Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

[ShawnQ]

I have just started building a boat from www.bateau.com<br /><br />It's an 18' flatbottom 'Dory', seen here:<br />

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<br /><br />I will be fishing in the texas flats off of Rockport/Aransas Pass/Corpus Christi, meaning mostly saltwater use. I will also fish the local reservoirs, but my main use will be the flats. This means I will need good low end to get me up on a plane, but not really that much high end (flat bottoms beat you to death at high speed in a chop).<br /><br />The designer recommends only a 40hp engine, but it can handle a 70hp. I will probably go for the 70hp, with plans of a different boat requiring more power in the future.<br />I'd also need remote steering, power t/t, and I would prefer 2 stroke.<br /><br />SO, what's a good 60-70hp for saltwater use with the above qualifications? Looking for reliability and longevity more than price/parts price. I'm thinking yamaha, what else?<br /><br />Where is the best place to buy one?<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn

 

[DJ]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

You can't beat the 3-cyl. loop charged 70 hp. Johnson.<br /><br />It's light, torquey and has a great reputatuion for reliability.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

I'll look into that one...is it good in salt?<br /><br />Anything else?<br /><br />Shawn

 

[Forktail]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

Looks like a fun project <br /><br />I vote for the 60 hp Yamaha.<br /><br />I run a 40 hp 2-stroke on a very similar 18' boat, except with a slight V-bottom. She does 32 mph.<br /><br />I didn't know Johnson made a 70 hp 2-stroke with carbs?

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

I go with the Yamaha, too .

 

[JB]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

Having owned and loved a couple of the Johnny 70hp looper triples, I would have great faith in one that had been well cared for.<br /><br />When first introduced as a 55 in the 60s that engine was 30 years ahead of the industry.<br /><br />If I were thinking about a new engine and looking for long, trouble free, economical life I would be looking at the 40 to 70HP EFI 4 strokes from Johnson/Suzuki or Mercury. <br /><br />I have a Suzuki DF70 on my Boston Whaler 17, and it is hands down the best outboard I have ever owned, including the Johnny 70s which were great engines.

 

[ob1jeeper]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

Thanks to JB... For a VERY eloquently stated position on a 4-stroke for this application. Earlier today, while reviewing this post, I had been about to suggest a 4-stroke, but after all the brough-ha-ha I had started with a similar suggestion just a few short days ago, I had decided to not even respond... But alas, I guess I just could not help but support what JB so eloquently stated...<br /><br />Shawn... In my humble opinion, you should not overlook the good 4-strokes now available. I agree with JB, that you would be more than pleased with the 4-stroke he recommended. Or for that matter, most any of the new 4-strokes offered today.<br /><br />Good Luck, Obiwan Jeeper

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: Recommend an outboard (new) for this combo/conditions:

the only reason I'm looking for a 2 stroke is the weight and price...<br />I'll look into the 4's as well<br /><br />Shawn