15 hp or 20 hp

[ShadowB]

I have a 14' ModV Lowe I run with a Merc 9.9. Great motor and runs great but the more I add to the boat weight wise the more I notice I need a bit more power. I'm used to 2 strokes and I'm not familiar with the newer 4 strokes, been a while since I bought a new motor. During research I note if I want the new 20hp I can only get a 4 stroke; however, 2-stroke 15 hp's are still manufactured. I also note there's a pretty significant weigh difference between a 15 hp 2 stroke and the 20 hp 4 stroke as well as price difference. The question I have, would I be better off power wise with the lighter 15 hp 2stroke or heavier 20 hp 4 stroke? Price really isn't the driver but I would like a sensible $$$ to power ratio. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[05GlastronSX]

Re: 15 hp or 20 hp

a 15 2 stroke and 20 4 stroke will be very close on top speed, but the 2 stroke will have the holeshot advantage due to the simple fact that the spark plugs fire every revolution where as a 4 stroke is every other revolution, allowing the 2 stroke to have a quicker torque rev and get on plan quicker, all things being equal. The 15 also is a very simple design as apposed to a 4 stroke. Maintenance is also minimal on a 2 stroke. If you can deal with it being a bit louder and stinky, get the 15. You also save yourself some money on the initial cost.

 

[ShadowB]

Re: 15 hp or 20 hp

Thanks for the insight. I guess part of the problem is I'm not sure how much more I'd get out of the 15 hp vs. the 9.9 Hp so have been leaning toward the 20 hp. But it does seem the extra weight evens any hp advantage (at that HP power level). The 9.9 kicks that small boat pretty good so a hair more should be fine. Thanks!

 

[coolguy147]

Re: 15 hp or 20 hp

only problem i have with 2 strokes as owning one. is just the fact that i always have to go and buy 2 stroke oil which is kinda expensive and constant. other then that i have no problem

 

[Vert1go]

Re: 15 hp or 20 hp

In my experience, the 15hp 2-stroke will beat the 20 hp 4-stroke in every performance area. I would go with the 15, hands down.

Keep in mind that Yamaha does still produce the 20 and 25 hp 2-stroke engines up until the end of this year.

 

[mickjetblue]

Re: 15 hp or 20 hp

There's some 18hp motors around that will do just fine.

 

[pecheux]

Re: 15 hp or 20 hp

Thanks for the insight. I guess part of the problem is I'm not sure how much more I'd get out of the 15 hp vs. the 9.9 Hp so have been leaning toward the 20 hp. But it does seem the extra weight evens any hp advantage (at that HP power level). The 9.9 kicks that small boat pretty good so a hair more should be fine. Thanks!

I have both a Johnson 9.9 and a Force 15 that I use on a fibre 14 footer that weights 275 pounds. (as per my avatar) Alone in the boat the only advantage with the 15 hp is getting out of the hole faster, top speed is even. But with 2 people in the boat the 15 hp gives me that extra "hair" that makes the boat plane just a bit better ... enough that I like it better ... LOL

But for trolling all day ... nothing beats a 9.9 for smoothness. Yea I'm a 2 cycle OB man ... lol