Settling For a 4 Stroke

[epresutti]

Folks,<br /><br />I have read all the feedback on the 2 vs. 4 stroke argument (mostly in this forum), I have decided for several reasons but mostly because I really like the quiet running of the 4's the 2's even the DFI's don't seem to be able to get as quiet.<br /><br />I have narrowed my choices down to the Yamaha F115 EFI and the Suzuki DF140. I am interested in any feedback (even if it is second hand) on these two motors.<br /><br />My plan is to test drive these motors at my local Marina's. My current location is Palm Harbor, FL.<br /><br />My boat (which I am finishing the rebuild on) is currently not powered and set up for a 25" shaft. It is (was) an 18ft Mitchell, I bought used in 1996 and have replaced all wood and glass, but that is another story.<br /><br />Peace to all.

 

[JB]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Either one is an excellent engine, Ed.<br /><br />I would go for the one offered by the best/closest serviceing dealer.<br /><br />Don't overlook that the Suzi DF140 and the Johnson 140 4 stroke are the same engine.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Thanks JB,<br /><br />I will definately look at the Johnson. I live about 100ft. from the Gulf and am fortunate enough to have many/multiple dealers and Marinas to choose from.<br /><br />I didn't realize that Johnson had a new partner.<br /><br />Peace.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

The partnership is not new and as a matter of fact, BRP announced last month they are dropping the Suzuki bought 4 strokes from 40 hp & higher for 2006. BRP dealers will continue to offer parts and service for them.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Dhadley,<br /><br />What would you suggest the impact of the BRP move is? And/or what was their motivation?<br /><br />Just out of curiosity, when did the partnership begin and do you know the nature of the agreement.<br /><br />Peace.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

They were doing the same thing Merc did with Honda and Yamaha. Offering different technology thru their dealer network without the investment in reaserch and development. BRP is showing a lot of confidence in the E-Tec technology. At this point its shown to be cleaner than a 4 stroke. <br /><br />Rumor has it that Suzuki will, or will offer to, make all Evin/John dealers some sort of Suzuki dealer (4 stroke dealer or something like that). That would be a smart move on their part. BRP will continue to support the motors with parts and service. If I understand the law correrctly -- and I may not -- they have to offer reasonable service and support availability for 7 years. By BRP allowing Evin/John dealers to become Suzuki dealers that requirement would be met.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

what was their motivation?

they are stopping production of their larger 4 strokes. they figure they'll leave that to merc, suzi, yamahahahaha, and toe-what-sue.....<br /><br />have you seen their new quite and smooth 2 stroke? yes, 2 stroke.<br /><br />unlike merc, when evinrude stops a model, or model line, they continue to produce parts and offer support for those models, so i wouldnt be too worried bout getting one of the suzuki/johnson outboards. youd actually be better off getting the johnson version, since the dealers are cutting prices on remaining stock, and there are more johnson dealers than suzuki dealers, so service would be easier to get.<br /><br />check with suncoast marine in largo. they have some of the suzuki 4 strokes left, and their prices are rediculously low in order to move. i know their 200hp price is 10,000 even. wowsers

 

[mallardjusted]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

myoutb.,<br /><br />Bombardier still makes 4-strokes. 25HP & 30HP are a couple, and unless they can adapt their Etec technology to smaller motors, they are likely to convert their 15 & 9hp motors to 4-strokes. <br /><br />Etecs are great. So are 4-strokes. Everybody makes decisions based on their own criteria (such as quietness, dealer access, etc).<br /><br />Ed - I concur with JB's comments. Out of curiosity, though, what is the max hp rating for your 18' boat? Did it have an old motor on it when you bought it?

 

[Guest]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

I think eventually, E-tec will make the smaller motors. They already have a rope start e-tec (40hp). I don't know how it works but they do make it--so they could make the smaller motors, too. (In fact, my dealer said they plan to)<br /><br />I guess we'll see soon.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Mallardjusted,<br /><br />The original max HP for the boat was 150hp. When I bought it, it had a Johnson 82' 140. <br /><br />It ran OK (I was not as well informed then as I am now and it retrospect I should have looked a lot closer before buying). It took some effort to come up on plane and especially with a head wind. Sat really low in the stern, mostly due to a water soaked transom and floatation compartments full of water, etc. etc. etc.<br /><br />Many boating friends said throw it away and start new, I liked the hull enough that I took on the rebuild project. Total cost so far about $3,000. $3,500 boat motor and trailer. Gave the motor to a mechanic friend, needed tons more work than I was capable of. Sorry for the long winded answer, I should really tell this longer story on another forum.<br /><br />Peace.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Bill, I was reading about the smaller ones since I was curious about the rope start deal too. It says that in the first 1/4 revolution of the flywheel the EMM is "awake" and in the first 1/2 revolution it has 20 volts. Thats when the fuel pump turns on. By 3/4 revolution there is 30 volts available and the fuel is injected and the plug fires.

 

[khc1970]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Not sure about the 115, but a friend has a suzuki 70dfi it's so quiet you don't realised it's on idle, although it becomes louder on wot. Another friend has a 75 etec, also very quiet, not as quiet as the suzi, but about the same on wot.

 

[epresutti]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Folks,<br /><br />Thanks for all the feedback, after doing some more investigation (and reading various and sundry posts), I am taking a very close look at the E-Tec's and also re-evaluating power needs, I am currently thinking about moving down to a 90.<br /><br />I will be heading out to Marina's today to have a listen to what the "sellers" have to say.<br /><br />Any additional feedback is welcome.<br /><br />Peace.

 

[bossee]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

Hi,<br />I have Yamaha F115 4-stroke (2003). I'm on my third season with this outboard. No problem so far. Maintenance is made by a Yamaha dealer (as long as it under warranty Im prefer that - I have 5 year, 2 factory and 3 Y.E.S.).<br /><br />Yamaha F115 and Suzuki DF115 is what You should compare. They are about same in performance, fuel consumption, loudness etc.<br />If You need the extra hp in Suzuki DF140 go for that.<br /><br />If You consider a Yamaha You can, if you want, have a Fuel Management (FM) function in the new Yamaha Speedometer. Not a thing that is needed but nice to have.<br /><br />Make sure You buy a Fuel/Water separator also with the new outboard You select.

 

[BillP]

Re: Settling For a 4 Stroke

The fuel mgt system is a NICE option. Best part is it tells you mpg so you can always dial in the best fuel burn no matter what the load or sea conditions are.