Johnson Fast strike ??

[JohnMickish]

Looking at a boat that has a 115 fastrike on it but don't know anything about them. Are they good? Are they bad? Looking at another boat with a 135 Opti, is the choice that clear which motor to own??

[Paul Waldowski]

Opti...without a doubt

[Valv]

Yep, Opti with no doubt.

[Northlander]

OPTI without a doubt.

[LABS4ME]

I've owned both and they are both good motors. I had a 115 fast strike on a 17' Mr. Pike and I have an Opti on my Triton. Liked them both.

The opti is more efficient, the oil and plugs and the motor cost a lot more. The Fast Strike was cheaper to buy, used cheaper oil and plugs, used more gas than the 225 Opti but was/is still bullet proof as I still see it weekly and the new owner has never had a problem with it either.

It would probably come down to what you are looking at paying for each package... If they are priced the same, go with the Opti... if there is a lot of price difference, maybe you can justify the Johnson. Remeber also, I believe it was the 1999 Opti's had a ton of problems... I'm not to sure I'd jump right on buying one of those. Also, I've been told by 2 differnet mechanics to make sure your Opti comes up to full operating temp before you get on it throttle wise. Let it idle for 3-5 minutes to bring the temp up. I let mine idle till I'm somewhere around 115-120 degrees.

Good Luck!

Ken

[HaywardBound]

I've got a '97 Fast strike and it runs perfect. Never a problem starting and idles perfect.

Make sure you take the boat out for a test ride before you buy.

[MuskieJunkie]

The optimax for sure. My father has a '96 Faststrike 115 that he bought new. He hasn't ever had a major problem with it, but it takes forever to start, is really loud, and uses a lot of fuel. I wouldn't buy one, alright if it was the right price (real cheap) I guess I would.

[stick]

My dad has run a 150 FastStrike for years (10+) and it has been a great motor. Never any problems.

[go4carl]

I own a '97 175 faststrike. Have not had a major mechanical issue with it, just maintenance. Ton's of juice but sucks gas.. Starts every time and purrs like a kitten.

[Valv]

I wanted to add there is nothing wrong with the Faststrike Evinrudes, they were awesome motors but compared to a newer type Optimax with electronic fuel injection and more energy/emission efficient the comparison is not quite same.

Now all the ole 'Rude owners can sleep at night without thinking we don't like them....