Boat and motor ?

[CadCruzer]

I am looking to upgrade to a lund 1850 Fisherman. The boat currently has a 150 Merc. optimax. I can have a 150 Yamaha 4 stroke put on for about 1500 extra.My question is, would you keep the optimax on and put the differance in cost towards a 9.9hp kicker. I curently use my 24v trolling motor most of the time. I fish Ottertail 99% of the time

[PerchJerker]

I think the 150 Opti and the 150 Yamaha 4-stroke are both excellent motors. Obviously you're comparing a 2-stroke DFI to a 4-stroke so if engine noise or having to fill the 2-stroke oil resevoir is important to you then the 4-stroke is probably a better option. Fuel economy should be the same, even a bit better with the Opti at times.

Personally, I have an Opti on my boat (and a 4-stroke Pro Kicker) and couldn't be happier.

[Ralph Wiggum]

If there is nothing wrong with the Opti, I wouldn't even consider repowering.

[Musky_Madness]

I too wouldn't change a thing. Save the money and put it towards other things.

[solbes]

I would keep the opti and consider adding the kicker. Would make it an awesome big water boat with some added safety of having 2 motors. Best of both worlds with a 2 stroke main motor and a 4 stroke trolling motor.

[fishorgolf]

I run a 150 4 stroke Yamaha and really like the motor but if it had a 150 opti on it now I would not replace it with the yam. I agree also to put the kicker on instead. $1500 may be a little shy for a good kicker though.

[MuskieJunkie]

Alright I'll be the first one to vote Yamaha. They're both great motors but I've had issues with Mercurys in the past and have since made the switch to Yamaha. $1,500 is a tough pill to swallow but I would pay it.

[TUMBLEWEED]

I run the 150 Opti, and have the 9.9 Pro Kicker.

Ideal set up for the run and gun trollers. Save the money

on the heavier 4 stroke. My Opti gives me performance

and fuel economy. Use the money for the kicker!!

I have an 1850 SportFish and the 150 Opti gives it a push

across big water,fully loaded with guys and gear, very nice indeed. The Mercury smart gauge set-up is nice too. It

lets you monitor all kinds of stuff. DFI is a proven

winner for the two-strokes. Incredible fuel milage

compared to older, carb styled motors. The buying of oil

isn't a daily process either. A gallon jug in the tank

will get you many hours and outtings on the water.

There is a faint smell of two-stroke in the area,

but these motors have a three star emissions rating,

and are legal in California. So you know there isn't

the old blue cloud hanging around!!

[CadCruzer]

THanks For everybodys input. Sounds like the optimax with a kicker would be a sweat setup

[Northlander]

Ya $1500 to swap out motors sounds steep to me. Stay with the Opti and put that $ towards a pro kicker.

[delcecchi]

The weight difference between Optimax and yamaha 4stroke 150 is 35 lb. Just thought you would want to know.