Best outboard motor

  • linder 1
    New Ulm, MN
    Posts: 21
    August 4, 2009 at 3:08 pm #1263869

    Mercury, Evinrude, Yamaha, Suzuki, and any others that I missed, Whats you’re favorite and why?

    kooty
    Keymaster
    1 hour 15 mins to the Pond
    Posts: 18101
    August 4, 2009 at 3:09 pm #795243

    The one that starts every time I turn the key.

    Jesse Krook
    Y.M.H.
    Posts: 6403
    August 4, 2009 at 3:17 pm #795245

    I believe all of the motors, even the ones you did’nt list with the exception of a few like Force which in my book is not very good, have had a good year and a bad year. I’ve seen almost every boat motor ran and I have been the happiest with the ones that get us to the fishing hole and back to the dock without skipping a beat which has been most of the major brands listed and a couple other big names you missed

    mossboss
    La Crescent, MN
    Posts: 2792
    August 4, 2009 at 3:26 pm #795253

    All the 2 strokes blow up, they all suck IMO. I know the Evinrudes have had lower unit issues in past year’s but I heard those are fixed. The first HPDI’s had some issues with weed clogging, and the problems of the early OPTI’s and Fichts are well documented.

    If they could come out with a light 4 stroke that performed like a 2 stroke that would probably be the best deal, but for now in the 2 strokes you’re likely taking a chance with any brand.

    Signed, guy who’s Merc is in the shop right now.

    whittsend
    Posts: 2389
    August 4, 2009 at 3:31 pm #795256

    Absolutely love my Suzuki!

    bret_clark
    Sparta, WI
    Posts: 9362
    August 4, 2009 at 3:40 pm #795262

    What size are you looking for, tiller or steering wheel?
    This might help you get more opinions on what you are looking for.

    I have been running a 25hp Merc 2 stroke tiller for the past 4 years and I wouldn’t trade this Merc for anything.
    I love the forward and reverse shift built into the throttle, it makes boat control and trolling a breeze.
    This motor has seen a good amount of time on the water and has many hours of troll time. I have only needed to change out the plugs once. I do change out the lower unit oil in the spring but have not yet had to replace the impeller, maybe this winter during the down time just for a feel good thing.
    I do like to add Sea Foam to the oil mix but keep it on the light side.

    Good luck with your decision

    whiskeyandwater
    ????
    Posts: 2014
    August 4, 2009 at 3:46 pm #795263

    Quote:

    What size are you looking for, tiller or steering wheel?
    This might help you get more opinions on what you are looking for.

    I have been running a 25hp Merc 2 stroke tiller for the past 4 years and I wouldn’t trade this Merc for anything.
    I love the forward and reverse shift built into the throttle, it makes boat control and trolling a breeze.
    This motor has seen a good amount of time on the water and has many hours of troll time. I have only needed to change out the plugs once. I do change out the lower unit oil in the spring but have not yet had to replace the impeller, maybe this winter during the down time just for a feel good thing.
    I do like to add Sea Foam to the oil mix but keep it on the light side.

    Good luck with your decision

    That makes 2 of us!

    Jeff Matura
    Sumner, IA
    Posts: 238
    August 4, 2009 at 3:46 pm #795264

    I think they all make good outboards, but I do think that in certain horse power ranges and applications one will always standout.

    jon_jordan
    St. Paul, Mn
    Posts: 10908
    August 4, 2009 at 3:46 pm #795265

    Quote:

    I have been running a 25hp Merc 2 stroke tiller for the past 4 years and I wouldn’t trade this Merc for anything.

    Agree, have the same motor. However Merc does not make 2 stroke motors under 115hp and those are all HPDI motors.

    I think Merc puts out a good product with a good warranty. I would not hesitate to buy one. Yami would be right at the top of the list too.

