4-stroke vs. HPDI

[walleyewizard]

I'm planning on buying a new rig this spring and am looking at the Yamaha 150. Can't decide whether to go with the 4-stroke or HPDI. Anyone have experience with either one or have suggestions?

[PerchJerker]

I bought a boat a few months ago that is rated for a 175 hp motor and was deciding between the 175 Opti (essentially the same hpdi technology as the yam) or the 175 Verado (only 175 HP 4-stroke motor). I went with the Opti for a variety of reasons. For one, I have a 4-stroke kicker and electric bowmount that I use for fishing, so the big motor is just for cruising or to get me to the spots --- I'll never troll with it. The Opti has more holeshot, more power, and more speed than the 4-stroke. Running over 1/2 throttle the dfi motors and the 4-strokes are essentially the same for fuel consumption, sometimes the dfi motors are better. Having an onboard oil resv wasn't an issue for me. The Opti is loud, but the big 4-strokes I've been in aren't much quieter at high speeds. The Verado is a very expensive motor but all 4-strokes seem to be higher priced than dfis. I've been very happy with my Opti.

If I didn't have a 4-stroke kicker I'd definately get a 4-stroke, but for me it was a pretty easy decision to stay with a 2-stroke. No regrets.

Good luck and have fun shopping.

[WTBF]

I can't speak for the 175HP motors, but when it comes to the 150 Yammy it rocks. It isn't a pooch out of the hole like their other (115 & 225) Four strokes. Do some more research I heard the '05's have 12 more horse than the 04's and the boat I've been in has the '04 and I am still impressed. 1850 Crestliner Sportfish top speed with '04 150 is 47mph (GPS)loaded full tank and aluminum prop, also has pulled 225lb guy out on one ski like nothing. Just my two cents. Good Luck.

[Wave Runner]

I've owned several HPDI's and have had nothing but excellent experience. I won't buy a four stroke as long as the DFI two strokes are around. One of the best all around ones I've owned was a 2002 Yammi V-max HPDI in a 150. On a 17 footer that V-max was outstanding. Yamaha unfortunately does not put the V-max HPDI out in a 25" If your going with a boat that has a 20" transom I'd strongly recommend the V-max HPDI and the HPDI's over four stroke in general.

[walleyewizard]

Wave Runner, If I were to go with the HPDI, do you think I could troll withit or should I plan on purchasing a kicker? Also, how is the noise compared to the 4-stroke?

[Wave Runner]

No experience with four stroke for the primary motor but the DFI's are very quiet at most rpm's. I wouldn't set up a boat planning to do most of my trolling with a 150 of any kind. I've also used a T-8 for three years now. If that's in your budget, that's what you want to troll with. Too bad we don't have some open water, I'd let you run my set-up for first hand experience...

[leechlake]

wizzard, I have a 175 yamaha vmax hpdi on an 18' lund, without going into detail it's perfect, and I've had a few motors that were fine but not perfect. You will not be able to troll with it though. I'm sure it's not as quiet as a 4 stroke but I think the benefits of the ease of maintenance (I'm not too mechanical)I'd get it if I were you. I saw an article comparing the 4 stroke vs the hpdi before I bought it and the fuel economy was so close to identical I'd call it itentical, I think the hpdi got less than 1% less fuel economy with a tiny more power, but those two comparisons were close also. Nothing wrong with 4 strokes but in any cold weather my experience is the non 4 strokes start appreciably easier also.

[REA]

I've had both. Spend a little extra $ and get the 4-stroke. Every comparison these guys make, the 4-stroke is a little better. I've heard some say hole shot is better on HPDI and maybe so, but I don't see it. Leechlake - Easier maintenence? I assume you are kidding, you don't even have to worry about oil with a 4-stroke. I troll with my 200, and it starts in freezing temps, no problem. I can run wide open and talk to a buddy without even raising my voice!

HPDI motors are great! 4-strokes are the next step up. You will be happy with either.

