Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

[smally18]

I am purchasing a new motor for my 14 foot flat, and am debating between a new Yamaha 25 horse two stroke, and a new Suzuki df25 four stroke. If anybody has any experience with either of these motors, input would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

dont know anything about the DF motor.
the 2 stroke 25 yamaha is a very robust,light and economical pckge. proven technology and simple to maintin and repair,usully a gummed up carb from sitting, happens with four strokes as well.
myself I would look crefully at any local ater regultions and choose it from a known reliable dealer.
dont buy into either one is more relible than the other, most all die from neglect anyway.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

Both are good motors and will last a very long time properly taken care of. What you need to think about more than manufacturer is the two stroke/four stroke decision. A two stroke requires very little maintenance except for annual lower unit oil changes. Four strokes have some issues you may not want to deal with. I don't know off hand what the weight difference is but four strokes are generally heavier than their two stroke counterparts. They are generally quieter until you get to wide open throttle. They are then pretty equal. Fuel consumption at wide open throttle is nearly identical although at part throttle the four stroke will burn less fuel at the same rpm as a two stroke. A two stroke however pushes a boat faster at the same rpm as a four stroke so fuel savings are not all its cracked up to be. Four strokes require oil and filter changes just like your car so that's a maintenance item you may not want to deal with as the oil and filter need to be disposed of properly. Lastly, may areas of the country are banning carbureted two strokes. The last thing you need is a new engine you can't use on your favorite lake. Warranty is warranty so until that runs out you have little to worry about. However, service on the four stroke will cost more as they have more sophisticated electronics and a lot more parts to go wrong should that happen.

 

[smally18]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

Thanks for the input, i have always leaned towards two strokes, but its hard to find a new two stroke in the 25 hp range which is why I have looked at some four strokes in that range. I have no experience with Yamaha, but a dealer in my area sells them and I have had good luck with that dealership in the past. It's too bad there is no 25 e-tec, which would make this decision mush simpler. And i run on the Mississippi, so i don't think there will be any problems with a carbed two stroke.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

The Suzuki is a dog in the 25 hp. Yamaha is the way to go on this one.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

my experience with four strokes on small Al boats is normally its just to heavy on the transom. yamaha and merc both made modifications to the exhaust pipe and relief trying to combt the issue. not so bd on a 20" trnom but was severe on some 15" models.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

if not in a rush, wait an see what Erude does.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

True The Suzuki DF 25 is probably the worse 4-stk 25 on the market from a perfomance standpoint. Quality and realibility are first rate. But ohhh what a pig on the water.

 

[JB]

Re: Buying new outboard, would appreciate some input

Look at the Honda 25. I understand it is very light for a 4 stroke.

As much as I love them, I would not buy a new carbed 2 stroke and be refused opportunity to use it. As a matter of fact the future of small outboards is so much in doubt that I would find a nice JohnnyRude 25 from the 80s and wait to see how the laws regarding small outboards shake out.