Best 4 stroke - ( between Yamaha & Suzuki )

[tyeefisher]

Between these two in a 70 to 80 hp, and descent dealer support for both, which one would you buy? The Suzuki is running an add for a six year warranty? But...if that Yamaha is a better motor I would rather make that purchase? Any advice...motor would be mounted on a 15ft Arima.

[JB]

A no-brainer, tyeefisher.The Yamaha F80 is a fine engine, but it is carbureted.The Suzuki DF70 is computer controlled EFI. I have one and it is wonderful.Good luck.

[manitoba1]

I have the 70hp Suzuki as well (on an alumacraft classic 16) and agree completely with JB. In fact, at the lake where I have a seasonal camping spot a friend has the 80 yamaha on a lund Sendero which I have driven many times. My engine starts faster, is quiter and has better throttle response. Several others at the lake have driven both boats and each one has said without a question they prefer to operate my Suzuki over the Yamaha. The yamaha is however an excellent engine and the engine you buy may be determined by the dealer support.

[Forktail]

You may want to consider jumping up to more HP. I believe the 15' Arima was re-tagged from 80 hp to 100 HP. You can check with the company. Great boat.I'm a Yamaha guy through and through, but the 6-year warranty and EFI on the Suzuki is hard to pass up...as long as you have dealer support.

[tyeefisher]

Forktail...here is where im confused? My boat is rated for up to 80hp. I've been running a 70hp Mercury. Most all dealers say I could go with a 50hp 4 stroke or a 75hp 2 stroke. Im used to the horsepower, and think I would have a hard time dropping 25hp. My gut tells me the 75hp Yamaha 2 stroke is the way to go, but....that option of the four stroke is haunting me!!!

[Spidybot]

This discussion has been up several times; a search will return plenty of posts. Opinions vary and both have their enthusiasts who, appearantly, will never agree.Once you've decided on either 2- or 4-stroke, it is a fact that any number of hp is the same wether it comes from 2 or 4 strokes. The two delivers different torque and the relation between rpm and performance is different. You must even consider weight, as most 4-strokes are heavier than their 2-stroke hp-equivalent.Get yourself a 4-stroke test drive and see if you like it. Your expected use should also be considered as the 4-strokes are much more fun to be with when idling (trolling) or going low-mid rpm. Future environmental laws definately will demand less emissions etc. and this is a hard point for 2-strokes. They are working on it, but it is a major issue.Ofcourse price and mpg has something to do with it as well.PS! I'm happy with my 2-stroke, but in case of replacement in recent time, I'd take a 4-stroke if at all possible, considering all.

[Forktail]

I agree that you'd be unhappy dropping to a 50 hp. Those Arima's like hp, as they are a wide, deep boat for their size. I had a 50 hp on a Arima Sea Chaser, and it was hardly enough to get it on step. Unless weight (130 lb difference) and initial cost is a primary concern for you, I see no reason to go with the 2-stroke. Given the EFI of the Suzuki along with the 6-year warranty you mentioned, it seems like a shoe-in. Although the 70 hp 2-stroke Yamaha is a great outboard. And yes, hp is hp, whether it's a 4-stroke or 2-stroke.BTW, that revised 100 hp rating I mentioned was for the Sea Chaser 16', not your 15'er. Sorry.

[pine island fred]

please do this before you hang a heavy 4 stroke on that boat. put the additional weight the 4 stroke will add by stacking bricks or something by the transom. then see how the boats performs off plane. can make quite a difference. nothing wrong with a 4 stroke but that additional weight in the back can get real uncomfortable. been there 16 pro-line with 80 yamaha is being sold. have a new merc 2 stroke on another boat and i am happy with it. from now on i will stay with a 2 stroke on a smaller boat.

[josip_voyager]

Between Yamaha and Suzuki I would buy Honda which is #1 in four strokes outboard industry. Does anybody knows while two biggest manufacturer of four stroke outboards (Honda and Yamaha) have in range 2 – 100 PS only classic (carbureted) engines? While maintenance costs are far lower than with modern four strokes with electronic injection and four valve pro cylinder (Suzuki).It is true that modern four strokes have a little bit better fuel economy, they are smoothest and with lower level of vibration, but still I would in this power range always buy classic four strokes.

[Forktail]

Pine Island, adding a little more weight to the stern of the Arima isn't going to affect it much. I've owned one. It's a much different boat than a Pro-line. However, additional HP will surely be a benefit.Josip Voyager, how do you figure Honda is #1 in the industry? Did I read you right...carbed outboards have lower maintenance costs than an EFI 4-stroke? Better re-read that past J.D. Power article on outboards. Over a thousand outboard owners surveyed. Yamaha ranked #1, and 4-strokes ranked over 2-strokes for reliability.

[josip_voyager]

I mean that Honda manufacture four strokes from 1969 (longest tradition, for example Suzuki started with four strokes 1998 I think), and they have never manufactured two stroke outboards. Also I think that carbureted four stokes outboards are more reliable than four strokes with electronic fuel injection, because less electronic on the water is always better.