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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote technofreak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Which outboard engine
    Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 2:13pm
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Based on your experience, which is the best 90-115hp (4 or 2 stroke) engine in terms of reliability, servicing cost, initial purchasing cost and performance?
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote GAZRAE Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 2:26pm
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YAMAHA without a doubt. I`ve got a 115 two stroke sws ,depends on how many hrs you do each year,if it`s  shyte loads get a YAMAHA four stroke.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote feeder Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 2:27pm
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You missed one, resale.
 
Cheers
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote flyfisher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 3:05pm
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Based on all those factors, I'd say Tohatsu for price, performance and reliability in 2-stroke. 
 
Yamaha in 2 stroke are ridiculously expensive, same price as other manufactures 4-strokes.  They do however make a very polished product.  4 strokes I don't have much experience with, but always been a big fan of Tohatsu even though they are a fraction noiser than others.  They are very powerful for their given weights, which is normally lighter than competitors and are very simple in design and easy to service.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote burwood Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 4:35pm
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You forgot one criteria which is often overlooked-resale. 4 stroke will be worth a lot more than any 2 on resale. I think the Yamie 115 is a legendary engine. Id personally never own a 2 stroke ever again-noisy, smoke, chew fuel-just my opinion. Not looking to offend anyone.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote technofreak Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 6:04pm
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Did you also use your Tohatsu extensively in salt water environment? How do they stack up against salt water corrosion etc? In many overseas countries e.g. Japan and Australia, Tohatsu engines were renowned for their durability among commercial fishermen, but unfortunately they do not have the same high brand profile as the other makes in NZ.  Perhaps they could do with a larger dealer network.
Thanks.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote tobez Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 7:06pm
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115 yammy 2 or 4...both the best egines in the world
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote fluffy1 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 9:03pm
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Originally posted by tobez tobez wrote:

115 yammy 2 or 4...both the best egines in the world
 
5 or 10 years ago you couldn't go past a yamaha. They were untouchable. In terms of reliability and performance they were years ahead of the rest.
However I think it would be fair to say that the the rest of the market has caught up.
Yamaha, Suzuki,honda,Mercury in the four strokes are all great outboards and are in direct competition. And in my opinion it would be unwise to pick one out from the others in todays market. 
I won't comment on the 2 stroke because personally I can't see them being around as a brand new engine in the forseeable future.
Warranties differ but at the end of the day its a personal preference.
If it was me, service relationship and the price that your paying would be the biggest factors that I would consider.
BTW I have been in boats with all the engines mentioned in offshore trips. Not reading some test in a magazine. And that to me means more than reading some performance figures in glossy print!!!!!!!!
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote of2fsh Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 9:26pm
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Tobys talking about  "egines"  they are different from "engines"....   LOL  

The over riding factor has to be warranty and back up,no point in buying anymotor if you havent got a dealer close by thats "honest " and "reliable"  these are two values that very few outboard dealerships have...its a shame that thiers a few that charge more to service a 3 cylinder  2 stroke than it costs to service a V8 holden...
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote FarmerBrowne Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 9:32pm
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Likewise I tend to agree that suzuki, yamaha & honda are probably the pick of motors for reliability & resale value.
 
I just traded my 115 yammy 4/s on a 150.  The motor did 1300hrs over the six years I had it and it was still running sweetly at trade in time.
 
Original cost was $19,000 and they gave me $9,000 trade in for it. 
 
I serviced as per recommendations and servicing cost worked out about $4.00 per hour until I had the 1000 hour service which cost $1200 and effectively increased the servicing cost to $5.00/hr. I see with the new motor there is only one 30 hour service before the regular 100 hr services. The last motor had a 10 hr, 50 hr and then every 100hr service.
 
I was averaging a fuel consumption of about 1 litre per nautical mile and the motor was pushing a 6 metre hardtop alloy boat. I feel the 115 was underpowered for the hull it was pushing.
 
I was seriously contemplating changing to a suzuki but their trade in price on the old motor did not stack up with Mr Yamaha's offer.
 