    -J.

    chris-tuckner
    Hastings/Isle MN
    Posts: 12318
    August 4, 2009 at 3:51 pm #795268

    Bret hit it on the head. How do you fish? Is economy a bigger concern than top end speed? If so, 4 stroke trumps 2 stroke. Reliability? I think most would agree the nod goes to the four stroke. Do you wanna be the first guy to a spot in a tourney and run WOT to get there? Two stroke DFI may be your choice. Do you fish cold weather on the River year around? Dec-Jan-Feb??? My personal preference would be 4 stroke then, as 2 strokes have too many sensors for oil injection that do not care for cold all that much and can present a whole mess of other issues.
    Are you going to be trolling with that motor? Four stroke is going to trump two strokes here as well in most cases. Yamaha has the VTS (Varyable Throttle Switch) that can really help in trolling down. Most four strokes idle at a higher RPM/Speed because of how the motor operates…a firing on each revolution of the motor maning a higher RMP at idle. But that can be overcome with a kicker or bags. If you opt to go the kicker route then you can have more options in choosing your big motor…Also, dealers. If you choose Honda/Suzuki…will you have a dealer on every corner like Yamaha/Merc/Evinrude? I am not saying anything negative of any of these motors as they are all good. You may want to look at JD Power and see how the consumers rate them all.

    Fun isn’t it???

    Ralph Wiggum
    Maple Grove, MN
    Posts: 11764
    August 4, 2009 at 3:53 pm #795270

    Quote:

    All the 2 strokes blow up, they all suck IMO.

    Yeah, cause there is not plenty of ’70s and ’80s vintage 2-strokes still running strong

    robstenger
    Northern Twin Cities, MN
    Posts: 11374
    August 4, 2009 at 3:56 pm #795271

    Quote:

    Best outboard motor

    With just using that as parameters. I would say either a Mercury Pro Kicker or a Yammy T-8. Both are solid and bullet proof IMO and they are both outboard motors.

    dea
    Hixton, WI
    Posts: 457
    August 4, 2009 at 4:00 pm #795272

    Evinrude!

    mossboss
    La Crescent, MN
    Posts: 2792
    August 4, 2009 at 4:32 pm #795284

    Quote:

    Quote:

    All the 2 strokes blow up, they all suck IMO.

    Yeah, cause there is not plenty of ’70s and ’80s vintage 2-strokes still running strong

    Should have probably stated that as new direct injection 2 strokes. You win.

    Steve Root
    South St. Paul, MN
    Posts: 5615
    August 4, 2009 at 4:48 pm #795289

    Quote:

    Quote:
    All the 2 strokes blow up, they all suck IMO.

    Yeah, cause there is not plenty of ’70s and ’80s vintage 2-strokes still running strong

    Grandpa’s 1962 5 horse Sea King still purrs like a kitten!

    Rootski

    timmy
    Posts: 1960
    August 4, 2009 at 4:49 pm #795291

    Quote:

    Quote:

    Best outboard motor

    With just using that as parameters. I would say either a Mercury Pro Kicker or a Yammy T-8. Both are solid and bullet proof IMO and they are both outboard motors.

    Lip hit it on the head. The T-8 is a tough one to beat. I have been VERY pleased with mine.

    bear schutts
    Menomonie, Wisconsin
    Posts: 24
    August 4, 2009 at 5:31 pm #795303

    I have had a few Mercs….they were good only minnor problems. Evinrudes suck…I blew up 3 of them. 2 in one year. The best one that I have found would be Yamaha…I have had 4 of them and never had a single problem with them. I only run 2 strokes, 4 strokes are heavy….thats just my 2 cents

    jighead-two
    Cedar Falls, Iowa
    Posts: 642
    August 4, 2009 at 5:41 pm #795309

    I have a 2001 40HP Honda tiller, that I got new and haven’t had any problems with.

    bosman
    DeSoto, WI
    Posts: 914
    August 4, 2009 at 5:47 pm #795311

    Quote:

