Merc 150 EFI vs 150 Optimax

Went to Russellville this weekend and laid my eyes on a Sabre FTD. Really liked this boat and think this is the boat for me. The layout and the bigger (wider) and raised deck is sweet. Ivan from Bass Cat and Ken Adamson for H2O Sportz showed it to me and they were first class all the way. I have done some research and know some of the key differences between EFIs and Optimax, but want some of your opinions. Here are a few of my concerns: 1. gas mileage. I know at WOT, there isnt suppose to be much difference, but what about at mid range. I have heard .5 miles to the gallon to 1.5 miles to the gallon difference, but what does this equate to in precentages? Does anyone have a chart showing the differences? 2. resale. dont see many efis on new rigs and if I got into a pinch in a couple of years and have to sell, I dont think I would get the same return from the efi as opposed to the optimax. 3. reliability. havent heard much on this topic, but the optimaxs I have been around crank up no problem, no chocking required or no cranking forever, just very fast and smooth start up and very smooth idling as well. do the efis and optimaxs have the same life expectancies. finally 4. price. i know it depends on individual dealers, but what is the difference b/w 150 opti and 150 efi in general? I apologize for being so long winded and I am sure I have forgotten a concern or two. Any help would be much appreciated.-Lee

This topic has 8 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 17 years, 8 months ago by Basstar.

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August 27, 2007 at 2:24 pm #305137

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Lee, The folks at BCB/H2O wont steer you wrong. But, The decision is yours to make, and should be based on personal preference and knowledge,,,,so i do applaud your interest in gaining more perspective on both engines.The EFI will be slightly faster than the Opti, and will burn a little more fuel, but will also not have quite the resale value, or the warranty of the Opti. Basically that is it in a nutshell.So ,,,,,whatcha gonna do ? Just for grins,,,,you might consider a 175 Pro XS !!! Now things are gonna get interesting ! If i can help in any way gimme a shout, D.

August 27, 2007 at 2:41 pm #305138

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The suggestion and formal position of BCB is to go with the 150 Optimax. The cost will be about $1000 to $1200 difference. A 175 Pro XS is an added appx. $2500 over that, which is why we only suggest that for those who are limited to an 18 boat in their garage, and then they can put all they want on it. Otherwise watch what you spend on any model below the Puma and Cougar FTD. You will easily price yourself up into a larger rig and engine pricing with just equipment upgrades.You will get the three years of warranty verses two, and while the promotion is one there are Five (5) years of warranty on the Optimax series. That would seal it for us. The EFI is a bit faster as Doug pointed out, though not as fast as those XR-6 and older 150 engines. These have been a bit restricted in comparison to the others mentioned. The 150 Opti has always been the performance that it exhibits now, it has not changed from our experiences.You have been doing your homework and while everyone will tell you to get what you want. You are making a reasonable decision and evaluating the costs. That is the weights and balance measures you must consider. The more you add, the more it effects your resale on any model, it just does not hurt as much if you got the biggest, baddest motor scooter. Hope this helps!BCB

August 27, 2007 at 3:02 pm #305139

basschaser
Participant

1. 25-30% fuel savings and that is being conservative.2. You are correct in my opinion.3. Both are reliable. There are more moving parts on an Opti and not just anyone and everyone can work on one but you have Larry @ H2O so that doesnt matter to you. The 150 EFI was/is a great motor but the Lowrance X15 was/is a great graph but there is better available today, same type of comparison. If you are the kind to get the old X15 then the EFI might be fine for you but if you would get the X38 then you need to get the Opti.4. BCB took care of the price for you.While I love the sound of the old EFI motors I would take the fuel efficiency and longer warranty of the Opti.Take care and dont forget to post pictures of that new ride Judd Lasiter

August 27, 2007 at 3:19 pm #305140

Scott McGehee
Participant

Lee:This is a link to some test data on Mercurys site that shows more info on the Optimax. northamerica.mercurymarin…r_test.phpI didnt see any info on the EFI, so I cant help you there and its been a while since I have run the 150s.

August 27, 2007 at 4:50 pm #305141

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

Guys-This has been very helpful. Think I have to have the optimax, if I go 2 mph slower, big deal. As for the Pro XS 175, would be nice, but for the extra cabbage, I think I would probably go bigger boat. 175 is probably going to push me past my budget as well. Optimax comes standard 3 years? What is addl 2 years $ wise, taking it out to 5 years total? Most of my driving I think will be mid range 40-45, so the fuel effieciency there will be key. Man the Sabre FTD is a sweet boat, exactly what I am looking for. I love the fact that BCB has eliminated the hand rails on this model. If I was looking at a used model, the optimax would be a must, so for 1-1.2k more, I think it would be smart to go with the optimax. As far as other components on the boat e.g. electronics, trolling motor, etc.. does dealer cover this or is this my problem? Dbasketman, BCB and Judd, thanks as always for your help. Thanks to you as well to you Scott and I am sorry that TS could only muster up a 4th place finish. He did climb 2 spots on the overall pts standing however. I dont think I am going to order boat until december, but think I have everything pegged down that I am looking for. I have cat fever and it seems like December will take forever to get here. Thanks all. -Lee

August 27, 2007 at 5:01 pm #305142

Bass Cat Boats
Keymaster

The Mercury Promotion is ongoing now and the Five years of Warranty is at no charge at this time. The program is running through boat show season so that folks can go ahead and make those fall decisions on purchases and not waiting on the boat show program.BCB

August 28, 2007 at 3:42 am #305143

Shap from La
Participant

What about pricing a 175 HPDI yamaha? It should be a little stronger than the 150 optimax and cost less than the 175 pro xs. I am a mercury man myself, but, if you dont mind the hammer behind you it may be an option to consider. Good luck with your purchase and feel good about picking the right boat no matter what engine you go with. Chris CoupelPaulina, La.Chris CoupelPaulina, La.

August 28, 2007 at 10:55 am #305144

Basstar
Participant

Lee, you have made the right decision in my book to grab the Opti. I have owned Mercs for years and the EFI engines are terrific but to be honest, for just a couple of extra dollars you can have a warranty that lasts for years and in my case, outlasts my ownership of my boats.The extra fuel economy and extra resale value of the Opti are free percs as the extended warranty alone is worth more that the price differential.Enjoy your Cat, I know I do!
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