Mercury 125hp OptiMax vs Evinrude 115hp E-TEC (G1)
125hp OptiMax
115hp E-TEC (G1)
| Spec | Mercury 125hp OptiMax | Evinrude 115hp E-TEC (G1) |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Performance | ||
| Horsepower | 125 HP | 115 HP |
| Displacement | 1522 cc | 1727 cc ← |
| Configuration | 3 Cyl / Inline | 4 Cyl / V4 60° |
| Weights & Dimensions | ||
| Dry Weight | 170 kg (375 lbs) ← | 177 kg (390 lbs) |
| Mechanical & Electrical | ||
| Gear Ratio | 2.07:1 | 2.0 |
| Alternator | 864 W | 1915 W ← |
| Fuel Delivery | DFI (Direct Injection) | E-TEC Direct Injection |
| Maintenance | ||
| Spark Plug | NGK IZFR6J | Champion QC10WEP |
| Engine Oil | Mercury OptiMax/DFI Oil | Evinrude XD100 / XD50 |
Technical Comparison Analysis
Power & Displacement
Comparing the Mercury 125hp OptiMax and Evinrude 115hp E-TEC (G1) shows a displacement difference of 205cc. The Evinrude features a larger 1727cc block, which typically provides superior low-end torque and better hole-shot performance when pushing heavy loads or reaching planning speeds.
Weight & Rigging
In terms of transom weight, the Mercury is the lighter option at 170kg, offering a weight saving of 7kg over its competitor. This weight reduction is critical for smaller hulls or boats with limited transom capacity where every kilogram affects the center of gravity and drainage efficiency.
Electrical & Features
For boats equipped with modern electronics, sonar, and shallow-water anchors, the Evinrude offers the best charging performance with a 1915W alternator. Choosing the right power-to-weight profile between these two 2-stroke engines depends heavily on your specific boat's displacement and daily power requirements.