Shopping for New 9.9hp 4 Stroke Short Shaft

[JLK62]

I have decided to purchase a 15' 4" Gheenoe for fishing. It is rated for 10hp max, so I am shopping for an outboard. I've never owned an outboard, just a couple stern-drives. Being new to this style engine I am hoping you guys can provide me with some insight in making a good choice.

I've read many 9.9 HP are made by Tohatsu (Mercury, Evinrude, Nissan). Are all these pretty much the same in serviceability & reliability?
Are Honda or Yamaha worth what seems to me their higher cost vs Tohatsu based outboards?
Any other new outboard makes worth considering?
Is electric start worth the extra weight & cost? Would I need a full size battery, or do they have small batteries built into the engine cover?
Is a prop, fuel tank and fuel line always included, or an add?
What do you think about the Lehr propane? Seems like a good idea, but everything has pros & cons. Where are their service centers?

I'm kinda leaning toward Mercury because there is a service center near me, but I have other options (Honda, Evinrude) not too much farther away.
Thanks
JLK

 

[ondarvr]

The best one is the Yamaha, but the price is higher, but most will run fine and last a very long time.

The Yamaha will be quieter and idle smoother for trolling, other than that it won't make much of a difference in which one you get.

Your specific needs and desires will also come into play.

While Tohatsu makes several different brands, the motors aren't identical, each brand may have a feature or option that could be important to you.

Look at all of them and then see if the options and features are worth the cost difference.

Electric start is nice if you want it, but not needed.

 

[bilge rat jim]

You might have a look at the new Suzuki DF 9.9 EFI. This is the first outboard of this size to have battery-less fuel injection, a very comparable price to mercury, and the best warranty in the market.

 

[boobie]

They are all good but buy the motor where you will get the best service closest to you.

 

[JLK62]

I am going to visit a couple sales centers tomorrow. I see what you mean about the various Tohatsu's, Ondavar. The Evinrude shift is a completely different design from the Mercury. I gotta get my hands on some of these models & see how they feel. Hoping for some pre-boat show specials too. Might get a new '13 or '14 Yamaha into my price range.
I found a Suzuki dealer near me too, Jim. Just not sure if they are open this time of year. I like the sound of EFI without a battery. BTW, I'm not Canadian (well, I am 1/8th Canadian) but my boat is 100%! 2000 Doral 230BR. :canada:

Thanks for the input so far guys, but I'd still like more opinions.

Edit: Also what about Lehr? I like the emission benefits of propane. iBoats & West Marine sells them, but who services these engines?

 

[ondarvr]

Edit: Also what about Lehr? I like the emission benefits of propane. iBoats & West Marine sells them, but who services these engines?

On this motor I only have one experience, the person at the launch was using many four letter words directed at it due it not starting. They left about an hour later in a rather bad mood.

I wouldn't get one only because it may be difficult to get parts for one, there isn't much info out there about how they run, and the cost of using propane.

The Suzuki could be a good option, but I've never used one because they are so new.

I've used all the others and the Yamaha comes out on top. The Merc and Honda can be difficult to troll with on a small boat, the throttle linkage advances too quickly off of idle so it's hard to control the RPMs. The Merc also vibrates more.

 

[robert graham]

Depending on how much power and speed that you really need maybe consider a smaller/lighter HP outboard, like something less than a 9.9....the smaller motors will be much lighter in weight and much easier to mount on your transom....I run a 17 ft. Canoe with a 3HP motor that weighs 26lbs. and I like it. I bought a 4HP Yamaha 2 stroke several years ago for the same canoe but it weighed almost double at 46lbs. and it just wasn't worth it for a 1 HP gain.....A 2 stroke motor will be a good bit lighter and very quiet and dependable....just something to consider if you're going to be putting your motor on and off frequently....

 

[JLK62]

That's disappointing to read about Lehr. Oh well, seems like a good idea, I guess it just needs more time out in the world.

Robert, I'm on a pretty big lake & I think I'll need the power to get around. It's over 2.5 miles from my dock out to the main channel. :lol:
Are there new 2 stroke options in the 9.9 HP range? I thought those had gone away in the US.

 

[JLK62]

Sorry for the double post.
I was able to get out this weekend and visit several marine centers. The Suzuki dealer only deals with larger engines, Said I could buy 9.9 from him (he'd need to order it) and I'd pay too much and I'd have to travel a couple towns over to get it serviced. Un-updated web sites can drive you crazy! The Mercury/Evinride Marine now sells Yamaha and their pricing is very close to what I can get a Mercury. I'm probably going to go Yamaha now.

Thanks for your suggestions & advice guys.