Engine choice

jambo · 01 July 2009, 21:47

Ok guys blank canvas I am thinking of renewing my engine and I would like the same HP. I am confused by the counter claims of all the main producers and would be interested in your comments also wether 2 or 4 stroke.
Thanks for your comments.
J

mdt · 01 July 2009, 21:56

Mollers · 01 July 2009, 22:03

jambo · 01 July 2009, 22:13

Tx to you both for being so helpful, I hope I can return your comment someday!

Mollers · 01 July 2009, 22:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Tx to you both for being so helpful, I hope I can return your comment someday!

The popcorn emoticon denotes the fact that we'll sit back and await the ensuing replies with interest.

The pitfall of such a question being, you'll get a pile of members 'bigging-up' the brand/model which they own.

DJL · 01 July 2009, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

I am confused by the counter claims of all the main producers and would be interested in your comments also wether 2 or 4 stroke.

In all honesty I don't think it really matters these days. The differences between them are pretty small. Pretty much pick the engine you can get a good deal on, has good local service agents and most importantly is the right colour for the boat

Personally though I'm a 4 stroke fan - I like the quiet and not having to mess around with 2 stroke oil. I also went Yamaha because I perceive them to be very reliable - which so far has been true in my case.

Downhilldai · 01 July 2009, 22:37

What size motor are you looking for?
What do you use the boat for?
Is low RPM noise an important consideration?
Is initial cost a consideration?
Is the inclusion of high-tech gauges important?
Is transom weight a significant factor?
Do you have space for an oil storage tank if you go 2-stroke?
What about servicing? Do you have a choice of authorised service agents nearby?

That should do for a start...

jetski · 01 July 2009, 22:38

Not me ! 2 stroke all the way

Power to weight and Sounds - they sound GRRR8

Which one are well thats a different question

Jizm · 02 July 2009, 05:26

Most of the motors come with 5years warranty (6 on a honda) so If it were me I would compare all the stuff that downhilldai has mentioned and carefully go over the pros and cons, weigh up the odds, costs, weights etc and then pick the silver one!

jambo · 02 July 2009, 09:13

tx guys for your comments and for taking the trouble to post them. I know it is an old subject hammered to death( taking mollers point0 but I was intrested if I got more that one reply saying the same thing against a particular make and model. Because I boat mainly out in the west of Scot one of my main points is the service that is why I am in the bother with mariner as the nearest one is Glasgow. All the near ones are all now eastern origin Honda, Yamaha, susuki.
Tx again appreciated.

BNilly

willk · 02 July 2009, 09:47

I'd echo the sentiments about dealers - a good local dealer is a blessing!

Honda should be very reliable. A bonus with them is that when they are finally retired they can be deep sixed to make the perfect mooring anchor - being so heavy and all.

For what it's worth, Redbay fit Suzukis and Ermintrudes as their preferred 4 and 2 strokes. This despite them being one of the biggest Yamaha inboard fitters in the UK. Don't ask me if the margins are the reason!

IBWET · 09 July 2009, 13:55

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Ok guys blank canvas I am thinking of renewing my engine and I would like the same HP. I am confused by the counter claims of all the main producers and would be interested in your comments also wether 2 or 4 stroke.
Thanks for your comments.
J

All recieved points are valid, however as someone who recently picked a 150 for the same part of the world, same boat, same application,I'll give you the reason I picked suzuki;

1)CC's as a user in a remote part of the world reliablity was high up the list
150hp out of 2.9ltr is lazy and unstressed.
2)I dived off a osprey 5.5 with a 20 year old 75( it did it almost every weekend for the 20 years) suz and it was reliable.this in the face of all the stories about them corroding away.
3)211kg made it the lightest in the 4 st 150 range, I decided on 4 st for the noise or lack of (power wasn't going to be an issue on a 5.8 mtr rib) also 2.9 ltr=torque.
I like looking after things,so the fact I could change oil filters etc was attractive.
Twin counter rotating balancer shafts make it very smooth.

I've not had a problem apart from tilting it up to much, causing it to burn a little oil on start up. My fault,as it has a tilt limiting switch.

