I've decided to sell my Cobalt 190 with Volvo Penta and buy a smaller 16.5' boat with 2 stroke outboard which will be used primarily for water sports.<br /><br />The new hull is rated for a 120 hp and my dealer is recommending the Johnson 115 hp 2 stroke which he feels runs/shifts better than the Mercury. I am loath to go "Old Technology" carbed motor and am leaning towards the 115 hp Optimax. I wish Bombardier had released the 115 hp E-TEC this year but all they have is the re-worked Ficht which will probably be replaced in a year or two.<br /><br />The down side to the Optimax is it is significantly heavier (70+lbs) and more expensive than the Johnson/Evinrude.<br /><br />My last O/B ski boat had a Yamaha which was a great motor but there is not a good dealer in the area and again they are old tech.<br /><br />I also have two other boats with Mercury engines (50 hp EFI 4 stroke, 15 hp classic) both have been very reliable.<br /><br />Does anyone have any experience with the 2004/5 Johnson Carbed and Mercury Optimax? Any comments would be greatly appreciated!
