Repowering 14' Sea-Nymph - 4 Stroke?

[trout tracker]

I currently run a '93 14'aluminum Sea Nymph 14R with a 1981 Johnson 9.9 2 stk. I am looking to repower as the motor is high on hrs. and reaching the end of useful service but am unsure of what to upgrade to in regards to the new options available. Recently while at a local marina I found a brand new holdover Honda 9.9 4stk. for $1,950.00. This seems like a good deal but I am unsure as to how this motor's performance will compare with my current motor which has been sufficient. I have heard that 4 strokes suffer to some degree with their top end speeds but I have never ran one so I could use some help here. I do the majority of my fishing year round for trout and salmon on the Finger Lakes in NY if this helps anyone with their input. Thanks in advance.

 

[DJ]

Re: Repowering 14' Sea-Nymph - 4 Stroke?

trouttracker,<br /><br />The 4-stroke is going to be about 1/3 heavier. If you do not have weight problems in the stern now, go for it. If you do, it may be as simple as getting an extra long fuel hose and place the fuel tank farther toward the bow. Simple weight distribution. The 4-stroke 9.9 will perform like a 2-stroke, and you'll love the quietness and smooth running.<br /><br />I'm not sure $1,950.00 is that great of a deal. If you like and trust the dealer go for it. If you're not sure, you can match that price with a 4-stroke Mercury from West Marine. www.westmarine.com. A Tohatsu/Nissan would be cheaper from Cabelas. www.cabelas.com. The Tohatsu/Nissan's are good motors yet they're going to require you to do the maintenance yourself, unless there is a dealer nearby. I've found that local Nissan/Tohatsu dealers will usually match the catalog prices.<br /><br />If your boat is rated for it, go for a 15!<br /><br />Happy shopping!

 

[trevorcday]

Re: Repowering 14' Sea-Nymph - 4 Stroke?

I checked 9.9 prices at West Marine. Holy cow what is up with the prices of portable motors in the USA? Are these prices really what they sell for? In Canada we are lucky to get $2100 Canadian for a 9.9 2-stroke, that's only about $1,312 US, more than $600 US less than advertised at West Marine! How is a motor made in Wisconsin cheaper after being imported into Canada?

 

[Skinnywater]

Re: Repowering 14' Sea-Nymph - 4 Stroke?

A workmate bought a new 9.9 Honda 4stk. He kicked in $250 cash to the mechanic to install a camshaft from a 15hp. That is the only difference between the two. A pretty cheap upgrade. <br />He is 99.2% satisfied with the Honda. His only complaint is the extra weight of a 4strk.