Here we go again - Yamaha 9.9 verse Suzuki 9.9

C

crowleykirk

New member
C-Sharp (Steve) and I were discussing kicker motors the other day. Steve is going all Suzuki on his 23 and we are going all Yamaha.

Then I learned the Yamaha 9.9 is carb and not EFi.

Now I'm fine with a carb, I know the pitfalls. I know the maintenance issues.

I suppose I could run a Yamaha main and a Suzuki or Merc kicker.

So... looking for user experience here specifically the Yamaha. But of course would love to hear from the Suzuki owners as well. I'm not brand loyal. I just really want to go with the Yamaha 150 as my main.

I've searched the web high and low and not really seeing much feedback. Which surprises me.

I know many Brats have both.

Screw it, maybe I'll go with twinsjavascript:emoticon(':wink')

Thank you many times over for all the input... it's invaluable.

Kirk :wink :wink
 
Only thing I would mention (as I don't have all the is technical mechanical details) is that if you are in Canadian water and have any service issues, there are Yamis all over the place, and dealers and service too, and no US vs Canada warranty issues.

Steve is pretty good with the mechanical details, and EFI is good. I would base the decision on how good you are with the carbed unit, and what your likelihood of being north of the border.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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You'd think there would be a ton of data and reviews on outboards. It's pretty limited.

I know you can't really go wrong with any of these motors these days. It's a big decision and of course you want to make the best choice for you and your intended use.

I raced motorcycles for 30 years. I have too many tools. I'm comfortable doing about anything engine related but I'll have a lot to learn on the outboards as I've never touched one before. An engine is an engine but these days they are not so simple. I plan on doing all my own maintenance. To a point.

I'm comfortable with a carb. My Yamaha generator has a carb and it's 10 years old, sits outside in winter and summer and we live at 7000 feet and snow. Not for much longer but the thing always starts.

Of course I maintain it, and start it every couple of months and feed it stabile a few times year. The outboard should be fine but the ocean is way more extreme.

You read good and bad about each engine. Not totally sure why I'm vacillating so much. I love data.... just not finding much. The Brats are actually the best place to get this info. I have expressed my love for Aspen Cats. My dream boat. They use Yamaha exclusively. Sounds like I'm trying to sell myself doesn't it?

I own a lot of people lunch and or a beer... or both:-)
 
There are several other sources for good information on outboards, but you have to searches. "The Hull Truth" (mostly fishing boats). "Continuous Wave" (Boston Whaler owners), "Marine Engine.com, outboard Forum".

All of the outboards in both of these ranges are good. I would probably use the same brand kicker and main. Both Suzuki and Yamaha had corrosion problems, which are pretty well fixed in current motors. (Honda has different corrosion problems, and in the pre 2007 had thrust bearing issues in the 150's in a few motors.

I go for injected motors for several reasons, including fuel issues. If you run the fuel out or drain the carburetors there should not be an issue. If you have not had problems with the carburetor small engines, then you may not with the outboard. We do in Florida, with the heat and humidity. Even in S. Cal. I used to always drain fuel or run it out of the outboards---going back to the 50s....

In any case have a separate fuel source, and if a 12 volt battery source is necessary for the kicker, then be sure and have a small dedicated battery. In our RIBS we used a U1 AGM tractor battery for outboards up to 25HP.
 
Maybe ask yourself which one would you be comfortable diagnosing and repairing. EFI requires electronic tools to diagnose. I'd stick with the Yamaha and the carburetor. Harvey is right about Yamahas in Canada. It's their engine of choice it seems.
 
I think you will be fine and do fine with that. Sounds like you have the handle on the monkey wrenching down just pat. AND you wont run into any nasty surprises IF you cross the border to the north.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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It's easy to get caught up in the "am I buying the right stuff" with a new boat. We feel very blessed that we are able to do this and just can't wait:-)

April is a long time.

Happy sailing.

Kirk
 
Well, I did have Yamaha's spec'd for the new boat. After talking directly with NMI, the builder they are having issues getting Yamaha engines and parts. Have been for some time. I was told they can't even get a kicker until after my build would be done.

Long story. Have had some great talks with them, very informative. I have gone back to the Suzuki 140 and 9.9 kicker for the build. Suzuki engine and parts are readily available. And are excellent engines.

I would assume this may change. Whatever is going on at Yamaha. Possibly a Covid issue.

I'm good to go with Suzuki.
 
Kirk,

Sorry to hear about the trouble you are having with the Yamaha motor. They are great motors and we are well pleased with our 2017 Yamaha 40 on our bay fishing boat. We use it regularly and without issue. I personally prefer Suzuki because of the timing chain. Some people say you may not be able to find service for Suzuki as easily as for Yamaha in Canada but that is not an issue for us in our travels there. Both are quality motors but it is OK to go with Suzuki.
 
Both are great engines. Sometime you have to go with what's available etc.... I have looked in Canada and Alaska and Suzuki is well represented so I don't see an issue. Some year we all have to head off to Canada and maybe do some of the inside passage. Alaska is on my list one day:-)
I'm totally fine with the Suzuki's. Plus there will be a number of us with the same engines.. that's always a good thing:-)
 
Living at elevation 7000 I would think you will need to change jets in carb engine and do nothing with EFI. Don't know how easy it is to change a jet but if going to coast occasionally I would be changing jets or at least checking plugs for too lean or too rich; maybe you can get away without changing the jet(s).

Jay
 
Good point Jay. EFI is more forgiving at altitude.

Kirk, Yamaha may have more service dealerships in certain areas but it depends on where your plans are to travel. Dealerships open today may not be there tomorrow and vise versa. Also, where you have your motor serviced is important but it is also important is to get a motor that you are satisfied with today and to enjoy in the future. Sounds like for you that Yamaha may be the motor worth waiting for.

Think long-term on your purchase and it will be a wise decision.
 
But again, the engines and parts are not available for our build. Possibly the main but not a kicker. I'd rather have the EFi of the Suzuki and the timing chain.

I've been told corrosion resistance is better on the Suzuki as well. It will be down on power compared to the 150 Yamaha. I was looking forward to more power less RPM. But again, it's a C-Dory 23 not a deep V so really a mute point.

I'm good to go. Just can't wait for the boat now:-)
 
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