    Bret hit it on the head. How do you fish? Is economy a bigger concern than top end speed? If so, 4 stroke trumps 2 stroke. Reliability? I think most would agree the nod goes to the four stroke. Do you wanna be the first guy to a spot in a tourney and run WOT to get there? Two stroke DFI may be your choice. Do you fish cold weather on the River year around? Dec-Jan-Feb??? My personal preference would be 4 stroke then, as 2 strokes have too many sensors for oil injection that do not care for cold all that much and can present a whole mess of other issues.
    Are you going to be trolling with that motor? Four stroke is going to trump two strokes here as well in most cases. Yamaha has the VTS (Varyable Throttle Switch) that can really help in trolling down. Most four strokes idle at a higher RPM/Speed because of how the motor operates…a firing on each revolution of the motor maning a higher RMP at idle. But that can be overcome with a kicker or bags. If you opt to go the kicker route then you can have more options in choosing your big motor…Also, dealers. If you choose Honda/Suzuki…will you have a dealer on every corner like Yamaha/Merc/Evinrude? I am not saying anything negative of any of these motors as they are all good. You may want to look at JD Power and see how the consumers rate them all.

    Fun isn’t it???

    Excellent post! Very good info ~

    big_g
    Isle, MN
    Posts: 22386
    August 4, 2009 at 6:28 pm #795330

    If you want the perfect one, this combo will never let you down…..

    big G

    bear schutts
    Menomonie, Wisconsin
    Posts: 24
    August 4, 2009 at 6:38 pm #795333

    Quote:

    If you want the perfect one, this combo will never let you down…..

    big G

    You got that right Big G….Its a lot cheaper to than buying outboard.

    nic-habeck
    Lake Mills, WI
    Posts: 831
    August 4, 2009 at 6:39 pm #795334

    All motors have their pluses and minuses. Make sure you can also depend on your dealer for service. All engines will eventually have an issue, and you need someone who understands their product to get you back on the water quickly. Technology is great such as the new 4 strokes, and direct injection, but almost gone is the day when you could just wrench in your garage to get back in service. However the new technology offers incredible options to fishermen like us. I love my new 3.3L HPDI, but still have fond memories of my old 9.9 from years past. She was a beaut.

    perch_44
    One step ahead of the Warden.
    Posts: 1589
    August 4, 2009 at 6:45 pm #795336

    i really really like my yamaha 2 stroke, but i do still have a 1979 evinrude 15hp in the garage, that still gets used every year on my 14ft vhull. it has been beat to hell and back and still runs like a champ, and with minimal repairs ever having been made.

    chris-tuckner
    Hastings/Isle MN
    Posts: 12318
    August 4, 2009 at 7:14 pm #795344

    Quote:

    If you want the perfect one, this combo will never let you down…..

    big G

    Aaaaaahhhhh…the “Original TWO-STROKE!”

    Stroke…Stroke…

    big_g
    Isle, MN
    Posts: 22386
    August 4, 2009 at 7:50 pm #795357

    Quote:

    Quote:

    If you want the perfect one, this combo will never let you down…..

    big G

    Aaaaaahhhhh…the “Original TWO-STROKE!”

    Stroke…Stroke…

    suzuki
    Woodbury, Mn
    Posts: 18537
    August 4, 2009 at 8:26 pm #795372

    Quote:

    If you want the perfect one, this combo will never let you down…..

    big G

    Big G is a Miller man!? I may actually have to meet you some day.

    Whiskerkev
    Madison
    Posts: 3835
    August 4, 2009 at 8:50 pm #795381

    What kind of hole shot does G get with that? I knew a guy that had a 9 horse johnson on a 12 foot jon. You couldn’t stand up in that boat on the river but he caught more fish than 10 others I knew. That motor ran even after his younger brother left it on the bank of the mississippi and it got pounded by wave action over night. the boat was totaled but the motor ran like a top. I couldn’t believe it.

    Doug Bonwell
    Cedar Falls IA
    Posts: 887
    August 5, 2009 at 12:14 am #795400

    My kicker! 9.9 Yamaha I love that little girl.

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