If I was doing it again,the only other engine I would now consider would be the 150 evinrude due to weight 190kg...there no getting away from the fact the engine is heavy.However I still think I made the right choice.

I'd have put the DF175 on but Ribcraft wouldn't do it, it's the same weight...

couple of bob more no penalty,might be an issue if you insure it though.

PeterM · 09 July 2009, 13:59

While only owning a 2.5 Suz - which is world away from 150 . I'd say a bloody good choice ! They seem very well built & shoudl give you the reliability you need - when your motor stops at the ' wrong' moment most woudl pay any money to get it going again at that particular moment !

jambo · 09 July 2009, 14:55

Tx Ian & Blackroady
your comments as always are well sourced and bourne out of experience and that was exactly what i was looking for when I posted the thread. Ian I appreciate your comments as we both have the same rig.

J

IBWET · 09 July 2009, 17:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by jambo

Tx Ian & Blackroady
your comments as always are well sourced and bourne out of experience and that was exactly what i was looking for when I posted the thread. Ian I appreciate your comments as we both have the same rig.

J

Billy,
There's a group of us heading out to the islands on the 21st August, from Dunstaffnage, if you can hold off until then,your welcome to take mine for a blat..at least you'll be able to compare it against a 2 stroke..

In fact if you can drink 346 pints in one night ( I can't), The planned venue for the Friday night is the pub in Tobermory.

GJ0KYZ · 09 July 2009, 18:33

I have an ETec on my boat. I've done well over 1,000 miles in the 12 months or so that I've had it and save for a barely noticeable oil leak on the leg (that had to be pointed out to me by the dealer and which was quickly fixed under warranty) I've had no problems whatsoever. I admit ETecs are pricey and the big block models like mine do burn their fair share of fuel but they're simple engines that are light, fast and very reliable. They don't need running in, only require servicing every three years and sound all the money; they're definitely worth looking at.

When you're sick of ribbing, try origami: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gj0kyz

iainmartins · 09 July 2009, 20:51

They are all good at the 150hp range. Differences are marginal, my optimax is good for fuel but a bit noisy, no real probs from it. If I was buying a new one though I would consider four stroke and also it would be the dealer that is the most important thing to me. The Yampower guy in Glasgow appears to be a good dealer and honest with it. Haven't had any dealings with the others near by though.

jambo · 09 July 2009, 21:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by IBWET

Billy,
There's a group of us heading out to the islands on the 21st August, from Dunstaffnage, if you can hold off until then,your welcome to take mine for a blat..at least you'll be able to compare it against a 2 stroke..

In fact if you can drink 346 pints in one night ( I can't), The planned venue for the Friday night is the pub in Tobermory.

Ian
thanks I will try and get up to meet you at Dunstafffange on the Fri afternoon for catchup at least, be in touch.
Billy

jambo · 09 July 2009, 21:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by iainmartins

They are all good at the 150hp range. Differences are marginal, my optimax is good for fuel but a bit noisy, no real probs from it. If I was buying a new one though I would consider four stroke and also it would be the dealer that is the most important thing to me. The Yampower guy in Glasgow appears to be a good dealer and honest with it. Haven't had any dealings with the others near by though.

Iain
I agree with your points. The main problem I have here on the Sound of Jura area is that all the dealers are 'full eastern promise' if you catch my drift. One guy is great and services the mariner but is not clued up on them enough when something funny goes and I can understand that. That is why my main consideration was the dealer and why I was asking my original questions to gather some info before the deed is done.
Thanks for comments appreciated.
Billy

Chris · 09 July 2009, 21:47

I am an E-tec fan and have had 2 of them over the last 3 years.

However.....if your nearest Evinrude Dealer is a long way away then you have to consider that any engine can go wrong. I have just had to have the top engine mounts replaced on my 150 because one had failed (probably from birth) and this then over worked the other till they both went.

It took several dealer visits to get this resolved as it was quite an unusual problem and took a few attempts to diagnose.

Having said this in no way has it taken the shine off and i still would have another.

You have to weigh up the pros and cons and factor in that problems can occur with any brand and how would far are you willing to travel if you have to visit the dealer 3 times to get the problem fixed.

Good luck