Honda 130 or Merc 115?

[maillon]

My father and I are repowering our 17.5 Mckee Craft. We have a good deal negotiated for a 130 Honda. However, I am concerned about the weight. We also have an opportunity to buy a 115 Merc 4 stroke at a similiar deal. The boat's max horse power is rated at 150. Which one is better? Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[ob]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

The Hondas have a good reputation on the Texas Gulf coast.Many commercial guys use them on their Rigs running crab traps.Their boats stay in the water year round.

 

[radsrh]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

The survey that was just in trailer boats listed Honda as number 2 in customer satisfaction and Merc was at the bottom of the list. Hope that helps, I say Honda all the way.

 

[JB]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

Hi, Maillon.<br /><br />500+ pounds is an awful lot to put on the transom of a 17 footer, even if it is rated for 150HP. I think the Honda 130, as good as it is, is too heavy.<br /><br />The Merc 115 EFI 4 stroke is a fine engine, as are the Yamaha, Honda and the Suzi/Johnson 115s. all weigh a bit over 400lb.<br /><br />Then the question becomes, "Is 115hp enough?" Many people wouold say NO! I would say yes, but there is a better answer.<br /><br />The DF140 Suzuki/Johnson only weighs 410LB, and is less expensive. Check it out.<br /><br />

 

[maillon]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

JB and others,<br /><br />Thanks for the info. Actually, a 115 would be extremely fast. A 130 would be ligtning fast. A marina owner I talked to felt that the boat might "dolphin tail" with the 130. Wouldn't this be taken care of with some extra down trim? If I could put my hands on the 90 Honda (or suzuki) I would . If we bought the 130, I think we will end up with horse-power that we will never use. However, our biggest concern is longevity and maintanence. This is where we feel that the Honda is a better deal. Given the fact that the 130 is plenty of power, what issues would I have if I had the extra weight? The link below is the same boat we have. I would appreciate anyone's comment about my situation. <br /> http://www.mckeecraft.com/images/17osfbig.jpg

 

[maillon]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

JB and others,<br /><br />I just saw a posting where someone said that the 2003 Johnson four strokes are really Suzuki motors from top to bottom. Is this true? The lower units look almost identical. If yes, would you choose the Johnson 115 4-stroke over the Merc 115 Four stroke? Which would you choose over the Honda? Thanks

 

[DJ]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

Maillon,<br /><br />I couldn't agree more with JB. The John/Rude/Suzuki-140 4S looks like just the ticket for your craft.<br /><br />Which brand you buy doesn't matter as much as the dealer that will be providing service.

 

[upstate]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

couldn't agree more with Admiral Djohns!<br />I would have to drive over an hour for Honda service, and then they mostly service jonnyrude.<br />if I had a trusted/reliable local Honda shop that<br />would be different.

 

[maillon]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

Guys,<br /><br />Our boat's max horsepower rating is 140 (160 for 2003). The recommended horsepower is 90. The minimum horsepower is 60. I think 140 would be over the top. I've only experienced this boat with an 85 Merc (1975). From a power perspective, I think a 90 2-stroke would be perfect. Do I need more HP just because I'm moving to a 4-stroke?

 

[DJ]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

maillon,<br /><br />Drop to the 115 then. There are plenty of choices (4S) in that hp. range.<br /><br />I would stick with: Yamaha/Merc., John/Rude/Suzuki.<br /><br />I believe the Merc. and Yamaha share powerheads. The John/Rude/Suzuki are identical-except paint.<br /><br />Weight is an issue here. That's why I would stay away from Honda, albeit a fine engine.<br /><br />Again, dealer service availability should carry a lot of weight in your decision.

 

[maillon]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

djohns19,<br /><br />Thanks. Both Honda Johnson and Merc dealers are near by. Still leaning toward the Honda though. Anyone else care to comment?

 

[DJ]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

maillon,<br /><br />Again, nothing against Honda, they're fine engines. However, 100 pounds is 100 pounds.<br /><br />That's like throwing in another 15 gallons of fuel, which you won't need with a 4S.

 

[bossee]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

Hi maillon!<br /><br />With a heavy engine you are at risk to come in a situation like this:<br /><br />

<br /><br />A boat that point the nose up in the air having trouble to plane. Trim tabs might help and sure a large strong outboard will push you up in plane by force sooner or later. You probably want a ligter outboard than an otherwise fine Honda BF 130. If you want/need a "big" outboard consider a Suzuki DF 140 then since it is really light (even lighter than any 115 Hp 4-stroke except Merc 115 EFI). Or just be happy with a 115 hp outboard like for example Suzuki DF 115, Yamaha F115, Mercury 115 EFI - all electronic fuel injection. Much lighter outboards than Honda BF 130.<br /><br />Good luck!<br />/Bo

 

[RJS]

Re: Honda 130 or Merc 115?

I would go with the EFI engines: Merc, Yamaha, or Suzuki (Johnson).<br /><br />If prevention of corrosion is an issue, I believe that Honda is the worst and Merc is the best.