I feel proximity to service centre and quality of service as well as servicing costs are important considerations.  The nearest reputable Honda dealer is miles away which is why I did not look at a Honda as replacment motor.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Rotowarriors Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 17 Dec 2008 at 11:18pm
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How much you got to spend??  as with everything, get the best you can afford. re-powered earlier this year with a 90hp, If I had the dough it wouldve been a 100hp yammie 4 stroke, didn't have enough dosh, so ended up with  90hp etec, 6k difference, happy as larry with it so far.Heaps of people have been down this road before, do a search, the fuel usage thread would be a good start
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote biggear Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Dec 2008 at 6:52am
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Ive just got a new 200 etec going on the new boat. For a full days boating, the tests indicate a better economy than a 4 stroke. Three years no service and a five year warranty. Thumbs%20Up
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote flyfisher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Dec 2008 at 8:51am
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Almost exclusive saltwater work with all my Tohatsu's and not an ounce of corrosion on any of them, (2x 30hp, 2 x 40hp, 1 x 50hp, 1x90hp).  Tohatsu have an excellent reputation in NZ with plenty of support.  I have nothing but praise for their reliability and simplicity.  Virtually all the surf resue RIB motors used round the world (and most Thundercat motors) are Tohatsu, most sold under the Merc/Tohatsu partnership... Tohatsu's with a black cowling, nothing Merc on the apart from the stickers.
 
Have to agree with the other posters though on 4 stroke and direct injection technology being the way forward.  I just like pure simplicity in an outboard and to do the servicing easily and cheaply myself once out of warranty and to also be able to fix a problem out in the middle of nowhere. 
 
I would have a 4-stroke if I could afford one and they were a bit lighter in weight.  On a small boat like mine, weight and power mean absolutley everything.  Not such an important consideration on larger boat.
 
I honestly think all outboard manufacturers get it right these days, and it's hard to go wrong with the major players as mentioned above.  Each brand has it's lemons though...
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Contract Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Dec 2008 at 10:27am
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I think most engines these days, do what they were designed for  .... pushing a boat from "A" to "B"
The variables are
2 stroke ~ more fuel usage & noisier but bottom line ~ cheaper.
4 stroke ~ less fuel usage ~ quieter ~ expensive (but greener !)
 
I think the most important consideration is the dealership that will be doing your servicing.
Check out who are the agents for merc / yammy / tohatsu / Evinrude / Suzuki etc in your area.
Place a list of their names  ~ using this forum ~ and ask for peoples experiences with them.
Then make up your own mind based on after sales service ~ not necessarily on resale.
I would far sooner accept $1000 less as a trade than miss out on 6 months of boating because someone could not get my motor running properly.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote mozz Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Dec 2008 at 11:46am
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I went from a johnson 90hp 2stroke to 115 yammie 4stroke and would not go back. better economy at cruise,quieter, HEAPS easier to start, reliable, cheaper at trolling(65-75l for a full day compared to 120l )

I still laugh at guys at the ramp trying to start their "faithful"  old mercsLOL

the weight difference was allot but we counteracted this by fully sealing the rear pod therefore adding more positive bouyancy.


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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote blackboat Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 18 Dec 2008 at 3:24pm
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if the yammies are so great why they not got 5 yr warranty as have the mercs ,i maybe wrong but im sure yammie warranty is 3yrs but i will stand corrected if wrong,,,if i was buying again it would be cost and warranty/resale thats why it could only be 4stroke ,hpdi,optimax,etec are still 2 strokes with less resale and thats the bottom line ,,,it would be verado for me all the way mines been faultless 
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote Fish Dish Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 20 Dec 2008 at 9:17pm
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Modern technology is now got most motors to the stasge where reliability etc. are much the same.
 
Therefore if you have a choice look at resale, and I agree look at where are you going to get it serviced.
 
I am also a sucker for the 2 stroke 3 cylinder engine.   A great design.
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Post Options Post Options   Likes (0) Likes(0)   Quote YamFan Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: 29 Dec 2008 at 9:55pm
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Yamaha 115 for sure had mine from new just over seven years old now 100% reliable no probs at all unlike OMC products and Mercs i have owned before. As for big Warranties these are used more to entice buyers and try to create some kind of confidence in the product and sound good at sales time but can be a different story when you go to make a claim on one. Simply put Yamaha dont need to offer large Warranties to sell Outboards. A five year Warranty is no good to you when your 15 miles offshore and your Motor has stopped running.
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