Which Motor to Buy?

[12guns]

I have a buddy in Central Arkansas that is looking to sell his 25 hp Johnson 4 stroker...he wants more power and doesn't like the lack of power coming out of the hole.
It will be going on a War Eagle 1648? I think. Primarily used for duck hunting and fishing. We both agreed something reliable is best for him as he doesn't know the prop from the handle LOL!
Any recomendations?
Personally, I think 40 hp 2 stroke Yamaha w/ the correct SS prop would suite him well, but he's toying w/ the idea of another 4 stroke, but more HP.
I know it's big for a tiller handle, but he's not set up for a wheel and has no desire for one, so keep in mind tiller handle is a must.
How does Suzuki compare to Yamaha? How is weight/power ratio on different brands?
Thanks for any help!

 

[12guns]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

There must be some opinions out there, anyone?

 

[JB]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

If I could figure out what the question is I am sure I would have an opinion.

 

[12guns]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

Sorry for rambling.
I guess I'm looking for any experiences, good or bad w/ 40-60 HP 2 & 4 stroke tiller handle motors. I realize they are getting big to not have steering set up, but that's what he's looking to buy. To go on a 15-16' war eagle simi v flat bottom, what would you guys recommend?

 

[OldMercsRule]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

I dunno how heavy the boat is or what HP and weight it is rated for or what the laws of the state of Arkansas require as to 2 stroke engines, or yer primary intentended use, (trolling or tubes et al).

4 strokes are generally the direction of Central Corntrol in most states, and that is not gonna change IMHO.

The 4 strokes generally polute less, are less noisy, less smokey, heavier, and require more annual maintence, and therefore $ and are a more cornplex engine and are pigs relative to 2 strokes as far as performance but at some lower RPM operating levels may drink less fuel, although not @ WOT.

The fact that ya live in the South may mean yer particular Central Corntrol authorities may favor 2 strokes more then say California but that is just a guess since I live a long way from where you do.

In general I favor the largest engine in terms of HP that the boat will safely take, and the lightest engine for the power.

I favor more response, (and noise and smoke don't bother me).

If I were buyin' a brand new engine I would be VERY corncerned that the engine could be out lawed during the effective life if a 2 stroke, (BTW: they run fer 50 years or more if ya take care of 'em which is real easy ta do).

If I were takin' me chances with Central Corntrol I would get a used light weight two stroke, (which has already lost value due to the Central Corntrol conrsiderations I mentioned).

If I were buyin' new I would buy a heavy 4 stroke pig and be happy.

Hope that helps sort some of the issues ta ponder.

Me overpriced $.02. JR

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

An OMR post???
Howdy OMR.....

I suggest the same as OMR. However, although I'd like to have one, a tiller operated 40hp 2-stroke is not the safest idea. If I had the money and couldn't get a new 2-stroke 30 or 35hp yamaha, I'd go with a used one or a 90's OMC. But I don't think you'll have a lot of luck finding a tiller outboard above 30hp unless it's a crabby 4-stroke. (actually, some guys love 'em---but they probably like mossberg and Charles Daly shotguns, too:redface
I don't think you have to worry about Arkansas outlawing 2-strokes for a while---they'd be angering 95% of the men in the state.
I run a '99 30hp johnson 2-stroke or a '54 evinrude 25hp on my 15'42" duracraft for my duck boat and really like either one for 2 big fellas and gear. The 25 and 30 are really not enough for 3 big guys, although they will make it.
Good luck,
JBJ

 

[12guns]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

Thanks for the replies, and you're right on w/ the Charles Daily shotguns! Although, Mossbergs are cheap, they are fairly reliable LOL. I like the idea of less weight w/ same power, so my advise to my friend will be 2 stroke...I wouldn't mind the 4 stroke for smoother and quieter, but he wants more power. I also agree the larger motor w/ tiller handle isn't the best choice, but he has a couple buddies w/ 40 and even 50 hp tiller handles and they handle them fine in the duck woods. Thanks again and keep them coming!

 

[HJ]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

Honda, end of question.

 

[marquette]

Re: Which Motor to Buy?

60HP tillers on walleye boats aren't that uncommon here in the upper midwest. i haven't heard any of those guys complaining about handling. that's why they have tillers is for the control. albeit a 17ft-18ft deep vee walleye boat is probably different than what you are using for a duck boat.