Outboard Choice??
- Thread starter TyBoo
- Start date
It seems that all the new engines are excellent. I cast my vote for Honda due to the fact that Honda dealers are plentifull. Plus, it's my understanding that Honda outboards share many parts with other Honda power equipment which makes parts more readilly available...ya ya, I know it's dated technology but parts and service tip the scale in the Honda's favor for me.
Well, that last poll thread was courteously conducted, I think. Oh, that Florida Mercury guy tried to goad me into a squabble, but I was able to maintain my poise and wait for the poll numbers to do the talkin'.
So then, what are some of the reasons for the particular motor choice you entered in the latest poll?
I stuck with the Hondas because the ones I have had (two big ones and two little ones) have been good to me. There is really no other reason that I could intelligently argue. I don't know if it is superstition, or just a comfort with peace of mind, but that's how I am. When I first got the latest TyBoo, I trailered it a few hundred miles, past several Honda service centers, to have the motors checked out and some warranty upgrades done by a dealer who had given me reason for trust. (I also got to see Dusty and a bunch of other CBs on the same trip!) Same thing would make me replace the Honda with a Honda when the time comes.
So go ahead and give your reasons. But remember, that guy who buys the Scot Atwater might have some stock in Sears, Roebuck or something, and deserves no ridicule for his choice. If you want to pick on the golddigger, well, there is only the one rule here.
Thanks.
So then, what are some of the reasons for the particular motor choice you entered in the latest poll?
I stuck with the Hondas because the ones I have had (two big ones and two little ones) have been good to me. There is really no other reason that I could intelligently argue. I don't know if it is superstition, or just a comfort with peace of mind, but that's how I am. When I first got the latest TyBoo, I trailered it a few hundred miles, past several Honda service centers, to have the motors checked out and some warranty upgrades done by a dealer who had given me reason for trust. (I also got to see Dusty and a bunch of other CBs on the same trip!) Same thing would make me replace the Honda with a Honda when the time comes.
So go ahead and give your reasons. But remember, that guy who buys the Scot Atwater might have some stock in Sears, Roebuck or something, and deserves no ridicule for his choice. If you want to pick on the golddigger, well, there is only the one rule here.
Thanks.
Yeah, you gotta watch those Mercury guys (they're always overtaking).
I'm in salt much of the time and the 2 previous Merc's (200 & 40) have held up so well I went with them again, but ordered the saltwater series this time (more internal parts annodized and SS). I run in extremely shallow water will gimble up more than the rest with full coolant flow. I had a 175 Evinrude -- bulletproof, 88 and 90 Johnsons, ditto, a 9.9 Honda that didn't take salt so well (I live on the water so you can't clean them effectively and this hot Fl water is like acid). All my dredging equipment is Honda powered in fresh water -- flawless there.
I haven't done any scientific tests yet, but the Merc seems to be extremely thrifty on gas (that may be the way I run it, slightly ahead of on step).
All the engines are good now. Nothing wrong with Scott Atwater -- I've got one of the originals hanging in the barn (unless (X) other stole it).
I'm in salt much of the time and the 2 previous Merc's (200 & 40) have held up so well I went with them again, but ordered the saltwater series this time (more internal parts annodized and SS). I run in extremely shallow water will gimble up more than the rest with full coolant flow. I had a 175 Evinrude -- bulletproof, 88 and 90 Johnsons, ditto, a 9.9 Honda that didn't take salt so well (I live on the water so you can't clean them effectively and this hot Fl water is like acid). All my dredging equipment is Honda powered in fresh water -- flawless there.
I haven't done any scientific tests yet, but the Merc seems to be extremely thrifty on gas (that may be the way I run it, slightly ahead of on step).
All the engines are good now. Nothing wrong with Scott Atwater -- I've got one of the originals hanging in the barn (unless (X) other stole it).
Even though the new 2-strokes are running as clean as the 4's, I would probably have to make the switch to the 4-stroke for longevity's sake (among other reasons). And if I did get a 4, I would probably choose Honda for the weight savings. I don't know though, is it worth the extra 30% cash?
Well, I voted for Honda.
But if it came right down to it, my wallet (OK, my wife's wallet) would probably take over and I would get the Johnson 2-stroke. About the same weight by the time you add a couple of gallons of oil to the 2-stroke, but $1800 less for Johnson's J50PL over Honda's BF50...
What a dilemma.
Well, I voted for Honda.
But if it came right down to it, my wallet (OK, my wife's wallet) would probably take over and I would get the Johnson 2-stroke. About the same weight by the time you add a couple of gallons of oil to the 2-stroke, but $1800 less for Johnson's J50PL over Honda's BF50...
What a dilemma.
I just did this last Fall for the following reasons (listed in preferential order):
1. Yamaha/Mercury 90 - All highest quality, + modern , up to the minute technology, large alternator output , strong dealer networks. (Merc is a Yamaha powerhead with their own lower unit). Rather have the lower unit designed specifically for the powerhead.
