[kapitano]

Hello all;

I'm just about to finalize my purchase of a Lowe 165 Fish & Ski and I'm looking for advice on the decision between a Mercury 90 HP OptiMax or a Mercury 90 HP 4 stroke. I can get the 4-stroke for only $450 more. It weighs 24 lbs more than the Optimax. Both engines are brand new 2008 models. All my research seems to suggest that both are good engines. I guess the OptiMax would cost slightly more to run when the oil is accounted for but the long-term maintenance cost may be less.

Anyway - I'm looking for advice with this decision...

Thanks

[TD_Maker]

I prefer the Optimax. There is no comparison on hole shot, and the Opti is just about as fuel efficient.

[rndn]

Go with the optimax. My brother has a 75 merc 4 stroke and the thing can barely get out of the hole. He wishes he went with more hp or the optimax. It's on a 17 foot aluminum Starcraft that weighs 1400 pounds.

[rickdb1boat]

I've got an 07' 90 Merc 4 stroke and love it. It is much quieter than the Opti. Unless you must have the absolute perfomance, I would get the 4 stroke. The newer ones have much better low end as opposed to the 06' and older..

[kapitano]

Thanks for the advice gentlemen. The proposed deal fell through and now I looking at other options.....the search continues.