Yamaha 150hp V6 Saltwater Series II vs Mercury 135hp V6 OptiMax
150hp V6 Saltwater Series II
135hp V6 OptiMax
| Spec | Yamaha 150hp V6 Saltwater Series II | Mercury 135hp V6 OptiMax |
|---|---|---|
| Power & Performance | ||
| Horsepower | 150 HP | 135 HP |
| Displacement | 2596 cc ← | 2507 cc |
| Configuration | 6 Cyl / V6 90° | 6 Cyl / V6 60° |
| Weights & Dimensions | ||
| Dry Weight | 190 kg (419 lbs) ← | 195 kg (430 lbs) |
| Mechanical & Electrical | ||
| Gear Ratio | 1.86:1 | 1.87:1 |
| Alternator | 504 W | 720 W ← |
| Fuel Delivery | Triple Carbureted | DFI (Direct Injection) |
| Maintenance | ||
| Spark Plug | NGK BR8HS-10 | NGK IZFR5G (Iridium) |
| Engine Oil | Precision Blend Injection | Mercury OptiMax/DFI Oil |
Technical Comparison Analysis
Power & Displacement
Comparing the Yamaha 150hp V6 Saltwater Series II and Mercury 135hp V6 OptiMax shows a displacement difference of 89cc. The Yamaha features a larger 2596cc 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 Yamaha is the lighter option at 190kg, offering a weight saving of 5kg 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 Mercury offers the best charging performance with a 720W 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.