4 stroke preference... whats your favorite and why?

[buzzsaw]

I just purchased a new boat and went from a two stroke to a four stroke...

I am looking for feedback on which four stroke my fellow FM'ers are most fond of and why.

[SteveWilson]

I don't know what's "best" but I've been thoroughly satisfied with the 140hp Johnson (Suzuki) that came with the 18' Lund Fisherman I bought last year. It's quiet, fuel efficient, starts first time every time, has decent performance, and can troll at a fairly low speed (<2mph). With it there's no real need for a kicker other than having a spare motor (or sacrificial if you're trolling around the rocks).

[gspman]

JD Power and associates just came out with their report on outboards and customer satisfaction. It was posted on another site. Interesting reading. If you search JD Power's site maybe you can find it.

For the record I have a Yamaha F115 and like it alot. However I've only had it since last August so take my statementfor what it's worth.

gspman

[leechlake]

Buzzsaw, they are pretty much all good. I troll the fm site a lot and you're going to see a lot of people happy with Suzukis and Yamahas, but I don't know anyone who doesn't like their honda either. I've noticed more 115 Yamaha 4 strokes on the water than any other motor, maybe by 4 to one. I don't know much about the Merc's. I bet you can't wait to get her out, you'll be amazed at the lack of noise. I have a Yamaha VMAX HPDI and while I'm truly happy with it it isn't a 4 stroke.

[buzzsaw]

I got the Yamaha F150 and your right when you say "I bet you can't wait"

I have a friend with the Suzuki 140 HP four stroke that I really liked as well! I looked into the JD power and Associates rankings before I made my purchase and that played into why I bought a Yamaha.. I hear the Mercury Verado's are supposed to be really nice as well!

[jerkin'm]

Hey buzz do you think those tonka eyes will jump in your boat now?

[Northlander]

Im running a Yamaha 115 4 stroke and really like it. Great on gas.

[buzzsaw]

Jerkin'm, I doubt it.. do they jump in yours?! or anybody elses? Whats your opinion since thats what I asked for?

[Sandbar]

250+ flawless hours on a Suzuki DF140 4 stroke. I would buy it again today. That Yami 150 should be sweet, have fun.

Sandbar

[Hemlock]

130 Honda here. No complaints, but I'd rather have a Suzuki or Yamaha. Lighter, and every bit as quiet. 5-6 miles to the gallon, no oil. Compared to our old Evinrude 115 2 stroke at 2.5 - 3 mpg, plus oil.

[JWB475]

I have a 90 Honda, fuel economy is outstanding,and the engine is bulletproof, could stand to have EFI though...

[Thunderchicken]

I got a Yamaha 115 on my Lund Fisherman and it has treated me great. I would also have to say that the Hondas are a bit heavier from what I've read and heard from the guys at the shop. I think that the Yamahas are so popular is that in 02 when I bought mine they were the only four stroke that was offering a $600 rebate for the 115 and 150's.

[Guest]

Hondas aren't any heavier than the comperable 4 strokes. In some cases they are lighter.

They used to be, but not anymore.

I had a Honda 75 and now own a Yamaha F75.

I like the tiller set up on that Yamaha better, but liked the Honda better overall.

Smoother, quieter and a little better fuel economy.

Fuel injection would be a great improvement on both.

[Xplorer]

I've run 2 honda's the last 8 years, first a 30hp and currently a 90hp (yes, efi would be nice). They have both been great, little maintenance, and they are reliable.

As far as weight goes, you really gotta take a look at each engine size and compare. 90 hp weights are Yammy 369, Honda 373 and Suz 416. In 150 hp its Suz 410 (the 140), Yammy 466 and Honda 478 (these are straight off of each manufacturer's websites)

I really dont think that you can go wrong with any of these three outboards. I have had no problems with my honda's being "cold-blooded" either, and had my 30hp out into December here in Duluth a couple times, and back out on Superior in late March. Just need to follow the proper start/warm up procedures.

[jerkin'm]

Come on Lentz take it EZ, of course they jump in mine. I don't have a 4stroke, Yamaha 115 2 stroke on my bass boat, works sweet. Next time I cook you dinner I may hide a surprise in your food, watch out!

[buzzsaw]

Awww now I know who this is! PAT, your such a playful one aren't you.

Also, I'll be off of this site from Wednesday til Saturday as Beth is delivering baby #2. I'll have to come by that fine Wayzata restaurant sometime and take you up on your fishy surprise. Do you ever talk to Tanya. I think that was her name? Does Jack still make wood duck carvings? I collect them and would have interest if he's still in the business.

[walleyehawk]

I have the Mercury 60 EFI. Starts every time like a dream but I did have to take it into the shop within 60 days of purchase for a water or fuel pump problem, can't recall which.

One thing for sure. Buy the maximum HP that your boat will allow. 4 strokes are great for no smoke and quiet, fuel efficient engines. But they are not great on hole shot and getting up on plane as a similiar HP 2 stroke.

If I had the money, I would trade mine for a Honda or Yamaha 75 4 stroke.