New 8 hp. for driftboat. What brand to buy???

[Fishing freak]

If you were to buy a 8 hp. 4 cycle motor for a DB. what brand would you buy! Looking to get one this week! Looking for input.

Thanks!

[Twitchs_Tackle]

You may want to research weights. I don't know what size boat you are putting it on, but some may not work to well with such a motor. My 2 stroke 8 is ok for my boat(16'), but the 4 stroke version is too much for my friends 15'. Half of his transom is in the water :shocked:

May want to consider 6 hp... they're about right for a drifter.

[ 03-08-2004, 09:35 AM: Message edited by: Twitchs_Tackle ]

[Fish Hawg]

YAMAHA

[Artwo]

I bought a 8hp kicker for my DB a couple years ago and in doing some research before I bought I found that most 4-stroke 8hp were to heavy. I ended up buying a 2-stroke 8hp Merc but if I were to do it again I'ld get a 4-stroke 6hp. I have found that at times while using my kicker for backtrolling that the 8hp won't idle down slow enough so I have to use a trolling sock. As far as speed goes while motoring somewhere the difference between an 8hp and the 6hp won't be an issue because you can't run them full open anyway. I also don't believe there's much top end difference between the two anyhow.

JK

[Amahnee]

I agree with Artwo about speed. You can only push a driftbarge so fast. I just bought a new Honda 4 stroke 8, and it is heavy I will say. 95 pounds. But it is fine on the back of my 16ft DB. It trolls fine and idles down fine. Good luck in whatever you do.

[Fishing freak]

TT, I currently am running a 74' 9.8hp. merc. 2 stroke. I believe the older merc. 2 st. weigh about 75 lbs. Some of the new 4 st. ( Johnson, Honda etc.) weigh about 83-88 lbs. Shouldn't be to signifcant of a change. DB is 16 ft. 54 in.

[riverwild]

I wouldnt buy a 4-stroke. Too heavy, too big and too expensive. Buy a Merc 2-stroke. Controls are in the handle and the way they raise and lower with their spring system is a one hand operation. Call Chad at Stevens in Tigard. He will set you up right!

[ET]

Yamaha 8hp four stroke is only 83lbs and it is a two cylinder. I wouldn't go any other way....

[Fishing freak]

Thanks for all the input guy's. I use my DB to crab with and sometimes it is prettty weighted down with people and pots. Would'nt a 8 hp. push the boat faster than a 6 hp. in this condition? ET I agree the Yamis are nice but a little spendy.
Clemons on Mcglaughlin wanted $1,900 !!!!!

[cosmo]

2004 manual start, no power trim Yamaha 8hp 4-stroke wieghs 83lbs. The T8 high thrust version with power trim and electric start weights 103. You'll be fine with the standard 4 stroke and it's comparable in weight to the 2-strokes.

[freespool]

Honda 8hp long shaft,with dolfin.


salmon hugger

[Twitchs_Tackle]

I know a guy with a '93 Yami, 6 hp long shaft (2 stroke) with I think he said 30 hours . $700

[ET]

You should be able to beat them down to $1500 for a 6hp and $1600 for an 8hp Yamaha. Keep looking.

[onstep]

New Mercury 8 hp 4 stroke. 88 pounds two cylinder. Best part they have shift in the handle and the ratchet shallow water drive like the 2 strokes. It should work great on a DB.

[blacktail]

Go see Dave at North River in Clackamas. He'll probably be able to get you the best deal on a Yamaha.

Mike

[Fishing freak]

Thanks all, By the way, I have a 74 9.8 merc. for sale if anyone is interested. This motor ran great last fall ( used it in the Columbia for fall fish). But will not start or run now?????
Tired of messing with it. I really think that it is not that serious.Compression is good. Willing to sell for $250.

[drhall99]

The best 4 strokes, IMO, are Yamaha and Honda but I've run the heck out of a Tohatsu (aka Nissan) and I wouldn't mind owning one. Also, I think that Suzuki warrants a good hard look. One more thing, I don;t think Mercury makes their own motor anymore, so it might be a good bet, too.

Doug

[jukemove]

[img]graemlins/idea.gif[/img] HONNDA :grin:

[dampainter]

if your on a budget get a mercury, if you want quality there is no substitute other than a yamaha.


also...about the cheapest place is mid columbia marine in hood river...a little drive for you but what the hey, scenic drive and not that far....may save yourself a couple hundred, call around and get $ than call mid columbia.

[ 03-08-2004, 04:47 PM: Message edited by: dampainter ]

[Fishing freak]

Are the prices at most dealers negotiable ( like a vehicle for instance)or is the price listed, the price you pay?

Thanks

[Beerbelly]

Just bought 9.9 Johnson 4 stroke 96 lbs a little heavy for DB I think.

[weekend warrior]

Have a Honda 9.9 4-stroke on a 17x54. I think they go about 100#'s. Anything more than an 8 or 9.9 is overkill. A DB will never get up on plain so anyhing more is pointless, either way your just pushing water. If the weights and issue put a tiller handle extension on it so you can stand in the middle and that way you have more forward wait. You can't beat the fuel efficiency of a 4 and how quiet they are. I don't think as of right now that a 2-stroke is even close to a 4 in those 2 categories.
I'm no pro but I think an 8 would be perfect. Besides if you ever get a big boat for the CR or the Willy you can move the motor over to it. A 6hp probably wouldn't work.

[N7754H]

Yamaha, no question.

[andy-ap emerger]

I just got my brand spankin' new 4stk 6hp Nissan two days ago. It only weighs 54 pounds!!!
It runs extremely clean. Rated for 2008 EPA standards and has a 4 year warranty. It purrs like a kitten. Easy as heck to start. VERY VERY happy with it during its maiden voyage yesterday am. Hooked it up to my 16ft DB, put in at Chinook landing (on the columbia) and scurried upriver to the mouth of the Sandy. It did GREAT!
And it only ran me $1,100 clams! I did all the research your currently doing for the last year and ended up with a good purchase. I give it two thumbs up!


AP [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

[sunshinefisherman]

I have a Suzuki but I lust after a Honda. They are SO quiet. Honda motors ALWAYS start. Honda, Honda, Honda Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda Honda, Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda, Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda Honda, Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda, Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda Honda, Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda, Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda HondaHonda, Honda, Honda Honda, Honda, Honda, Honda Honda,Honda, Honda, Honda, Honda,

[k9jeff]

so Sunshine,,what are you trying to say.


I have a 98 Johnson 6hp twin cyl 2 stroke. It starts easy, purrs all day and I have never had a problem with it. I got a killer deal on it used with LOW hours. I would highly recomend one.

[SLEDDER]

Isn't Johnson now owned by the Bombardier people. SEA DOO, SKI DOO ect. Based out of France, manufactured in Canada?

[Fishing freak]

Thanks everyone for the reply's. I am going tonight to get the Yamaha if it fits. I have a cut-out in the back of my DB and I think that the tiller handle might not allow the Yamaha to swivel to one side. The Yamaha tiller sticks out 3-4 inches from the cover. If the Yami doesn't
work I am picking up the Honda. See you on the river!

[HANDLINER]

8HP. HONDA I.VE USED MINE FOR OVER 20 YEARS

[blacktail]

FF,

Where are going to look at the Yamaha?

Mike