Which Outboard?

[SingleShot]

I'm new to this forum. I'm going to be buying my first boat this fall or next spring. I have my selection down to a few but would like some suggestions on Outboards. This will be put on a deep V 18' Either Lund Pro V, Alumacraft TurPro, Tracker Tundra, Creastliner Hawk. Not looking to start a fewd for each his own but am looking for pro's/con's for each. It will probably be 115hp 4st. Any thoughts on the Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, Mercury. <br /><br />SingleShot

 

[bp21]

Re: Which Outboard?

Hi there singles:<br /><br />Trackers will more than likely come with Mercs, which are fine engines. All of your choices of engines will no doubt be all good. Prices will vary but these companies make fine 4 strokes.

 

[ratt1966]

Re: Which Outboard?

i prefer the mercs i have a 1969 35hp that runs like it's brand new. only had minor problems with it that resulted from my boat being stolen but all your choices are good ones

 

[JB]

Re: Which Outboard?

Ahoy, Single Shot.<br /><br />The 115HP 4 stroke is the one size that everyone makes about the same. All are EFI, all weigh about the same, except the Honda, which is almost 100LB heavier (and a few bux more).<br /><br />I believe all are excellent engines. Instant starts, quiet, smooth, clean and economical.<br /><br />I favor the Johnson version of the Suzuki DF115 because of dealer network, though I have had no problems getting excellent service on my Suzuki DF70.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[trumpetbucks]

Re: Which Outboard?

Singleshot:<br /><br />My stepdad has a Yamaha 115 4stroke on his 19ft CC and I have never been boating with a better engine - quiet, good on gas, starts every time (most of the time without even choking it!) and has had zero problems.<br /><br />Mercurys have a very good reputation also.<br /><br />I don't have personal experience with the others but look at things like cost versus warranty, Consumer Reports ratings, where can you get service, etc.<br /><br />Good luck!

 

[buttonhook]

Re: Which Outboard?

I too an buying and 21 foot tundra dc it comes with the mercury 200xl but I'm upgrading to the 225 optimax because of fuel usage(and other thing I found out on here)it was said I could save 30-40% in fuel over the 200 xl. I have been trying to find any opions on the tundra but no luck. the tundra looks like one Heck of a boat. I like the fiberglass like finish with the weith and toughness of the alum. I'm getting mine in blue!! it is sharp!!

 

[sharkcat]

Re: Which Outboard?

Hi singleshot Im a repeater but Im probably older than you If you want an opinion from DownUnder the choice is between Merc & Yamaha.Both good strong engines I would be swayed by the Dealer network in your area.Service is all important.I hope you have a good Yamaha dealer nearby

 

[Jwill]

Re: Which Outboard?

I'm suprised anyone reccomends Mercury. <br />With all the problems with Optimax and their poor customer service I would steer clear of them.<br />Mercury also owns Pinpoint fish finders, Motorguide trolling motors and Zebco/Quantum reels.<br />Pinpoint fish finders have huge problems and Mercury takes months to fix them if they even fix them at all.<br />Motor Guide trolling motors that are high in thrust (80 pounds and up) continually burn up circuit boards.<br />I have a few Quantam bait casting reels and they are junk. Quantum did give me new parts to fix them when the same parts kept on breaking.<br />I know they are trying to rebuild their reputation so they might not be a bad brand to go with.<br />I've heard the Opti's aren't blowing power heads like they were so they must of fixed that problem.<br />Pinpoint they've done nothing about.<br />With the Motorguide trolling motor I've seen ads they've put out saying the Motorguides have been totally redesigned.<br />All of Merc's problems have been a regular topic on a bass fishing forum website I visit regularly.<br />Alot of guys claim they are fed up with Merc and will not buy another product made by them.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Which Outboard?

I repowered with a Johnson 115 because it is made by Suzuki and no one is complaining about them. When I decided to repower,I looked at them all.<br />I found a fair price, bought the Johnson and after 16 hrs,very happy. Enjoy your new rig.

 

[DJ]

Re: Which Outboard?

Singleshot,<br /><br />I'm not sure there are any truly bad ones out there.<br /><br />Most important, buy one from somebody you trust will back you up if something goes wrong.

 

[merc16]

Re: Which Outboard?

singleshot,<br /><br />i would go with the two stroke motor because they cost lest to repair and less can go wrong with them but if you are looking for low end torque go with the four stroke. and as for what motor to get i would get a mercury i have a 1972 merc 9.8hp and it runs like new i find them to be th most reliable

 

[SeaMasterZ@aol.com]

Re: Which Outboard?

I didnt know motor guide was a Mercury item, and Quantum too? I have both, and ive always thought Mercury was junk ... <br /><br />I have a 215E Mercruiser, so Im biased, lol<br /><br />my quantums are great, why dont you like them?

 

[Jwill]

Re: Which Outboard?

I bought a couple Quantum Ex 501c baitcasting reels about five years ago and the thumbars continually broke and the cast control knobs fell off fairly easy. They cost me $80 apiece. Not bad but not good considering their quality.<br />The only reel I will buy is a Shimano Curado (best reel for the money). If you buy a Curado you will then see why Quantum baitcasting reels are junk (don't now about their spinning reels). <br />I've had other quantum reels in the past and I don't ever remember liking any of them.<br />Mercury, Motorguide, Quantum and pinpoint fishfinders / trolling motors are or were owned by the Brunswick corporation. I guess they deal in bowling balls / pins also.<br />I also had a brand new Motorguide trolling motor about 10 years ago that lasted about 15 trips before it burned up.<br />I am sticking to what gives me the least problems from now on: Johnson outboards, Shimano reels and Minn Kota trolling motors.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Which Outboard?

Singleshot, you are looking at some NICE boats there. Any of the motors you mention are good, having a service department and service manager that will work with you when things go wrong Are just as important. <br /><br />Stay away from that dealer in Hales Corners, we've had lots of troubles there.

 

[Forktail]

Re: Which Outboard?

Mercury's 115 hp 4-stroke is powered by the Yamaha's F115 engine. Exact same engine. Yamaha sells them to Mercury.<br /><br />Johnson's 115 hp 4-stroke is powered by the Suzuki's DF115 engine. Exact same engine. Suzuki sells them to Johnson.<br /><br />Yamaha's F115 is about 20 lbs lighter than the Suzuki DF115, and its been around a little longer. A real sweatheart of an outboard. No known problems. Honda? Good outboard, but big, heavy, and expensive.