E Tech/ Yamaha 4 stroke/ Opti Max which one & why

[rodmaker]

This relates to my post on boats. Now I need feedback on these motors. I'll probably end up with a Yarcraft/Warrior 18-20 foot tiller.(used) Hp range 115-135

Question now is : likes/dislikes on these motors. This rig will be mostly a Mille Lacs boat. I will want to do some trolling.

[LMITOUT]

I have the 90 Yamaha on my boat with the upgraded tiller handle option. A lot of people say it's the best tiller handle available right now. With the Variable Trolling Speed switch it's hard to beat for controlling your speed.

[marine_man]

I agree with Dan 100% - Yamaha has the best tiller handle out there right now, and coupled with the VTS it's pretty tough to beat.

Tillers aside I'm partial to Yamaha's and Merc's, & E-tec's, in that order typically.

marine_man

[PerchJerker]

My favorites would be the Opti and the Yam 4-stroke. My advice would be to decide if you want a 4-stroke or a DFI 2-stroke and then your motor decision is made.

I'm an Opti fan but for a tiller boat I'd probably go 4-stroke.

[rodmaker]

Guess I going to learn something here. You have to remember, the last time I really paid attention to motors was 14 years ago. When I purchased my 185 Alumacraft Compeditor with Merc 75 tiller.

[Wish-I-Were-Fishn]

Consider the weight/balance factor if you are planning to fish alone much. A four stroke is heavier which may cause issues with planing with all your weight in the back.

This may be more of an issue with a smaller boat. Not sure. Somebody may be able to answer this for you.

[PerchJerker]

 Originally Posted By: Wish-I-Were-Fishn

A four stroke is heavier which may cause issues with planing with all your weight in the back ..... this may be more of an issue with a smaller boat.

It's a good point you bring up, but I don't think that 100 lb (or less) difference is going to make a difference on an 18-20 foot boat glass boat. My boat is a little different than what Rodmaker is looking for, but even moving 400-500 lbs of people around in the boat doesn't really make a difference in holeshot or planing. Plus I have a kicker hanging on the back of my boat, so that's another 100 lbs right there.

[fishorgolf]

I think this came up before on the weight diff. between 4 strokes and 2 strokes.

150 opti 2S 431 lbs

150 yam 4S 466 lbs

Even adding a little oil and the diff. is no were near 100 lbs. The point that 4S's are allot heavier than 2S's just does not hold water anymore.

[VMS]

Fish...

I think much of that depends on the technology in the two strokes you are considering though... Although we are seeing a massive drop in 2 stroke engine manufacturing (simple carbuerated models) there is still a major difference in those still being produced.

Example: Yamaha 90hp 2 stroke at 261# and the 4 stroke at #359

Now...get into the High power direct injected 2 strokes, then the weight is really not any issue.

As for the weight, though...not something to consider when it comes to your purchase. What does matter is engine displacement. Usually, the larger the displacement of the engine, the more power it will have on the low end. At speed, there will be minimal differences. Larger displacement usually means more torque.

Steve

[Ray Esboldt]

Rodmaker,

If you would like, you can come over and we'll go somewhere and run my 90hp Optimax on an aluminum tiller boat. My brother runs an 80hp Yamamha on his tiller boat, and I'll take mine over his for everything but trolling. For the size motor you're looking at I don't think you will like the trolling speed of any of the brands. However, I could be wrong about that with Yamahas "dial an RPM" feature. Optimax's have a similar feature available (Trollcontrol?).

[LMITOUT]

VTS on the Yamaha multi-function tiller handle is the way to go if you're going to troll a lot. I pull cranks quite a bit and absolutely love that VTS button. I can go as low as 1.3-1.4mph to over 3 mph with a few taps of the button. It's fantastic.

[rodmaker]

I may take you up on that. I've seen a few boats that I may be interested in. One has a 135 Opti max on a 1895 Yarcraft . The other boat (same) has a Yamaha 115 4 stroke. Which one???

