Shearwater

Hi all, does anyone have experience with these units? I am led to believe the Solix has superior side imaging clarity, but apart from that the Axiom shines. Any real experiences, rather than just opinions? Cheers to all who can help.

I had a 4m tinny and I fitted the collar - it was brilliant ! - stops spray coming off the bow, and the stability - you would never go back after you had one Good looks are second to functionality

The 14.5 x 17 prop was spot on with 6000 revs just reached - so all good to go, cheers

Well, the Opti 250hp has been installed and I have had one decent run in the Coorong to get used to it. Certainly gets on the plane a lot quicker and the noise is less than the old Yammie 150hp. Currently it's running a 15x15 prop and is getting just over the 6000 rev mark - so I am trialing a 15x17 next week that will drop it down a bit - overall, I am pleased with the performance. When I bought this vessel there were 5 different floor levels - with various fresh water and fuel tanks etc - So, I have just finished changing all that and now have one level that really is terrific! Now I just need to learn how to set the Smart Gauges to how I want them !

Not new, a 2012 Opti so should do the job - about 40% fuel savings compared to the Yammie now and more power

After a lot of looking around and getting the run around from a few would be sellers I thought I would let you know what I have decided to do regarding engines - I'm purchasing a 250hp Optimax - I was going to go with a Verado but it required so much change to my current setup it became a no brainer to go Optimax. So, there we are, so, within a couple of weeks all should be good to go and hope to enjoy the Opti for a fair while from now! Cheers, to all who replied,

thanks for your thoughts, cheers

I'm wanting a 200 - 250hp fourstroke, Optimax or HPDI engine. 25" XL Please SMS to 0413 316 691 No Etecs or Verados please I'm located in SA, so the closer the better but the trucks are still running, so no real problem. Must be in excellent working order, cheers, Martin

please give me a call on 0413316691 so we can talk it over, cheers, Martin

I just edited my post to stay on the topic rather than chase this rabbit - hope you don't mind

yes, i agree - i'm looking out for a 200 - 250hp

Can you give me contact details on the 250 Suzi? I was following up a good 200hp Opti but that has fallen through and agree with others here that my vessel is a bit underpowered at 150hp. I rang my mechanic and asked if i was crazy to consider a 250ph on my hull as there was a Yammie available and he said that there would be no problems with a 250hp and he knows the hull - so I would be keen to follow up on the rescue vessel's engines.

I applaud your discovery abilities! I didn't even know that ad/ads existed! Very thankfull I didn't pay anywhere near that price! As I said, i am very pleased with it - I have had quite a number of boats, a 48ft, a 32ft, a 42ft, a 20ft, a 13ft, another 13ft and now another 20ft! Apart from it having 5 different floor levels that I am rectifying now - I am a happy chappie! Cheers, and thanks again, Martin

Hi there, just a query - how do you think it is a '73 hull - i'm not sure myself but would be good to relate to you perhaps if you do know the Huntsman's. The cockpit steering is for trolling - just the wheel, no rev control - actually it is really good trolling from the rear Your concerns noted on weights , cheers, the transom has the 150hp Saltwater and the aux Mercury 25hp on it now that would be approx 220-230 kgs now so should be ok for a 4stroke excepting perhaps a Honda that seem to be the heaviest of them all

Too bad - this engine turned out to be a EFI engine not a DFI - so no advantage really over my current Yamaha - excepting the higher HP - so I'll keep looking Anyone know any 175 or 200HP Optis available or well priced 4 strokes?

Being an older hull - around 1980 - there are no ratings on the hull Iv'e just tonight become aware of a 200hp Optimax that has come available, a 2005, that I will ring about tomorrow I think - Iv'e just read a very good review comparing the 200hp range in 2009 https://www.fishingworld.com.au/news/head-to-head-200hp-outboards1 in which the Optimax comes out very well - much to ponder! And if I go that way and the Opti is quite noisy as I have gathered from responses here and in the fishingworld review - then I can close the rear door of the wheelhouse! Ah! gotta love a fully enclosed wheelhouse!

I haven't done a rev/speed check yet - but the prop is a 17 inch left hand - I know it can do 37kn flat out which it did during the demo prior to purchase - but haven't done proper rev checks yet as I think the rev counter is playing up - my thoughts if I do upgrade is not only the fuel usage but the noise factor is important, though I am pleasantly surprised as I expected the Saltwater to be noisier than it is. Along with better fuel usage of course you get more nm out of the tank that also helps. I estimate with the larger tank I am putting in that the fully loaded weight will be 2200kgs.

Last week I went interstate and bought a 6m HUNTSMAN vessel and trailer that I am very happy with, at a good price - however - I was advised that the Yamaha 150hp 6 cylinder Saltwater series (2002 I think) is a good motor - but thirsty. The vessel weighs 2ton. I took it out for the first time and trolled for three hours then about 20 mins at 18 knots. All went well - I refilled the tank to find that I had used 66litres. So, can some of you guys more in the know than me please comment on - 1. If I change engines - not wanting to spend more than $8-10K would i be better off going to an Optimax that I hear will save 40% on fuel or something else? Cheers to all who reply.