Optimax Vs Sho

[TNBASSIN]

I plan on purchasing a new bass boat within the next 9 months and would like to get some opinions on Mercury 115 ProXS vs the new Yamaha 115 SHO vmax. I was going with the Mercury until Yamaha announced the release of the 115 SHO vmax.  I've notice that there are more 4 strokes on the market on.  Do you think this will be the future of outboards?

[slonezp]

No doubt in my mind 4 stroke is the future. What does that have to do with the decision you re making today? Yammy still makes the HPDI which is a 2 stroke. Performance and fuel economy #'s still push the 2 stroke ahead of the pack, but the distance they are leading by is getting slimmer and slimmer.

[Tim Kelly]

The new versions of the merc 4 stroke 115 are said to be a great improvement over the previous models, so the SHO isn't your only 4 stroke option.

[Jig Man]

Not all brands of boats will give you that option.  What boat are you going to buy.

[gobig]

I think they are the future. I think its going to be just like the dirt bike world where 4 strokes are going to take over.  I have to re-power my boat and If money were not an option I would go with the sho hands down. Better fuel economy and longevity. 

[TNBASSIN]

I plan on purchasing a Ranger RT188.

[WIGuide]

4 strokes are definitely the future. I think I'd go with the SHO.

[Boatman]

I am Sales Manager for an authorized Ranger Dealer in Alabama and I can tell you that you have made a GREAT choice. We have sold several of the 188 boats in the last few months along with the 178 and they are both fabulous rides. We have about a dozen of these boats on hand with more on order We are authroized Mercury and Yamaha Dealers as well. The boats that we have sold have all been sold with Mercs 4 strokes but we do sell  the larger glass boats with the SHO Yamaha motors as well as the Opti Max Mercs. ALL are great engines. The advice you were given about the future is correct. Four Strokes will eventually be the only choice available. The EPA will be the reason, not market forces. You can order a Ranger with either a Merc, Yamaha, Evenrude or Suzuki. I went on a Ranger Factory tour last month an asked how many of each they rigged out. They would not give out specific numbers but they did say over half were outfilled with Mercuy, a large percentage Yamaha and the rest were Evenrude then Suzuki. You will be pleased with  either the Merc or the Yamaha. The 188, in my opinion, is the best boat for the money built today. They cannot build them fast enough because people are finding out that they CAN have a Ranger which is a whole lot more boat for just a little bit more money. Let me know if you would like any further information about the Ranger line.

[Dwight Hottle]

The mercury pro xs line has better gas mileage figures than mercury's own 4 stroke engines. It also meets & exceeds California current EPA pollution specs, the only 2 stroke to do so. Chose a 4 stroke for quietness, oil changes rather than oil mixing etc but don't blindly think they are better gas economy. Hole shot is generally accepted as better with the pro xs if that matter to you. Just some food for thought.

[dwtaylor]

4 strokes are definitely the future, as required US government emissions ratings are increasing and they tend to be "cleaner" than 2 strokes.

 

If it were me, from a fuel consumption and performance standpoint, I would go with the 1.5L Opti Pro XS.

 

However, if you want to go 4 stroke I would give a really good look at the new 115 FourStroke from Mercury.  It is the lightest 115 4 stroke on the market and also one of the best performing ones, if not the best.  

 

For that boat, I would do some research and look into the Command Thrust (CT) gear case (used to be called Big Foot) as they do a little bit better on bigger boats.  

 

I may have a Mercury bias, as I work for them.  With that said, I would not shy away from other manufacturer's engines.  We all make good engines, but each is a little different.  

[bassr95]

4 strokes are not necessarily the future. Clean, quiet, powerful engines in any form are the future. EFI 2-strokes like Evinrude's E-tec are getting better emissions ratings from the California Air Resources Board than a lot of four-strokes out there.

[Sun Fish]

4 strokes are not necessarily the future. Clean, quiet, powerful engines in any form are the future. EFI 2-strokes like Evinrude's E-tec are getting better emissions ratings from the California Air Resources Board than a lot of four-strokes out there.

This for sure, does not matter if it's 2 stroke if it meets EPA requirements now and in the future.

[South FLA]

4 Stroke 4 sure!

 

I would pic an Opti for peformance in the 250 Class, but would stick to 4 stroke for all other choices.   Consider the Honda also, if that is on the list. 

[Jig Man]

Depending on where you are located should help you make up your mind about your motor choice.  Around here I know at least a half dozen places with good qualified Merc. techs.  I know of only one place where they specialize in Yammys and no place where they know squat about any other brand.

[Dwight Hottle]

Depending on where you are located should help you make up your mind about your motor choice.  Around here I know at least a half dozen places with good qualified Merc. techs.  I know of only one place where they specialize in Yammys and no place where they know squat about any other brand.

 

 

Very good advice. If brand X motor service is not local or qualified, good luck when you have an issue. Better to choose the brand that is best supported in your area. I have only owned two motors a Yamaha 150 four stroke & a mercury 250 pro xs and they both gave me good service.