I was at the sports show yesterday looking and dreaming about which boat/motor combination I want. I need to give you a little background info. before I ask my question. A few weeks ago I watched a show on TV that did a side-by-side comparison of 225 hp Merc 4 strokes vs 225 hp Merc 2 stroke Optimax. They had a big boat like a Grady White with 2 motors on each, they ran all kinds of comparison test's like speed out of the hole, time to reach top speed, top speed, noise level and fuel consumption. The Optimax beat the 4 stroke in all aspects except top end noise level. Now here's my question, I was talking to a dealer that sold Yamaha motors, he was really pushing his 4 stroke 140 hp. I asked him about the performance and fuel consumption like I saw on the test show. His response was to tell me how much better 4 stroke motor cycles and 4 wheelers are over any 2 stroke on the market. Then he said "keep in mind that it's a Merc commercial and they don't really make a 4 stroke, Yamaha does". I reminded him Merc runs a Yamaha power head on their 4 stroke, and he kinda started to stutter. Then I reminded him I was interested in the 4 stroke outboards only and he really didn't answer any of my questions. Can someone with some REAL 2 stroke, 4 stroke knowledge answer my questions!!! They are pretty simple; Which motor has a better hole shot? Which one has a better top end? Which one consumes less fuel and how much less? How does the maintenance costs compare between the 2?
Thank you to anyone that has REAL experience and can help me out.
Ole
[This message has been edited by Ole1855 (edited 03-08-2004).]
I just figured that it is easy enough to just get a 3 bank so when the boat is not in use I can keep all 3 batteries charged. I have not bough a charger yet, maybe I will give it some more thought.
Edit: After thinking this over, with the size, weight, and heat output of the charger (as well as the cost) I think it makes sense to just
buy a 2 bank charger, I have a smaller charger i can use on the starting battery when the boat is sitting at home. Forgive me, for i am a retired engineer and I have to obsess over everything...
Congrats on the motor! I think you’ll like it.
I can’t say much on the charger location but I’ve seen them under the lid in back compartments and under center rod lockers. 160 degrees is more than I expected to hear.
Curious why you’re opting for a 3 bank charger with a 24V trolling motor. Unless you don’t feel you be running you big motor enough to keep that battery up as well?
I did buy an Minnkota Ulterra, thanks for the recommendations. I had a bunch of Cabela"s bucks saved up, which helped. Now i need to
get an onboard battery charger. Where do you guys mount these things in your boat? The manufacturer I am looking at {Noco genius)
says tht their 3-bank charger will run at 160 degrees, seems like a lot of heat in an enclosed compartment? Thanks for any input on this.
Wasn't terrible at a state park beach. Antelope island maybe. I wouldn't recommend it as a beach destination tho. Figured I was there, I'm getting in it.
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Ole1855
I was at the sports show yesterday looking and dreaming about which boat/motor combination I want. I need to give you a little background info. before I ask my question. A few weeks ago I watched a show on TV that did a side-by-side comparison of 225 hp Merc 4 strokes vs 225 hp Merc 2 stroke Optimax. They had a big boat like a Grady White with 2 motors on each, they ran all kinds of comparison test's like speed out of the hole, time to reach top speed, top speed, noise level and fuel consumption. The Optimax beat the 4 stroke in all aspects except top end noise level. Now here's my question, I was talking to a dealer that sold Yamaha motors, he was really pushing his 4 stroke 140 hp. I asked him about the performance and fuel consumption like I saw on the test show. His response was to tell me how much better 4 stroke motor cycles and 4 wheelers are over any 2 stroke on the market. Then he said "keep in mind that it's a Merc commercial and they don't really make a 4 stroke, Yamaha does". I reminded him Merc runs a Yamaha power head on their 4 stroke, and he kinda started to stutter. Then I reminded him I was interested in the 4 stroke outboards only and he really didn't answer any of my questions. Can someone with some REAL 2 stroke, 4 stroke knowledge answer my questions!!! They are pretty simple; Which motor has a better hole shot? Which one has a better top end? Which one consumes less fuel and how much less? How does the maintenance costs compare between the 2?
Thank you to anyone that has REAL experience and can help me out.
Ole
[This message has been edited by Ole1855 (edited 03-08-2004).]
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