Outboard of choice? 90 etec, 115 optimax or 90 Yam 4 stroke?

[talltimber]

I've stalled on what I thought was a gimme on motor selection. I have an idea about what the choice would be on this site, but go ahead and tell me anyhow, if you would :D Price difference between any of the three (etec is a 900 cheaper, other two very close) and boat is rated for a 115 hp. Etec weighs 320, Opt weighs 375 (so does the 90 opti), and the Yamaha weighs 369.
I am wanting to keep the rear of the boat as light as I can so I have move the fuel tank forward, and will probably move the tm batteries forward also, but still don't know for sure what that will do for the stern freeboard. Sounds like a lot of weight in the back to me.
Which ever I get needs to be able to start and go in cold weather.
Dealer prefers the etec, a buddy who has one says go with the opti, I've been around a Yam 90 4 st and don't see a problem with it that steering clear of stumps wouldn't cure :D

["G"]

I like Yamahas and I prefer 4 strokes. I have a Yamaha 115 four stroke, and I love it. But in my opinion a 90 hp 4 stroke is the most perfect size for any fishing boat that is rated for that much or more. Little less weight with the 90, very smooth running, all the power you need. I would definatly go with the Yamaha 90 4 stroke.

[talltimber]

Thanks , G3. I have made some changes to the post, I was wrong on the price differences. It doesn't sound like it would make much difference to you though.

[PIGINTHEPIGPEN]

Yamaha 90 4-stroke. For Sure

[CUZZIN]

I prefer the Yamaha 4 stroke over the Merc Opti, owned both of them. Cant say about the E-tec but my Yamaha sipps the gas and is very quite.

["G"]

About the weight in the back....my 18 and a half ft. G3 Eagle 185 has my batteries, the fuel tank, and my 115 4 stroke all in the back. The back of the boat sits low in the water but it preforms great. Still I think the 90 hp 4 stroke is the best choice for a crappie fishing boat and as one of the other guys said....the Yamaha 4 stroke bearly sips gas and is very quiet. Another thing the Yamaha is the best cranking boat motor that I have ever owned.....automatic choke, fuel injected....jut turn the key and it starts right up without any problems and runs good from the get go...no warm up neccessary.

[olduckhunter]

tall, what boat have you decided on? there's one in the classifieds that sounds good but doesn't have open space you'd want for duck hunting.

[MEATGETTER]

i just ordered a new boat from excel boats, i went with a 90hp. suzuki 4 stroke on a 1860 rated for a115. i picked the suzuki over the yamaha ,suzuki is a little less weight and was a few $ cheaper. i have had both and they are both great motors, 2 e-tec never again ( 60 hp ).

[yikess]

Yamaha 4 stroke, plenty of power, sips gas, nice an quiet.

[skeetbum]

The 115 Yam 4 stroke has a lot of dedicated followers. I'm kicking the idea of repower around to get better fuel and though I now have a 150 on a 17'8" bass boat, the 115 Yammie is a strong contender. Quiet and dependability and low fuel consumption are my characteristics I'm looking for and the 115 opti and the yammie pretty much have it sewn up. Good luck in your decision.