2. Suzuki/Johnson 90 - Similar to Y-90, very hard choice between these two. Heavier, larger displacement, larger alternator output, but thin dealer network. Not an issue if you have a strong local dealer you trust. Possibly the strongest of the 90's due to displacement, but 40 extra pounds. (Johnson is a white Suzi, so their network is not an issue.)
3. Evinrude E-Tech 90- "The Sleeper"- light, efficient, cutting edge technology, but unproven....perhaps not an issue if you buy a new boat every year and your son is the local dealer, though!
4. Honda- Great classic choice and a proven winner. But rapidly getting outdated and perhaps a bit overrated compared with other newer choices. Still has carburetors and the harder starting. Lowest alternator output of the bunch. 2005 Honda Civic autos still have same three valve/stratified charge head and carburetors, so outlook for EFI not good for forseeable future. How will they meet increasingly tight emission standards? Great track record, but basically same motor sold two decades ago!
5. Nissan, Tohatsu, etc. Too uncommon and unknown to be considered at this time.
6. Scott Atwater, Sea King, Wizard, Faegol, Homelite, Bearcat, Clinton, and other unmentionables with sordid pasts:
If you have one of these classics and it's still in excellent condition, sell it on ebay and you'll probably get enough money to buy a new 2005 motor of your choice! (Force outboards not included.)
1. Yamaha/Mercury 90 - All highest quality, + modern , up to the minute technology, large alternator output , strong dealer networks. (Merc is a Yamaha powerhead with their own lower unit). Rather have the lower unit designed specifically for the powerhead.
2. Suzuki/Johnson 90 - Similar to Y-90, very hard choice between these two. Heavier, larger displacement, larger alternator output, but thin dealer network. Not an issue if you have a strong local dealer you trust. Possibly the strongest of the 90's due to displacement, but 40 extra pounds. (Johnson is a white Suzi, so their network is not an issue.)
3. Evinrude E-Tech 90- "The Sleeper"- light, efficient, cutting edge technology, but unproven....perhaps not an issue if you buy a new boat every year and your son is the local dealer, though!
4. Honda- Great classic choice and a proven winner. But rapidly getting outdated and perhaps a bit overrated compared with other newer choices. Still has carburetors and the harder starting. Lowest alternator output of the bunch. 2005 Honda Civic autos still have same three valve/stratified charge head and carburetors, so outlook for EFI not good for forseeable future. How will they meet increasingly tight emission standards? Great track record, but basically same motor sold two decades ago!
5. Nissan, Tohatsu, etc. Too uncommon and unknown to be considered at this time.
6. Scott Atwater, Sea King, Wizard, Faegol, Homelite, Bearcat, Clinton, and other unmentionables with sordid pasts:
If you have one of these classics and it's still in excellent condition, sell it on ebay and you'll probably get enough money to buy a new 2005 motor of your choice! (Force outboards not included.)
Chuckpacific
New member
Honda.........turn it on, use it, turn it off........
"Rather have the lower unit designed specifically for the powerhead."
-- we would have to disagree on that one, after years and years of racing, one thing you won't have problems with is a Merc lower end. One of the reasons I went with it is the design can almost have the blades out of the water and still get coolant to the powerhead. Good points you made though -- I went through similar motions not long ago.
Don't count out the Atwater -- it's an excellent wall-hanger and can be used for fwd. ballast.
-- we would have to disagree on that one, after years and years of racing, one thing you won't have problems with is a Merc lower end. One of the reasons I went with it is the design can almost have the blades out of the water and still get coolant to the powerhead. Good points you made though -- I went through similar motions not long ago.
Don't count out the Atwater -- it's an excellent wall-hanger and can be used for fwd. ballast.
Yamaha.
C-Dory dealer sold Yamaha, great San Diego service center,though it's doubtful I'll ever need it, main Yamaha warehouse only 100 miles away, good size alternator and I've owned a few Yamaha motorcycles in the past. Waited for EFI, chose the 75 over the 90 after riding the Rana Verde and seeing I really didn't need the 15 hp. Step son was commercial fishing in Alaska and reported all he ever saw was Yamaha outboards on commercial rigs.
Now that I have one, I have a retroactive excuse. Bought it to irritate Tyboo.
C-Dory dealer sold Yamaha, great San Diego service center,though it's doubtful I'll ever need it, main Yamaha warehouse only 100 miles away, good size alternator and I've owned a few Yamaha motorcycles in the past. Waited for EFI, chose the 75 over the 90 after riding the Rana Verde and seeing I really didn't need the 15 hp. Step son was commercial fishing in Alaska and reported all he ever saw was Yamaha outboards on commercial rigs.
Now that I have one, I have a retroactive excuse. Bought it to irritate Tyboo.
terraplane
New member
It is amazing how often TyBoo comes up as a kind of "contrarion spirit" on various threads. As a newbie to c dory, i don't know whether to sympathize with him or realize he enjoys being the one who takes the other view. I do know I look forward to his comments, a lot.