[EJ]

I have to agree with REA on this one. The HPDI's are fine, as well as the OPTI's, but the Yamaha F150 4 stroke has been one of the best motors introduced the last few years. I put one on the same boat as Perchjerker, a heavier 18.5 foot fiberglass deep v, and it is quiet at idle, no smell and uses little gas. I get 51 MPH GPS and a decent hole shot. If I were doing more skiing than fishing than I would max HP with a two stroke.

EJ

[PerchJerker]

I followed every bit of advice EJ gave me about my boat .... except the part about getting the F150

WaveRunner, I don't know the details but there is an extension kit (might be after-market) for the HPDI which will lengthen the shaft and allow them to go on boats with 25" transoms. The impression I have is that it's pretty common to do this. No personal experience with it though, it's just what I heard or read.

[Satchmo]

The HPDI does come in 25" shaft. The only differance is they come with the standard grey Yamaha hood, not the V-Max hood. Otherwise they are the exact same motor. The HPDI will have considerably more torque out of the hole, but this is usually only highly noticable when you are really loaded down. None of the 150hp motors will troll down very well, so plan a strong electric up front(24 Volt), or a 4-stroke kicker motor.

[Wave Runner]

The V-max HPDI and the HPDI differ in more than cowl design. Primary difference is the lower unit gear ratio...

[Giant_Jackpot]

Quote:

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Leechlake - Easier maintenence? I assume you are kidding, you don't even have to worry about oil with a 4-stroke.

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I would assume Leech was referring to the fact you have to change oil on the 4 stroke.

[walleyewizard]

REA, you say you troll with your 200. What speed do you troll at? The main time I would use it for trolling would be for salmon at 2-3 mph's. EJ, that 18.5 foot glass boat wouldn't happen to be a Ranger would it? If so, what is your minimum speed? Thanks for all the input.

[REA]

I troll with the big motor if it is windy on the big lakes, Mille Lacs etc.. Should be OK if you are fishin Salmon. You also can speed down by throwing out a drift sock or backtroll into the waves. Occasionally I do both (backtroll into the waves and driftsock) and fish with lindy rigs!

[BIG DS]

I've sold both. The 150 4-stroke is fuel injected. It will start and run in pretty much any condition. Very little maintenance. The HPDI is a injected 2 stroke. The hole shot will be a little better, depending on the prop and the boat. There is going to be a little more maintanence on the 2 stroke. The HPDI is almost as quiet as the 4-stroke, but the HPDI will load up if you run it at low rpm too long, the 4 stroke will not. I've tournament fished both, and if I were buying the rig as a casual fishing/recreation boat, I would opt for the 4-stroke. The resale on the 4-stroke is traditionally higher also.

[EJ]

Walleyewizard,

Yes it is a Ranger 1850. I can only troll down to about 2.1 or so depending on conditions of course.

Perchjerker,

I bet your boat looks sweet with that big black motor hanging back there. You'll kick my #%@ in a race too!

EJ

[walleyewizard]

EJ, I think I talked to you last year about this same boat. What a sweet looking rig. Looks like we're going to get the deal done this year. I'm leaning towards the 4-stroke. 51 mph is fast enough and my fishing partner (wife) sure enjoys the quiet, smokeless motor. Thanks everyone for your help and see you on the water.

[PerchJerker]

I'd smoke you out of the hole EJ (2-stroke humor there for you), but our top ends will be pretty close. I'm toying around with the idea of testing props this year. My motor came with a Hi-Five, I was kind of expecting to have a 3-blade Tempest. Something to think about while ice fishing I guess.

WW - Sounds like you're set on Yamaha and that's a great choice and I wouldn't recommend against it. But if you really don't want a kicker you might want to look at Merc and their SmartCraft gauges, the tach in particular. It's essentially a computer on your console that allows you to adjust down your rpms while trolling (plus a myriad of other functions). I hear it is SWEET. I also heard something about Yamaha coming out with something similar but I don't know if they have??? Something to think about before you sign your deal anyway.