Honda or Yamaha for the drifter?

[Salmo Gairdnerii]

The drifter needs a motor and I have decided that an eight horse long shaft will fit the bill, but I am undecided on which manufacturer. I am just beginning my research and from conversations with other fishermen, I am getting pros and cons about each make. Any information will be helpful
and appreciated. Thank you.

[Amahnee]

I had a Honda 8 HP longshaft and sold it because of the weight(close to 100 lbs.). The throttle control was a little touchy too.

I just bought a new Yamaha 8HP longshaft and I am very pleased with it. 83 lbs., shift on the tiller, shallow water drive, freshwater flush on the motor. The Honda didn't have any of these features.

Do what you will but I'd go with a Yami. A 6 HP is all you will need, but go with the eight. They are the same motor, same weight at 83 lbs. The 6 HP has a limiter on the throttle which is the only difference between the two, but the 8 HP will give you alot better re-sale down the road. :cheers:

Dave

[Draggin' Bait]

We have a Yamaha 8 hp. Does double duty in freshwater and also as our emergency ride home when offshore. Awesome engine. My little boat will do almost 15 mph while using less than a gallon an hour. Last year we took it to Ruth Lake for four days. Never even went through the three gallon tank. So quiet I accidentally tried to pull-start it once when it was already running. The shift lever on the long handle is a great feature, too. I've never owned a Honda but this Yamaha engine is a winner.

[RODACTION]

I have a 2004 Honda 8 hp kicker on my sled. I have had a few problems with it :crazy: :shrug:. I wish I would have got the hi-trust Yamaha. I have herd only good thigs about the Yamaha. Ken

[SeanD]

Mercury has advantages over both. Shift in the handle and shallow water drive. Both features make the merc ideal for DB's.

[Oregonhunter]

I just put a 2005 Honda 8 on my drifter and so far I really like it, of course I have not used it much yet but the little bit that I have I really like how smooth and quite it runs. So far my 17'drifter handles the weight fine.

I dont think you can go wrong with either the Yamaha or the Honda.

Good luck and have fun shopping!

OH

[Amahnee]

The only thing that is good about Mercury kickers is the Yamaha powerhead. They have their problems. I know, I sold them.

[Salmo Gairdnerii]

Thank you to everyone for their input. So far the Yamaha is getting the nod. Thanks again. :applause:

[fishjet]

Don't know if you've made your decision yet or not, but here's my $0.02. Had a new 9.9 Merc. Sold it after a year. Researched Honda and Yamaha. Talked with lots of guys who use both. Went with a new Yamaha 8HP long shaft, high thrust last September. Quiet, light, starts easy and never so much as a hiccup. Best small motor decision I ever made.

[Mikeymoto]

Will a long shaft be long enough? A friend needed a xl shaft on his willie.
Mike