new motor for seafari?

[McGillicuddy]

My ol tower of power is still a banshee but opporunity might be knocking. Thinking about Optimax 115 for the Seafari. Very price based, but will easily double my range and reduce trip costs. Local fisheries are closed due to politics so the fishing grounds are farther. Love the etec and the zukes but... Couple years old but new with 3 year warranty and an additional 2 years for $250.

Thoughts? Value? Pros/Cons?

[Bushwacker]

Hey Gillie - Putting modern power on a Seafari to extend range with that relatively small 34 gallon fuel tank is a good move! (However the I/O versions were 5 mpg boats with about 150 mile range back in 1969 with the 140 Mercruiser!)

I understand the Opti's get good gas mileage but don't know much about them otherwise. Don't know if the added complexity of the air pump creates any reliability issues. I didn't seriously consider them because they're almost as noisy as all the old 2-strokes. When I was going to spend big bucks on a repower after 31 years with the old motor, I wanted something quiet AND efficient. For me the challenge was deciding between the 140 Zuke and "150" E-Tec. After over 400 hrs and 6 1/2 years, I'm very satisfied with my repower decision. Denny

[strick]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

I didn't seriously consider them because they're almost as noisy as all the old 2-strokes.

Thats one of the reasons I did not consider them.

strick

[mrobertson]

Also, you need to decide if you are the kind to run only Merc DI oil in that engine. If you are, check the price because around here it's $42 per gallon. I think they like their oil as well.

Just another thought consideration............

[DonV]

"I think they like their oil as well"

I think it's more like love @ $42/gal!!!

[Islandtrader]

Originally Posted by strick

Thats one of the reasons I did not consider them.

strick

My neighbor has one and every time he leaves the dock my wife says " There goes Al in his sewing machine"

[sokinwet]

I have a 115 Etec on my 71 Seafari...couldn't be happier with performance and fuel economy.

[jerry1]

what kind of numbers do you get on the 115??

[Max_Florida]

I have a 20' Seafari and I just repowered a couple months ago with a brand new 115 Optimax Pro XS - it's supposed to be closer to 125HP as it has carbon fiber reeds and some other stuff done to it(came from the factory that way). The motor also came with a 5 year warranty for an extra ~$150.

Cruise: 31MPH @ 4400RPMs
WOT: 41MPH @ 5700RPMs

I'm very happy with the hole shot and I can stay on plane as low as 16-17mph.

I have no basis for comparison in terms of loudness compared to other newer motors - but I will say that going from a '87 Force 125 to a '89 150 Blackmax to this ... This motor is definitely much quieter.

One of the things that I considered was the dealership that I would be taking it to for service.

The Yamaha and Evinrude dealerships have a bad reputation in my area when it comes to customer service.

The Mercury dealership is top notch and are great guys to work with.

Overall I'm extremely happy with the motor.

[eggsuckindog]

Thats one nice thing about the Etec's you don't have to deal with the dealer for 300 hrs - long time. Also the 100/1 oil ratio even with the expensive oil is a big plus if you run distance, at troll its ridiculous.

The new 130 Etec would seem to be a perfect fit as its 4 cyl vs V6 the same as the 115, that wasn't available say when Bush bought his. The boat could use 130 IMHO, especially if your running in swells.

The Opti's did have a pretty big issue with the compressor's, they have been re-designed recently but it was 500/600 hr range. They also had some reed issues which might be the reason for a change there too.

I roll around about all the forums and frankly Etec's appear to have the least issues of anybody 2 or 4 stroke - more telling try and find a used one, I've seen maybe 2.