Just like the title says. Is one more reliable than the other? Does one run faster and more efficient? Are there any characteristic problems?

thanks for any and all input

Rick

I had an 08 Opti, good engine. I think they are more fuel efficient than the EFI's. Might want to go down to the Boats/Motors section. May get more input.

thanks, Revo

Opti is waaay more fuel efficient than an EFI. Just be sure to have whatever engine you buy compression checked by a shop before you pay!

Good luck!

EFI's are more reliable.

Optimax engines are pretty reliable these days and some motors have had special problems. The 250XS motors have had a problem with coils in some years.

The Optimax is much more fuel efficient especially at less than full throttle.

I have had two Opti's and I would buy them again. The performance comparison depends on the engine and weight of the boat.

Excellent advice above. I had a 225 Opti on my Ranger 519. Very fuel efficient and no problems. Big mistake when I sold that boat.

Probably either would be good for you. I don't think you would actually go "wrong" with either...But I am a fan of the EFI technology and so is my Merc mechanic. I will say I have not owned an Opti either but I "think" they have more scheduled maintenance...but are more fuel efficient.

If I had an identical boat, same price and one had the Opti and the other EFI, I would buy the EFI though. They are pretty bulletproof and they have been making them a long time. And they are a LOT LOT less complicated.

Opti all the way. Fuel cost is to high for the EFI. It sounds like a hoover on the back of your boat ! I had 3 EFI's go down on me in 1 year one at 4 months one at 6 months and one at 45 min.Never lost a OPTI ! I have a 2009 21 ft Pro Craft with 225 Opti For Sale great boat and great motor.Pictures and price on the trading post.

Go with the Optimax

Optimax. Never had a problem with mine. Very gas efficient too.

oh. and mine was an 08

I have had both and they are both good motors. I great great fuel economy with the opti. The efi was a little more thirsty. Can't go wrong either way. As long as it's black and say mercury your good.

Guess that might also depend on how smart(or sorry in my case) your mechanic is!!!!!!!!

My 02' 225 EFI was in the same shop 10 or more times for the same problem and finally got told the truth when I took it to an HONEST mechanic!!!!!!!

OP.. Good luck on your purchase and definitely get a compression check if you are buying used!!!

I sold the best motor I ever had~a 200 Opti! I bought a Ranger with a 150 EFI and a filling station came with it ~great motor but terrible on fuel especially at WOT and who dosen't like WOT! The Opti is also a easy start machine while the EFI is cold natured. Parts are way more expensive on a Opti~last time I had 6 plugs replaced it was well over 100.00.

You can't buy those plugs at a boat dealer. They will rip you off. You can get the same plugs @ O'Reilly auto parts for $10 and some change