Outboard Boat Motors?

[tp308]

In the market for a used bass boat. My 13 yr old and his best buddy want to start a HS bass fishing team… my funds aren’t endless so I’m probably looking at a 17’-18’ aluminum boat to get them started. Most outboards on that size boat are 75-90 hp Mercs & Yamahas. First timer here, school me on the pros or cons of either and what to look for. Thnx! (And I already know it’s a bad decision and a horrible time to be in the market, lol)

 

[dtrkyman]

Merc pros are they are the most common and everywhere you go there is a dealer. Yamaha are probably more reliable but harder to find dealers.

Whatever you get I highly recommend buying a boat with max hp rated motor for that boat.

Look at bass boat central online. Mostly glass boats from what I have seen but I am sure there are aluminum rigs as well.

 

[loganwayne]

Your budget is going to dictate if your getting a 4 stroke or 2 stroke.

2strokes are fine, but do require keeping an eye on the oil. If the oil alarm goes off your already to late and buying a new motor.

 

[Wolf_trapper]

Yamaha all day over Merc.

 

[tp308]

Your budget is going to dictate if your getting a 4 stroke or 2 stroke.

2strokes are fine, but do require keeping an eye on the oil. If the oil alarm goes off your already to late and buying a new motor.

Hoping for a 4 stroke…

 

[tp308]

Yamaha all day over Merc.

Why?

 

[Moserkr]

Find a good motor - the rest of the boat/trailer is much easier to replace. How new of a boat are you looking at? Are you good with tools or will you need a boat mechanic?

I rebuilt an old starcraft aluminum boat last year and Im rebuilding an 80’s era 2-stroke spare motor for it as well.

Imho, a heavy glass boat will be more costly to run/maintain vs an aluminum. Why not look at a tiller steered outboard in the 25-40hp range, on a lightweight 16-18’ jon boat? Semi-V hulls shouldnt be hard to find in missouri with that motor size. Much more budget friendly. Kids can put a platform on it for fishing. Motors are cheaper to work on and easier to find to replace. If enough kids join, get another! Safety in numbers if one breaks down. Kids will need lessons on small motor work if they dont have the knowledge.

 

[Wolf_trapper]

I grew up working at a Marina. Just my experience. Mercs had problems more often than Yamaha's.

 

[LaHunter]

Both make good outboards. It's a Ford vs Chevy debate. Get a mechanic to hook his computer up to the outboard and check the hours and any other diagnostics. Also, it may be a good idea to get the compression checked if the motor has a lot of hours.

 

[Ferrulewax]

I have a merc from 1988 still doing great, but my 2020 zuke is pretty sweet. I’d be much more concerned with how it was maintained and run than the specific brand. And like someone else said, in open water (lakes) get the most motor you can afford and your boat can handle.

 

[bushangler]

I own both merc and Yamaha. I like yamahas better but needs are good too.


Don’t be afraid of some hours. I would rather buy a motor that was used and taken care of over one that day any day.


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[thinhorn_AK]

Yamaha is the best.

 

[Flatgo]

Look at model and year of motor all manufacturers have had good and bad motors Yamaha has had a couple models that where really bad same with merc evinrude, and all other manufacturers… a quick google search usually reveals the issues.

 

[WRO]

I've been really happy with my suzuki

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[Rokbar]

whatever you get, try to get a 4 stroke. It's like working on a small car engine.

 

[FLATHEAD]

Yep, Yamaha.

 

[Wellsdw]

I have a Honda, my dad has a Yamaha. Best fried runs a merc. All Very similar in size. My motor is older than the other two. I will say but the Yamaha out performs the Honda by a good bit, in all areas and blows the merc out of the water. All 50-60 hp range. The Yamaha cranks in 30 degree weather like it’s 80 out. Consistent throttle, great trolling range etc. but you will find this to be like car preference. I’d say what are the unsponsored charter captain running at the coast….at least in the southeast it’s yamaha. 2 stoke wise I’ve heard the evenrude e-Tec are super reliable. The guys that restore the old Boston whalers who can’t haul4 stroke weight praise them my .02

 

[Gatorgrizz27]

Might want to look at tournament restrictions for youth. Many of them will not allow tillers and require an adult driver. Hp and 2 or 4 stroke aren’t usually regulated.

 

[Salmonchaser]

No need to jump in but I will, ive 17 boats they will all have Yamahas on them now that there is a dealer in SW Ak

 

[KD32]

As long as there are enough local mechanics in your given area that can work on the brand you choose, either is a good option. Some models, years have reputations for being more reliable than others. Another thing to consider is the weight of the engine. Some “families” of engines all weigh the same, or very close, but differ in horsepower. (ie 75 & 90 may be same amount of weight hanging off the back of the boat).