Chosing an outboard - Manufacturers Claims

[Apherel]

I'm looking for a new motor for the new RIB and as you do, went along to the local boat show to pickup some infomation. So armed with the brochures, and with all respect to the opinions often expressed on the forum, I tried to look at this logically.

And failed.

So, being a logical sort I tried to sort it out. Yams are a bit light on extravagent claims, so that's why they don't look so good on this analysis.

The result is the attached flow diagram of the main manufacturers claims. It's a bit biased towards the 115-200 engines and I've ignored the 300Hp+.

Does it help? Well quite reassuring really, chose an engine and there is a sound justification for it. Believe any of it...not anymore!!

[Nos4r2]

You're better off asking on here or Iboats.com forums than listening to the manufacturers claims.

[Hugh Jardon]

i would suggest thinking about what you want and considering the following

colour scheme
weight typically two strokes are lighter than 4 strokes
physical size, optis can be bigger than etecs, 4 strokes can be bigger than 2 strokes
length of leg needed..not all available in every size
noise levels....typically 4 strokes are quieter at lower revs
economy....direct injection as good as 4 stroke if not better
hp rating for your size of boat
i go for largest hp possible always
if a lot of trolling or slow work done then a 4 stroke might be best
check out pricing....varies a hell of a lot
check what comes with the engine ie prop, gauges, smart gauges, controls, top mount binnacle
warranty period
dealer near you
servicing costs
oil consumption


the big 5. , yam, honda, suz, merc, etec....you can not go wrong with any of these....surf the web and look at independant tests, talk to owners

i choose a 200 opti because...
much more economical than big block etec
lovely noise
good track record
holeshot and grunt
colour
price
included bits were top mount binnacle, smart gauges, stainless prop, smartcraft gauges, a lot less expensive than the rivals

i considered the following at christmas 2005

200hp 4s suz.....too heavy
175 4s suz.....too new and unproven, possibly way under powerd compared to a 200 2 stroke
200 small block etec....too new and unproven, delivery not known
yam hpdi.....too expensive
200 honda....had a honda before and wanted different

in my mind the opti looks one of the best, makes the best noise, is very economical, great warranty, great speed and holeshot, smooth

given the chance to rechoose an engine i would make the exact same choice or try to get osprey to agree a 225 opti plated up.

but

lots of folks are very happy with their engine choices so the field is open.

if there was no merc dealers near me and opti was most expensive i would not have got it....simple as that

[Apherel]

Thanks Hugh, the diagram was made for a bit of fun, but it did help sort out a lot of issues in my mind.

Our boat does a fair range of activities - quite a lot of idling and low rev stuff with sail training for the kids and WOT thrashing around when I'm without the family, and I'm keen to do some longer range cruises so midrange economy is also important.

I've got the Suzuki DF 115 and with the light boat I have, performance is not an issue, so I can't really fault it - and economy is great. I have driven a number of older 2 strokes and havn't been that happy with the noise or fumes.

I've just ordered a 5.8 osprey vipermax and am thinking about the right engine for that. My first thoughts were the Suzuik 140 which is similar to my current engine, seems pretty popular and is reasonably priced. The boats max rating is 150, so the DF 150 would also be a goer - although a lot heavier and quite a lot more expensive. We've also got good local Suzuki support.

I read comment on here that the vipermax might need a bit more than the 140 to really drive it well, so would be interested on others thoughts on this. And having done a lot of reading on the site, I might just have to look again at the opti and etec.

[Hugh Jardon]

hey no probs

i would go for the 150 suz rather than the 140 for sure

a good bit of power difference and the speed difference is noticed with those two engine options on the same ribcraft 5.85 hull

on the vipermax definately go for a 150, need the power to push it thru the water due to deep v

personally if i was going to engine one of those i would consider either opti, etec or suzuki df150 or honda 150
do a bit of research on them, the honda is supposed to be a good lump, opti well proven, etec i am not sure on data on, honda well proven, suz has got good reviews

[Top banana]

Have the new 5.8 vipermax, with the 135 opti, Finnished running in yesterday
so gave it full wot to see how it compared with the previous suzi 140.
on the 21 in prop at 5200 revs, 4 up and a full tank 200 ltrs, i returned what i thought was a respectable 45.7 knts, There is another 400 revs to find for max rpm, but apparently ive been informed that the engine will lighten up after about 20 hrs use, so we will wait and see, Personally i dont think the suzi 140 would have come any where close, I used to return 39knts on a 6.2
shakespear at wot, but woulnt hesitate to have another Great engine, but would definatelly go for the 150. Time will eventuqally tell to how owning the opti really compares, but so far so good.

