Which O/B motor is the best?

[jstaz]

Hey Y'all,
I am in the market for a new O/B. I am looking for 70-90 hp. I do a good bit of fishing but cruise and am looking to pull a tuber as well sometimes. Like everyone I want to get the best motor for the least amount of $$$. haha. My main concerns are good hole shot and speed. I also am worried about repairs if something breaks. Which brand is most economic? I have read some info on smaller HP models and it seems Merc has the lead overall except repairs. Y'all have any tips, comments, reviews, opinions on this topic that would help me decide the best motor? Thanks for your help.

 

[Ike-110722]

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

Sorry to say this but asking that is like asking which car is the best. It all depends on what you want and how much you are willing to pay. For hole shot and top end go Merc, for reliability and slow trolling go with Honda or Yamaha. if you object to not buying American go for Evinrude. (by the way they are made here but owned by a Canadian company, unless you buy a 25 or 30, they are made in China..)

 

[sublauxation]

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

The best answer to this question I've seen on this site is "whichever looks best on your boat." I've got a 90 ETEC that I love, it has great hole shot for pulling up skiers, even when propped wrong. The only problem is it trolls a little too quick. I'm no expert but the Optimax may have some advantages there, as would the 4 strokes.

 

[JB]

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

New?? ETEC.

Preloved? Late 80s JohnnyRude 70.

 

[444]

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

What age of motor are you considering? I've got a 84 merc 90hp inline 6. It having no thermostat and no poppet valve means maintenance is very little. 6 cylinders and 3 carbs makes for a bit more than necessary level of mechanical complexity when you can get a johnnyrude of the same era with less cylinders and less carbs for the same hp. I like the engine though, it's pretty easy to work on for the most part. If they didn't weigh so much and cost so much I'd probably look at a 4-stroke honda or yamaha.

Whatever you end up going to look at, bring along your compression tester and see what you get. DO NOT buy an engine without at least being able to do a compression test. You really want to see all the #'s well over 100 and a 10% or less variance between them. FWIW mine came out to 130-135psi across all cylinders.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

amen on the old Johnson 70's!

as a practical matter, every brand motor that is XX horsepower is the same as far a power goes. It's the trim, height, prop etc. that makes them different for different applications. Some say 4 strokes aren't as quick to jump as a two stroke; others disagree. But unless you are in competition, who cares? Get the motor in your size that's in the best condition and a good price.

 

[ziemann]

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

Buy the outboard that can be serviced by your favorite local dealer.

Everyone has their favorite brand- you wont get an answer here that will influence your purchase....

 

[1979checkmate]

Re: Which O/B motor is the best?

the one that runs