"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
.. .
"Capt John" wrote in message


probably more reliable because it's nothing new and fewer parts,

There are enough Optimax owners for a class action lawsuit that disagree
with that statement.

Who knows on the rest. It, like anything, depends on the specific model
and
manufacturer. If I were gungho for a 4 stroke I'ld look real hard at
Honda.
Aren't many MFGs who make a better lower maintenacne motor than Honda.

My next boat will probably be a lot slower than my currrent one, but Honda
will definitely be one of my seriously considered motors. The major
negative to them for me is having a local service dealer I trust.

The early Optimax outboards did have problems, but those issues have been
resolved. From everything that I've been hearing lately, it's the eTecs
that are puking powerheads. One thing I don't like about the eTec's is that
if you're a private owner, you have the long warranty, but if you are a
guide, then you're limited to a one year warranty!

A guy I know occasionally takes his employer's customers out to entertain
them. Because he is on the company payroll while doing this, he needs a
guide license to be legal. So he has a license for the two or three times
per year he takes his boss's clients out. THAT's the extent of his guiding!

He bought an eTec 225 powered boat last year, and the powerhead blew. It
had a 5 year warranty and the powerhead was replaced under warranty. This
spring he took the boat out for some spring walleye fishing. The powerhead
blew again. He went back to the dealer with the boat and was told that
because he guides, the warranty expired after one year. Now he's sitting
with the option of a HUGE repair bill or re-powering his boat!

I was in an 18' AlumaCraft boat powered by a Honda 130. That boat seemed to
take forever to get on plane and it wasn't loaded down with gear. Give me a
two-stroke anyday!
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com