Big outboards reliability question

[Tashko]

Greetings to all. I am about to purchase a 22 feet cuddy boat, with the engine to be bought separately. I'm thinking of buying the maximum horsepower approved by the boat manufacturer ( 225 hp ), but I have never had before an engine of this size, and I am a bit skeptical as to whether outboards of such size and complexity are actually reliable enough to use extensively. I will be clocking between 150-200 hours during the summer season, most of the them in areas where servicing might not be easily available, and therefore reliability is a factor of paramount importance to me.
Can anyone of you offer some input regarding large outboard usage, and whether they are reliable enough to use extensively ? Comments about specific models in the 200-225hp range will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

What geographic area will you be in?

 

[109jb]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

More info would help you get a more accurate answer? Older 2 stroke carbureted? 4-stroke? new technology 2-stroke? Fresh water? Salt water? etc.

 

[Tashko]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

The boat will be used in Greece, in the Aegean islands. While there is some servicing available in most of the bigger islands, I would like to feel confident in my engine before undertaking extensive island-hopping in the more secluded places.

I do not have any special preferences regarding different technologies, though I understand that 4-strokes enjoy today a very good reputation regarding efficiency and low noise.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

you need to consider what brands there is service and parts availablity, in the area you are going to be boating. 4 strokes are fine, Evinrude Etec, if service is available.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

Wouldn't twins be better? Nice to have backup in a remote area. I like Yamaha 4 stroke, but in your case would look strongly at 2 stroke. That way no oil change or timing belt to service.

 

[Frank Acampora]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

Why not a pair of Hondas? If it is an internal combustion engine, Honda makes it. And most Honda products command a high resale value because of their deserved quality and reliability.

I am not too sure about Honda outboards specifically, but usually, corporate philosophy holds true for all products. Try to buy a cheap used Honda automobile--can't be done unless it was abused and in poor condition.

 

[whofan]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

If your going off shore I`d feel better with a twin set up. Maybe a Mercury Saltwater series motor. You might be better off with a European brand in Greece? http://www.selvamarine.it/

Get a pair of killer whales LOL;http://www.selvamarine.it/selvamarine/product.php?a=motori-fuoribordo&b=gamma-4T&c=076&other=Killer Whale EFI-E,ST,L,PT-150

 

[Tashko]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

Thanks for the replies guys. A twin installation would have been ideal, but the boat I'm buying only provides for a single engine option ( not counting a small 10 hp backup option). I will not be venturing too far offshore actually, just moving through several relatively isolated places within a large complex of islands. Looking through the catalogues here, I see that Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha and Evinrude do have representatives in the general area where I will be cruising.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

If it where me I?d go with a Yammi 4 stroke. They have turned out to be very reliable motors so much so that my boat builder now offers nothing but Yamaha 4 strokes.

Changing the oil on a 4 stroke is no worst than changing the oil in your car or an I/O. Timing belts are not proving to be the Achilles? heals the critics would lead you to believe. A good friend of mine has almost 2500 hrs on his F225 and just had his timing belt changed as a precautionary measure.

 

[Tashko]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

I contacted an owner of a similar boat to the one I intend to buy, who chose to go 'small' by installing a Honda BF150. The engine proved extremelly reliable for 600 hours up to now ( it was serviced regularly every 100-150 hours ), the only penalty being that the boat felt a bit sluggish to plane, and a top speed of 'merely' 30 knots. I wonder what performance increase I should be expecting by a 200-225 engine compared to a 150.

 

[BaileysBoat]

Re: Big outboards reliability question

You mentioned Yamaha service exists in Greece, go Yamaha 4 stroke. I have 200 hours on my F150 with no problems at all. I would install he biggest engine the hull is rated for.