20-25 hp outboard

[Waco]

Wife bought me a boat for christmas...(yes, she is amazing) I'm looking for a 20-25 hp motor. Tiller control, prefer elec. start. Any suggestions on make/model 2 vs 4 stroke. Who makes the most reliable engine? Should I buy new/used? need help, thanks.

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

I don't want to be smart, but if you find the answers to these questions, you will probably have your motor answer that you need.<br /><br />What kind of boat is it? What is the max rated HP? What is the maximum weight capacity of the boat? What will you be using the boat for? Will you be trolling/idling your motor a lot? What is your transom height? How heavy of a maximum load will you have in the boat? How long in time and how far in distnce will a "normal" boating trip be?<br /><br />These are just a few of these questions that will help determine 2 versus 4 stroke.<br /><br />New versus used is a complete other set of questions.<br /><br />Do you like working on your own motor? Do you have some electrical and mechanical knowledge? Do you want a warranty? Do you like shopping around? Do you need a motor right now?<br /><br />Again, just a few more questions that you have to answer, in order to make an educated decision on a 25 HP motor.<br /><br />Here's some of my opinions. All current manufacturers make decent 25 HP motors, because they are about the most popular motor out there. Everybody seems to want a good used one, so they hold their resale value well (all brands). I prefer 4 stroke (any brand), unless I am really going for a lightweight motor, then I prefer a 2-cyl. 2-stroke (any brand).<br /><br />Whew!

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

Waco- My answer is a little more simple. The boat specs will state what the max.HP is for the boat. If you already decided on 25. Go to a local dealer "RELIABLE",and he will help you out. I personally would by NEW!

 

[Waco]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

This is a 14' X-wide/X-deep jon boat. Max rating is 20hp, (600lb load) but a guy that works at the dealership has an identical boat, and he stepped up to a 25hp. They only sell Mercury, so I didn't want to let him "sell" me without shopping first. Transom=16", boat will be practically loaded at all times, running top speed aprox. half the running time. How long a trip? probably maximum will be around 7-10 miles out. What would I be looking at for going over the max. rating? (legally)

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

I can only cite the "Legal" requirements that MUST be on the capacity plate 1.Max. HP,2.Max.persons cap.(Lbs),3.Max.Wt.Cap.Lbs(Persons,motor,gear) .This is required for all outboards 20'or less. To give you a simple answer!!! You "MAY" be cited for overload. "AT the descretion of the officer"

 

[JB]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

Howdy, Waco. Listen to Pursuit. Powering a boat above the USCG set max HP leaves you wide open to a number of legal penalties, insurance cancellation, etc. If there is an accident you are guilty of "willful negligence" whether the accident was your fault or not<br /><br />Put a 20 on it and be a responsible citizen and boater.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[Waco]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

Okay, since you have all reminded me that I am a law abiding citizen, and I really wouldn't want to be cited for being stupid.....I want a 20 hp motor. Which manufacturer? and...2 or 4 stroke?

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

WACO- Now you have started a forum which could go on forever, As you can see from reading many replies here,everyone has thier own preference. Go with the manufacturer that the dealer will back up "If you have trouble", 4 stroke,(GAS&GO), 2 stroke (Add oil,GAS&GO), or always make sure the oil tank is always up to level (NO big deal).The industry is always leaning toward 4-stroke and so are the enviormentals.As far as maintaining the engine, they are about the same.ALWAYS perform Prev-Maint!!boat & engine They will last longer.

 

[Waco]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

thanks Pursuit, I think I can make a decision based on what I have read now. thanks for all the input.

 

[its-a-sweater]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

Waco,<br /><br />This site iboats has 20 hp. Mercs for $1499.00. I would say these folks are very reputable.

 

[dmessy]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

I would be wary of leased return motors regardless of dealer reputation. The break-in period on any motor is crucial in the life expextancy of that motor, as is the way the operator runs it and mantains it. Most resorts get these motors for thier rent-a-boat vacationers who jump in, run em WFO, then walk away. The price may seem attractive but what you don't know CAN hurt you in the long run. My $.02 worth is buy a new motor, breakit in per specifications, mantain it,and it'll give many years of good service. My 1969 Mercury 20hp still runs strong 33 years later!<br />PS-small 4 stroke motors weigh alot more than a 2 stroke and have many more moving parts to wear out. Weight has to be of some concern in small boats. New 2 strokes are just about as quiet as 4s and run very clean!

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

Waco, from what you said about your boat, if it were my money, I would go with a new 20 HP 2-stroke, and I would go with the Merc if I liked the dealer.<br /><br />The main reason I would go for the 2-stoke is weight savings. A 6 gallon tank should work well with this setup too, if you only travel the distances you are talking about.

 

[Pursuit2150]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

I 2nd the vote from seadawg. BUY A NEW 20HP.

 

[BOATRIGHT]

Re: 20-25 hp outboard

WACO FOR YOUR INFORMATION ONE OF MY BOATS IS A 14' TRACKER GRIZZLY JON BOAT RATED FOR A 20HP.I ALLREADY HAD A 1995 25 HP JOHNSON AND A 1969 9.5 JOHNSON BEFORE I BOUGHT THE BOAT.I ALTERNATE MOTORS DEPENDING ON THE SIZE OF THE WATER I AM GOING TO FISH.THE BOAT WILL RUN ABOUT 10MPH WITH THE 9.5 AND AROUND 25 MPH WITH THE 25,SPEED WAS DETERMINED WITH HANDHELD GPS.PERSONALY I DONT LIKE GOING 25MPH IN A JON BOAT.IF I HAD MY RATHERS I WOULD TRADE BOTH MOTORS FOR A 15 OF 20 HORSE.