Our Eastern Shore gathering might establish a Tyboo prize..what should the qualities be for the prize?
tom 'terraplane
Our Eastern Shore gathering might establish a Tyboo prize..what should the qualities be for the prize?
tom 'terraplane
Hah! How do you find me to be of "contrarion spirit" when I vote with the majority on both these polls? Honda's kicking outboard butt here, and I am just one of the silent many. And wait until all those teachers on that other thread find out you spelled contrarian wrong.
As far as that Sneaky guy buying a Yami, it wasn't done so much to irritate me, but more to kiss Red Fox's outboard butt. Everybody always did like RF best.
And Kleen Heat sucks.
As far as that Sneaky guy buying a Yami, it wasn't done so much to irritate me, but more to kiss Red Fox's outboard butt. Everybody always did like RF best.
And Kleen Heat sucks.
Tyboo Mike contrarian? No way. Mike tells it like it is and loves to stir the pot a little. And he uses a pretty good sized stick sometimes. :lol:
I bought Tyboo 22 from Mike and everything in the boat was Mike-ized. Which means it all worked, all well-designed -- and original Barber chair is still at the top of the heap. Great boat!!
Mike, (New subj), a commercial friend told me the smelt are in a holding pattern just outside buoy 10. May mean something to you, but nada to me.
The Old One - but Cynthia is catching up fast. Ask CatGuy :wink:
I bought Tyboo 22 from Mike and everything in the boat was Mike-ized. Which means it all worked, all well-designed -- and original Barber chair is still at the top of the heap. Great boat!!
Mike, (New subj), a commercial friend told me the smelt are in a holding pattern just outside buoy 10. May mean something to you, but nada to me.
The Old One - but Cynthia is catching up fast. Ask CatGuy :wink:
Sawdust":1ulo2g9h said:
What that means is that B~C needs to get the Blue~C with its twin Hondas to his slip just inside B10 and get his butt and his boy out there nettin' the things.
I think I'll stay away from the C-Lou/CM thing until one of 'em goes down. Then I'll side with the one standing. And that's is not contrarian at all; anybody would want to side with Cynthia!
Ah yes, Sears and Roebuck. On the bay when I was growing up and running around in boats, the saying was, "Go to Sears and Rowback." I remember Lawsons, Elgins, Sea Kings, and the Scott Atwater -with the self bailer. 95% of the big engines (35hp or bigger) were either Mercs or Johnson-Evinrude. And were their "camps" then! I was firmly established in the J-E camp. Then I married Cordell. He owns 6 Mercury outboards! I am out numbered. :crook He has KG 9's and KG 7's. One KG 7 he bought with his paper route money, and that motor still runs great. He has never, and never will, run his motors in salt water. That doesn't work well for me.
As for my choice, I could have gone with almost any of them. I have owned Johnsons, Evinrudes, Yamahas and a Suzuki. They have all been good motors. I would not hesitate to buy a Honda. But a Merc.....I guess it was the "camp" that I was in growing up, running around in boats.
Robbi
As for my choice, I could have gone with almost any of them. I have owned Johnsons, Evinrudes, Yamahas and a Suzuki. They have all been good motors. I would not hesitate to buy a Honda. But a Merc.....I guess it was the "camp" that I was in growing up, running around in boats.
Robbi
"Honda's kicking outboard butt here . . ." -- not exactly -- the score is really 27-23 at this point. Clearly people are seeking alternatives to the Honda antiquated design . . .
Roberta: you are sure right about the camps, especially in FL where Kiekhauffer (I think I spelled that right) had his Mercury testing grounds. Right about the salt too - those early Mercurys could not take any of that, and that put me squarely in the Evinrude camp for years (had a 50 horse the size of a modern 250) at any rate, things have sure changed.
Roberta: you are sure right about the camps, especially in FL where Kiekhauffer (I think I spelled that right) had his Mercury testing grounds. Right about the salt too - those early Mercurys could not take any of that, and that put me squarely in the Evinrude camp for years (had a 50 horse the size of a modern 250) at any rate, things have sure changed.
terraplane
New member
Well, I'll be
Here it is, 2am here on the Bay, the dog gets me up for a little night ramble, I can't sleep, so I decide to check in on C Brats...and find out that Tyboo has caught me out..I went to my Webster's 3rd International and found out that "contrarion" is, indeed, "contrarian"...And people ask me why i'm so sure I will love this new boat!
My 12 year old is gonna love this! And to make it worse, I really am a retired college professor!
I should learn not to mess with the master.
tom/terraplane
Here it is, 2am here on the Bay, the dog gets me up for a little night ramble, I can't sleep, so I decide to check in on C Brats...and find out that Tyboo has caught me out..I went to my Webster's 3rd International and found out that "contrarion" is, indeed, "contrarian"...And people ask me why i'm so sure I will love this new boat!
My 12 year old is gonna love this! And to make it worse, I really am a retired college professor!
I should learn not to mess with the master.
tom/terraplane