
2-stroke - gbp 2300

range shouldn't be an issue. Will be max 30mins full throttle in any one direction (from port).

fuel price - same as UK

Where abouts in HK are you? A friend of mine keeps a yacht in Hebe Haven, Sai Kung.

[GuyP]

Originally Posted by tmehew

this is the optimax:

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines...pecs.php?ID=51

this is the TwoStroke:

http://www.mercurymarine.co.uk/detail.php?product_id=68


BUT from the Mercury website, i can no longer see the 'TwoStroke' - have they discontinued the model due to the new EU regulations?

I can still buy them here BUT will spares become a problem?

==============


Price difference :

opti - gbp 3500
2-stroke - gbp 2300

range shouldn't be an issue. Will be max 30mins full throttle in any one direction (from port).

fuel price - same as UK

At those prices I'd go for the Opti. It'll have better re-sale value and you should re-coup some of the price difference via lower fuel consumption over the next few seasons, if your fuel costs are similar to the UK.

Out of interest, are those prices before sales sales tax is applied? (they seem very good value)

[Rogue Wave]

i;m possibly the Opti's biggest fan but I'd put a yamie 2 stroke on every time


if I was afet high tech then I'd go for an Etec.


I don't think the 3 pot opti's are that clever

[The Garfish]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I don't think the 3 pot opti's are that clever

iyd saiy de 3 opt potis arr arf az clevver az de 6 opt potis

gaRf

[1up]

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

i;m possibly the Opti's biggest fan but I'd put a yamie 2 stroke on every time


if I was afet high tech then I'd go for an Etec.


I don't think the 3 pot opti's are that clever

Thats funny, I was talking to a chap the other day, who works at my local dealer, recons the 3 cylinder optis are a fantastic engine.

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by 1up

Thats funny, I was talking to a chap the other day, who works at my local dealer, recons the 3 cylinder optis are a fantastic engine.

Does this chap work in the sales dept?

[1up]

Originally Posted by Downhilldai

Does this chap work in the sales dept?

nope he fixes them

[Downhilldai]

Originally Posted by 1up

nope he fixes them

In that case, he must know lots about them

[matt h]

i had a 3 pot opti, most economical and quietest engine ive had and will have another one when ready,

[bedajim]

At low revs mine sounds like a 3 pot

[tmehew]

I went for the 90hp Opti....

the question is... are the smartcraft guages worth the extra money???

[three-rex]

Originally Posted by tmehew

I went for the 90hp Opti....

the question is... are the smartcraft guages worth the extra money???

They are when they are included inthe price

I got a 115 - guages included