SUZUKI or YAMAHA

[olesmokin]

Im buying a new boat and would like some feedback on these 2 motors...Currently I have scheduled to buy a 115 4 stroke suzuki...but im not sure which is better......should I go with the yamaha 115 4 stroke and if so why?<br /><br />thx <br />ole

 

[bossee]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

Hi,<br /><br />Suzuki DF 115 and Yamaha F115:<br /><br />I read a test of these two outboards in a Swedish boat magazine "Båtnytt" (nr 4 april 2002) and they said both where fine outboards. Basically they said both equal good. In my view probably more important is you select the engine that has a good service center near you. If you want that test I can maybe fix it for you but it is in Swedish so if you do not understand this language you will not understand much of the test... I need your e-mail adress if you want the test, it is 5-6 pages or so).

 

[olesmokin]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

thx...my email is pipeman119@mchsi.com......any info is appreciated..<br /><br />ole

 

[RJS]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

I think the Yamaha is carburated; therefore, I would go with the Suzuki.

 

[Forktail]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

No, the F115 Yamaha is multi-port precision fuel injected.<br /><br />The F115 Yamaha weighs 400 lbs and has a 1741 cc displacement. A block unique to only the F115.<br /><br />The DF115 Suzuki weighs 416 lbs and has a 1950 cc displacement. Same block as their 90 hp.<br /><br />Both engines run in the 5000-6000 rpm range.<br /><br />The Yamaha has a 2.15 gear ratio while the Suzuki has a 2.59.<br /><br />Only the Yamaha is available with tiller steering.<br /><br />Both are excellent motors. Price is probably higher with the Yamaha, but service may be a concern with the Suzuki.<br /><br />I'm a very happy F115 Yamaha owner.

 

[coakes]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

At all costs stay away from Yamaha!!! Their support staff and warranty are terrible. Have owned a four stroke T-50 for almost 2 years now and cannot get yamaha to fix it correctly. I am getting constant run-around and am ready to turn it over to my attorney. ( Lemon Law). While both motors might be equal performance wise, I can't envision any other warranty /service dept being as inadequate as Yamaha.<br /><br />C.W.Oakes

 

[granpafish]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

The Oak man is angry and is not getting any satisfaction from Yamaha. This is exactly what Yamaha and other companies should not let happen. A post like this can cost them much more money than taking care of a problem in a timely fashion. You can feel the anger and frustration in his words. I hope that someone from Yamaha is monitoring this board and sees your message. Good luck Oak man, we've all been there at one time or another. Granpa

 

[Forktail]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

Exactly what's the problem with your T50? Maybe we can help? Where and who is your Yamaha dealer? And what has your Yamaha dealer done to give you the run-around? Have you tried another Yamaha dealer? Need more info.<br /><br />Flordia's Lemon Law is good for only 18 months after purchase, so you may be beyond the Lemon Law since you have a 3-year warranty. Also Lemon Law is only good if there has been 3 attempts at a fix or out of service for 30 days.<br /><br />Some dealerships have better service and technicians than others. But it is hard to believe Suzuki is any better. They have less (much less) of a dealer support network and trained technicians. Parts are near impossible to find at times. I think there is one, maybe two Suzuki dealers in my entire State, and probably 25 Yamaha dealers.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[coakes]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

forktail: I made my purchase as a boat/motor combo from an authorized yamaha dealer. Motor ran fine for a few weeks than 2 of the 4 cylinders would cut out intermittently, took it back and after 2 weeks it was fixed. Same problem occurred after a few months and I took it back again, it was fixed for awhile and occurred again. The third time I took it back it somehow cost me about $255.00 dollars, they convinced me it was dirty fuel. I installed water seperator/filter and was hoping all was fine, well guess what, yep same problem, only this time we were down in the fl. keys. Now this is the kicker, there are dozens of "authorized" yamaha dealers in Marathon, but after calling all of them, only ONE had the carb vacuum guages needed to re-sync them again. Yamaha has all these dealers but they are not equipped to service these motors! The one that did have the guages was backed up for a least 2 weeks. I called Yamaha and explained scenario, and they found a dealer in Tampa Bay area with the proper tools, we cancelled our vacation came home and Bruces marine has had the boat/motor for going on 6 weeks now, he has tried everything ( working with Yamaha tech) and the motor will barely run now. Now Yamaha is suppose to be sending down a tech, but neither Bruce's marine nor myself is even able to contact them to set up an appointment. This is very shabby service, as Yamaha also refuses to use loaners, so our new "state -of-the-art motor" has been all but inoperable most of it's life. This is so frustrating. Boating is not fun anymore for my family, it has actually become a bad word. Thanks for your concern, it's more than I have gotton from Yamaha. So I urge perspective buyers to not only compare motors, but more so, compare warranties and service policies.<br /><br />Craig Oakes

 

[boatneck]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

olesmokin, can't add much more than what's already been said. We bought a 115 4-stroke EFI Yamaha and are happy with it. Smooth, quiet, and so far reliable. The advice about dealers is very good, since warranty work is done by your dealer. I checked with two Yamaha dealers in the area and both said they would do warranty work irrespective of where the motor was purchased. I also ended buying the extended service plan since the cost about ($1K) would easily be made up by some of the more expensive repairs. Parts are very expensive and peace of mind with the extended service plan seemed like a good idea.

 

[coakes]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

'

 

[Forktail]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

c.w., I can't imagine your frustration.<br /><br />As long as you are sure that a fuel problem on your part is not cause of the damage (bad fuel can damage an engine easily):<br /><br />Call or write Yamaha Motor Corporation of America Customer Service and demand that they send you a Dispute Settlement Form immediately. You do not need to explain why or give them another chance at fixing it. If you must, tell them that they have breached their warranty terms per the warranty agreement that you purchased (which came with your motor), and you will resolve it.<br /><br />Fill the form out stating the number of attempts at repair and the number of days out of service, etc. Include a short detailed outline of your attempts including date and results. Include all receipts. Try to get statements from mechanics or other dealers, etc. State how it has impacted you personally and financially (value of boat). Express that the quality of the product is unacceptable. Include a video of the problem if possible. Mail it back. Yamaha will either take notice of your problem or use the Dispute Settlement Board process to find resolution. The Board is generally consumer friendly and will support your claim if it is legit. The process can take time though, but you may get a new motor out of it.<br /><br />For what it's worth the T50 is a very popular motor here......and it has a great reputation.

 

[suzukidave]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

Interesting that yamaha is getting trashed on this post for a change. There was an incredibly lengthy thread on this Board in December/January about some horrible problems with new Suzuki 4 strokes that sound a lot like Oakes problem with Yamaha. Olesmokin, you may want to do a search for posts with Suzuki in the title to find it (but please don't revive it!!!). Remember Yamaha and Suzuki both have excellent reliability records for 2 strokes and they would be my first 2 choices on a 2 stroke purchase for sure. However, it seems like with the added complexity of the 4 strokes and the hurry to bring in new technology, maybe everyone is having trouble. Plus remember the mechanics don't know these new motors as well as they u/s 2 strokes.<br /><br />Anyway, I've not seen or heard complaints about Yamaha 4 strokes before but now that I've heard one I guess I have to say that for 4 strokes Honda is the only company with a seemingly bullet proof reputation (until the next post). good luck

 

[coakes]

Re: SUZUKI or YAMAHA

Forktail: Thanks a lot for your advice on the dispute form. I FINALLY got a yamaha factory tech to schedule a visit, should be by this weeks end, if I can't get satisfaction with his visit, I will proceed with your suggestions. Thanks again!<br /><br />C. W. Oakes