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View Poll Results: better choice: ‘06 merc optimax 150 or ‘97 fast strike 175

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  • 2006 mercury optimax 150

    2 40.00%
  • 1997 johnson fast strike 175

    3 60.00%
Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
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    Question fast strike 175 vs optimax 150

    hey guys looking for a little bit if input. i’m in the very fortunate position of repowering this spring with a limited budget. i’ve found similar priced 1997 johnson fast strike 175 and a 2006 merc optimax 150. they’d be going on a 1978 baja 20’ open bow and i mainly pull my girls skiing and blow off some steam with some hot laps before people come out and play. i know the skiing doesn’t require the speed, but i like to go fast. was getting the boat up to the low 50’s with a ‘78 merc 1750 so i like the power and don’t wanna lose my speed. i’m sure the newer 150 would be the same speed if not better but with clearly better performance/fuel economy but how do the 175 and 150 compare? i’ve tried to do as much research as i could between the 2. i’m sure the 150 w fuel injection is prob a really good choice, but i love the idea of replacing a 175 w a 175 and not “downgrading” in power. any thoughts or anybody here that still runs a ‘97 fast strike w some info? thanks guys

  2. #2
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    Opti's burn less fuel, but are more complex with the compressor and dual elec pumps. Good units, have several big ones. The fast strike is fairly simple to work on. As far as good or bad I have never owned one.

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  3. #3
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    The opti will be very expensive to repair when it fails. The 175 not so much.

  4. #4
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    I think your 1978 Merc 175 is powerhead rated where the 2006 Merc 150 Optimax is prop shaft rated...so power wise they should be real close.
    The 1997 Johnson 175 should also be prop shaft rated.

    I would go with whatever engine has the lowest hours and has been looked after the best (good history).
    I would also prop it to give you the best for the skiing that you do and take whatever top speed that prop will give you - in other words prop it for whatever you do most.

  5. #5
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    those are good points, thanks. my father-in-law is rather mechanically inclined as well, but the more computerized parts we throw in there, the less likely it is we can do repairs ourselves. i really haven’t read much bad in either motor, obviously they all have their problems but as long as i stay away from the johnson/ficht...the idea of fuel injection is nice, but carbs are easier to rebuild than that system and the boat will most likely stay on the same body of water, show i shouldn’t need to worry about messing with carbs based on location...as long as parts are still widely available for a ‘97 model, that would also be a consideration

  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by peterse90 View Post
    I think your 1978 Merc 175 is powerhead rated where the 2006 Merc 150 Optimax is prop shaft rated...so power wise they should be real close.
    The 1997 Johnson 175 should also be prop shaft rated.

    I would go with whatever engine has the lowest hours and has been looked after the best (good history).
    I would also prop it to give you the best for the skiing that you do and take whatever top speed that prop will give you - in other words prop it for whatever you do most.

    i would agree with you, i believe that hp wise, they’d be really similar because i believe that’s correct about hp rating. unfortunately, neither owner has hour information, one does come from FL and has touched salt water before while the other is PA and comes from a guy that was doin tourney fishing with it. i can also get more equipment for the 175 (pa) motor too cuz the guy is parting out the boat so controls and whatever is available

  7. #7
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    EZ now that you mention salt water. Don’t buy that one

  8. #8
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    Quote Originally Posted by David View Post
    EZ now that you mention salt water. Don’t buy that one
    kinda what i was thinking...it looked clean, but it’s not how clean the outside looks i know...i just was thinking the almost 10 difference in tech makes up for somethin

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