[PerchJerker]

That 135 Opti is the same block as the 150 and 175, it's going to have a lot more power than a 115. That's good for holeshot, planing, and heavy loads. Not sure how either motor would work for trolling unless you have the VTS on the Yam or the SmartCraft Tach on the Merc. The problem with trolling with big motors is they have big props with a lot of pitch, and they move a lot of water.

[magnum mike]

I have owned all of them and in my opinion the Evinrude E-tec is the best outboard on the market today. Look at the specs for all the outboards and the E-tec rules across the board. I have a 75 hp tiller on my 18' Alaskan duck boat and no electric motor because I don't need one. The dealer can program the low idle to 400 RPM. I can back troll for hours with no smoke or smell. When it is time to move, put her in gear and crack the throttle. She jumps out of the hole with no spitting or sputtering. IN below freezing conditions during late season duck hunting, one bump on the starter adn she is purring and ready to race. I can't tell you how many Mercs and other 4 strokes have been on shore that won't start. Merc are fine motors and run hard when they run but don't let anyone fool you...they are cold blooded. You will pay more for the E-tec but when I consider how often I get to go, the reliability and the performance is well worth it.

[rodmaker]

About the only time I would troll is backtrolling, when it's too windy for the trolling motor, and trolling cranks.

[fishorgolf]

magnum mike.

So you have "owned all of them" Over what length of time has that been? Let me guess, the E-tec is your most recent one right? This is the problem with any discussion like this, people buy a new motor and it is the "BEST" and the past motors are not was good as the new one. OF COURSE NOT!!! technology changes constantly. I would hope your new motor is better than your old one, isn't that the reason for buying a new one in the first place to upgrade your motor? To compare a new e-tec to and older Merc. or Yam means nothing.

[PerchJerker]

Same for comparing trolling abilities from a 75 hp to a 115 hp and 135 hp --- not a very relevant comparison.

[magnum mike]

I have a new 25 hp Yamaha that is the same vintage as the Evinrude. The Yammy (my third) is a good motor but doesn't compare to the E-tec. Between the members of our camps, we have newer outboards by most manufacturers. I have friends with newer boats with every color motor under the sun. They all have their ups and downs. The overwhelming opinion if you eliminate cost is the Evinrude is the best overall performer of both 2 & 4 stroke outboards.

I will concede this has become another Ford vs. GM debate but in my humble opinion I believe the E-tec is a superior product for my use.

From years ago, I was an OMC guy. While pound for pound, nothing could keep up with a Merc when they ran, they always were cold blooded. Who out there hasn't choked on 2 stroke exhaust while back trolling 20+ years ago. That was part of the game. Not any more. I look at overall performance and reliability when I shop for outboards. Fuel economy and speed are secondary to me. I want it to start and run smooth every time regardless of temperature. Again all I say is compare the specs and see which is "best".

[fishorgolf]

[Note from admin: Please read forum policy before posting again. Thank you.]

perchjerker, I will let you have the 20+ year old OMC part.

[mamohr686]

From what I understand, Suzuki is the only 4-stroke with direct fuel injection system. Dealers have told me if you do a lot of backtrolling, then fuel can actually end up in the oil. The problem seems to be more prevalent on the merc 4 stokes, and older yamahas (the 80hp Yamaha 4-stroke carbed models are very high maintainence). Several dealers have told me that you need to go an a good run after you've been trolling for awhile to help prevent this problem. Suzuki 4-strokes in the 90hp range will troll below 2 mph, but as stated previously that can be affected by prop pitch. Yamaha with the VTS is a close second choice for me. Noise levels will be lower with the 4-stoke at idle speeds but at WOT will be very similar to a 2-stroke.

[Boogaard]

I own a 4stroke,150hp supercharged verado for 2 years. Maintance is minimum. Change to lower gear unit in the winter and thats about it. Motor trolls to less than 1mph with the digital dash. Everyone is bias to a certain brand just like trucks but I have a buddy that runs on the pwt with an etec and loves it! To each thier own. All newer motors i believe are great machines! take care of them and treat them right they will run forever. I did have a 15hp kicker 4 stroke that was such a cold blooded sob i cursed it out everytime but when it started it was great! Good luck with your search

[marine_man]

Let's keep this topic on track and stop with the personal attacks please...

Thanks!

marine_man