View Full Version : which outboard to buy
fish oz
11-15-2008, 08:22 PM
my son is looking to replace the big motor on his 18' boat, wants to knoe opinions on which of the big four brands to get--90 to 115 hp range and why
Starfish
11-15-2008, 08:36 PM
Best 115hp outboard I've ever owned was a Yamaha so I'd probably go that route. All of the big brands are making really good 4 strokes these days so you can't really go wrong.
Good-Times
11-15-2008, 08:50 PM
I have Yamaha but I hear a lot of good about the Suzuki at a different price level. Homda is also a good motor.
ICHTHYDEMON
11-15-2008, 09:07 PM
I'm a Yamaha guy all the way. I've had 4 Yamaha outboards,a couple of their quads,and a generator.
I've never had a single issue with anything made by Yamaha.:applause:
If Yamaha suddenly quit making outboards,I'd buy a Suzuki without reservation.
tafish7
11-15-2008, 09:22 PM
I would have to say Honda would be my choice. I've been running them for 10 years and have never had any trouble with them. They cost a little more but if you ever want to upgrade the resale value is great. IMHO
bluehewes
11-15-2008, 10:02 PM
four brands? I thought there was only one, YAMAHA!
5150Dan
11-16-2008, 05:37 AM
I too have had them all. I have had no issues with any of them,but a friend at work has a suzuki and has limited options for service in this area. Also my 115 hp. Honda was considerably heavier than other brands of same hp... Look at that also....
Dan
Highmark
11-16-2008, 07:16 AM
I run Yamaha on my boat. They have never been in the shop for any
problems. I have replaced the empellers on both motors, with out
any problems. there on line service is good and they keep you informed
of any updates that may effect you.
HM
Yamaha or Merc....dependability and available service.:twocents:
mikes951
11-16-2008, 12:04 PM
Me i say merc optimax is the best and great gas mpg.you cant go wrong with optimax.#1 on the water.:meme:
retaliate
11-17-2008, 01:17 PM
My Merc(Yamaha motor)115 4 stroke has been trouble free for 7 years, over 1200 hrs, mostly Salt Water use, changed the oil, filter & plugs every year, & replaced the water pump once, lower unit oil twice, thats it, couldnt ask for a more reliable motor.
I tend to like Honda’s myself.
I have a 150HP on my boat and it has been flawless, plenty of horse power and fuel economy to boot.
I tend to be a little bias as own a Honda lawnmower, power washer, generator and quad?
Really, if you went with a Yamaha or Suzuki you couldn’t go wrong either.
You get what you pay for!
RascallyRabbit
11-18-2008, 12:52 PM
Out of curiosity :whistle: What sort of boat does he have?
Steve/RR
fish oz
11-18-2008, 07:36 PM
he has a 18 foot alumaweld what was the forunner to the talyon--it has a older 90 merc on it now and a 9.9 4 stroke merc. thanks for all the opinions--I have passed them on to him--ourse like all children they will probably get something completly different
RascallyRabbit
11-19-2008, 09:57 AM
I definitely support the choice of a Yamaha! I have a Yamaha 80 jet (4-Stroke), which uses the 115 Powerhead. It is an awesome motor, and is a great trade-off between power and economy.
The reason I asked what kind of boat he has, is because the Suzuki 140 (411 lbs) is close to the same weight of the Yamaha 115 (402 lbs). If the boat was rated for it this would be a good choice, but if not could turn into an insurance nightmare! If he likes to run shallow or explore places where he worries about his prop, then the 140 with a pump is rated at 100 HP and might be a good choice. Actually if he fishes areas that have alot of garbage in the water like the Willamette, it might still be a nice choice.
Steve/RR
cmb1998
11-19-2008, 10:14 AM
I definitely support the choice of a Yamaha! I have a Yamaha 80 jet (4-Stroke), which uses the 115 Powerhead. It is an awesome motor, and is a great trade-off between power and economy.
The reason I asked what kind of boat he has, is because the Suzuki 140 (411 lbs) is close to the same weight of the Yamaha 115 (402 lbs). If the boat was rated for it this would be a good choice, but if not could turn into an insurance nightmare! If he likes to run shallow or explore places where he worries about his prop, then the 140 with a pump is rated at 100 HP and might be a good choice. Actually if he fishes areas that have alot of garbage in the water like the Willamette, it might still be a nice choice.
Steve/RR
If your buying new Suzuki currently has a free 6 year warranty on all their motors above 40hp. Singlers has a bunch of 2008 Suzuki's on closeout.
Later,
Chris
RascallyRabbit
11-19-2008, 02:15 PM
If your buying new Suzuki currently has a free 6 year warranty on all their motors above 40hp. Singlers has a bunch of 2008 Suzuki's on closeout.
Later,
Chris
I just went out and checked their prices. The 140 is only a couple of hundred more than the 115 :bigshock:
Yes I Am
11-22-2008, 06:22 AM
I've had Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki motors over the years.
When shopping, remember to consider the weight of the motor along with the price for your 18 footer.
The two 4-stroke Yamaha motors that I have now are very quite and fuel efficient. Can't think of a con.
Good luck.
sidewinder
11-22-2008, 10:06 PM
I have had 3 merc's, 2 johnsons,2 rudes,1 suzi, and 1 yamaha. I have a e-tec, and a yamaha now. I can't really complain about any of them. Maybe I have been just lucky with my boat motors. I've had to work out a few bugs on the e-tec, and t-8 I have now, but am happy with them both.
fish junky
11-23-2008, 12:14 PM
I've mostly had Merc's on my boats. My last Merc was a 60hp EFI. I bought it in 2002 and sold it on the boat in 2006. When I sold it, it had 2600 hrs on it and never had a problem. I now have Yamaha's and although they are a little over a year old I never had a problem. Knock on wood. :D
My vote - Mercury or Yamaha