[Erin]

If it's a toss up between a 140 or a 150, it may only be 10hp, but the much bigger block on the 150 will have bags more low down grunt. To me that equals better acceleration.

[Apherel]

Thanks guys, helpful advice on the 150, it's only money afterall

Top Banana, the opti at 45 kn is a pretty reasonable turn of speed, especially loaded up I'd be happy with that. I think the top hull speed is 48Kn, so it looks like you could get close to that.

I've had a look over previous posts, and it looks like the Suzuki 140 is getting a lower top speed on similar boats. But I'll have a close look at all the alternatives.

[Top banana]

Slight error on my fuel capacity, 150ltrs not 200, If i can stay around the 45knts mark then ill be more than happy, havent got an A frame fitted just a single stainless mast, and no auxillary as yet, used to get around 45knts with the 140 suzi untill i added a 91ltr fuel tank, auxillary and a frame then it dropped back to 39knts max wot at 6200 revs, on a shakespear 6.2. And i know most people will say have the biggest engine the transom is rated to
but i personally didnt think the difference between the 135 and 150 opti would
be that noticeable. for the extra £1000,00 it would have cost,sure many will dissagree. good look with the engine choice, keep us posted which engine you
decide on

[Hugh Jardon]

price and budget are very important factors and were key in my decisions

[Jono Garton]

Originally Posted by Apherel

I've just ordered a 5.8 osprey vipermax

Campbell

I still like the suzuki 140hp, how does the price compare to the Honda 150hp in Aus?

BTW you really are one of my best customers, having come all the way from Aus to do one of my Advance courses (now called "Jono's world famous advanced courses") and buying a rib from us which unless anyone can tell me different is the first Osprey down under.

Jono

PS the shippers called me today, all ok !

[Top banana]

Originally Posted by Hugh Jardon

price and budget are very important factors and were key in my decisions

Yes its a problem, trying to factor in so many scenarios, and looking out for bargains along the way, i think the price tag on the 06 opti with 3 year waranty made the descion a little easier in my case.

[Apherel]

[QUOTE=Jono Garton;211303]
I still like the suzuki 140hp, how does the price compare to the Honda 150hp in Aus?

The 150 is about 1500 pounds more expensive on RRP - I've not yet looked for best prices, but it will be close to that - and it weights about 30kg more.

[Apherel]

Originally Posted by Top banana

Yes its a problem, trying to factor in so many scenarios, and looking out for bargains along the way

I'll spend some of the weekend looking out for that elusive bargain. Suzuki is offering a 5 year warrantee so that makes them quite attractive.

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Jono Garton

BTW you really are one of my best customers, having come all the way from Aus to do one of my Advance courses (now called "Jono's world famous advanced courses") and buying a rib from us which unless anyone can tell me different is the first Osprey down under.

May not be the last though

[Apherel]

Originally Posted by BogMonster

May not be the last though

I sense a tempted man

[Top banana]

Originally Posted by Apherel

I'll spend some of the weekend looking out for that elusive bargain. Suzuki is offering a 5 year warrantee so that makes them quite attractive.

That could be the clincher, My local suzuki dealer reckons theyve had no real
problems with the df 4 strokes,maybe thats why they are confident in offering
the extra 2 years. think its still 3 year in uk. with honda offering 5 year. as Jono said df140 is still a great engine. I would have gone with another if i
could have sourced one for the right price, as out and out speed isnt my top
factor. but the opti is looking good.

[BogMonster]

Originally Posted by Apherel

I sense a tempted man

You're so right. Poor (at the moment) but tempted all the same

[Apherel]

Originally Posted by Top banana

... the opti is looking good.

I'll not need to make a decision for a month or so, so I'll check back after your opti is well worn in. Assuming that you guys get a summer before it arrives here!

You are quite right about the speed, It will probably spend as much time at <4kn as it will at >40, with most of the time at a comfortable cruising speed - and that woun't be 40kn very often in a 5.8.