New guy needs help with outboard choice. . . Please Read!!!

popeye

Recruit
Joined
May 1, 2001
Messages
1
My wife and I are buying a 25' pontoon. It has a Yamaha 50hp 4 stroke outboard on it. . .. We will be using this boat on a river with a fairly strong current. We will be loading it down with a load of drunken friends and I am concerned that 50hp just doesn't have the "cajones" to move quickly against the current with such a heavy load.<br /><br />This is our first boat and my first experience with an outboard that uses a battery for starting as opposed to using the battery as the main source of power.
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<br /><br />I'm sold on the Hondas and the Yamahas and am wondering if there is a difference between these two, as far as reliability is concerned? Life expectancy? Also, is there a difference in performance? <br /><br /> Does anyone have an idea or is there a website that could tell me what kind of speed I could expect from an 80hp or 100hp when pushing a 25' pontoon (San Pan 2500LE)? I will be getting a 4 stroke if that matters. Sorry for what must be a very mundane and rather bothersome set of questions. <br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br /><br />Popeye
 

12Footer

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
8,217
Re: New guy needs help with outboard choice. . . Please Read!!!

There should be a sticker on the hull somewhere,giving maximum onboard wieght,and maximum horsepower. Go with the max, if you are gonna have alotta people on it.I don't know much about Hondas,and never owned either engine,but I read a "pole" once on a saltwater fishing site that I frequent...<br />This is no joke, 80% WERE YAMMYs!!!<br />Most said only good things about them, but two complained bitterly of problems.<br />This tells me all I need to know if and when I re-power either of my boats. I'm getting a Yammaha.<br /><br /><br />------------------<br />Time to change my tagline
 
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