I am about to buy a Lowe hp18 and don't know wether to buy a 115 mercury fourstroke or a 115 optimax pro xs. Does anyone have any sugestions. By the way new to the fourm, thanks for any advice.

4 stroke

I have a 115 Optimax, and I've had no problems with it in the four years that I've had it. I don't know anything about the four strokes, but I would buy another Optimax.

If there is not a lot of weight difference and the boat performance is about equal I would go with the 4 stroke. The oil used in the opti is expensive I'm told..........Al

^{i have a 115 optimax also. very efficient, is a real good motor. the oil is expensive, but is a lot cheaper if you get your jug filled at the boat shop, they have it in bulk. the only reason i suggested the four stroke is noise and there are some places starting to ban two strokes on there waters. dont believe it will be too wide spread in the near future but if your planning to keep it for awhile, it may be something to consider. either way your getting a good motor.}

It's all about the "-vs-"

Cost of 4-Stroke -vs- Optimax.

Boat Speed and Operation - Weight of 4-Stroke -vs- Optimax & Oil Reserve.

Cost to Operate - Fuel Mileage & Annual Oil Change for a 4-Stroke -vs- Fuel mileage of Optimax and 2 Cycle Oil.

Both are good motors so it depends on what you are looking for as far as cost, speed, and operation.

The weight difference is 25 lbs being the 4 the heavier. the speed is apx. 4-5 less for the fourstroke, and the hole shot is a little slower. That being said I am not a speed freak. As far as the cost of the oil for the optimax how much it would cost for the year I have not a clue. I will probably fish 5 times a month. I was able to test drive a Lowe stinger HP18 yesterday with a 115 optimax pro xs. This boat was extremely stable and had a great hole shot, and very comfortable at a top speed of 56-57 on the speedo. I think the actual speed is around 52. So all that said would the cost of the fourstroke per year be cheaper. Cost of motors is 125.00 extra for the fourstroke total.

A gallon of Optimax oil will get you a long way with a 115 HP.

A gallon of Optimax oil will get you a long way with a 115 HP.

Define a "long way".

I had a 130hp Yamaha that drank oil like a lush. Either that or I just drove a lot of miles with it.

I'd be interested in know how much oil per gallon the optimax uses and then the fuel mileage for that motor on that boat. The next question would be how much throttle time the OP plans on an average trip. Bigger lakes and rivers can drink up a lot of gas if you want to cover a lot of water.

A gallon of Optimax oil will get you a long way with a 115 HP.

Define a "long way".

I had a 130hp Yamaha that drank oil like a lush. Either that or I just drove a lot of miles with it.

I'd be interested in know how much oil per gallon the optimax uses and then the fuel mileage for that motor on that boat. The next question would be how much throttle time the OP plans on an average trip. Bigger lakes and rivers can drink up a lot of gas if you want to cover a lot of water.

I really can't quantify that statement because I have never measured the gas milage or oil consumption on my boat, but I wouldn't let the cost of Optimax oil deter me from purchasing one. If we were talking about a 250 HP, then I might take it into consideration, but not on a 115 HP.

I really can't quantify that statement because I have never measured the gas milage or oil consumption on my boat, but I wouldn't let the cost of Optimax oil deter me from purchasing one. If we were talking about a 250 HP, then I might take it into consideration, but not on a 115 HP.

I would not let the cost of optipop oil determine my dicision. You must change the oil and filter on a 4 stroke also. The oil filter for my 115 4 stroke Yamaha(pontoon boat) is about $15 and it holds almost 5 qts of oil. I have a 225 Yamaha V max 2 stroke and it drinks oil. If speed is not an issue I think you would be happier with the 4 stroke in the long run...................Al

When my 90 Optimax hit 120 hours I had gone through at least 3 gallons of oil, plus what was in the resoivor when I bought the boat new. I bought a case (3gal) when I bought the boat so I know I used those 3 gallons. It may have taken 4 , but at least 3.