Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

[jackrabbit]

I am very, very new to boating and wanted to know if I decided to buy a new 50 HP motor, could someone please tell me which is better Yamaha F-50 fourstroke or Honda 50HP Fourstroke? Also, what is a fair price to pay? I have a 20 foot Pontoon Boat. Thanks!

 

[JB]

Re: Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

Howdy, Jackrabbit. Both the Yamaha and the Honda are very good engines. You will find the world divided about evenly among people who like each best.<br /><br />But better than either are the Johnson/Suzuki DF50 and the Mercury 4 stroke 60. Why? EFI.<br /><br />Electronic Fuel Injection and computer control do for 4 stroke outboards the same that they do for automobiles. They start easier, run smoother and quieter and use less fuel. They will probably prove to be more reliable, too, compared to engines with 3 or 4 seperate carburetors.<br /><br />You should find these four engines priced in the same range. <br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

I agree with J. B. I just sold a Honda 25 (loved it) and just bought a Mariner 50 (1996) and love it too.<br /><br />I would go with a "bigfoot" style motor (all the major brands have them), since it will allow you to use a bigger diameter prop. This will help you on your pontoon boat.

 

[omctech]

Re: Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

You can't go wrong with a 4 stroke, carburated or EFI. However, I think your choice of horsepower is way low. Boats generally perform the best in the upper range of their horsepower limit. Including fuel mileage. A little more spent now can save you a LOT DOWN THE ROAD.

 

[hondon]

Re: Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

Both companies you are considering make a excellent product.So now you are shopping for a dealer. The salesmen know you at the shop so have a buddie go in and ask for the availability of a waterpump kit for the motor you are thinking of buying.If they have it that means that the service and parts dept. is on the ball and is a place you might consider doing buisisness with.Kinda shadey ,but a good acid test.

 

[jackrabbit]

Re: Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

Thanks so much for your input, you all sound like you've had some experience. So, now you are going to see how inexperienced I am to boat motors...it's like learning to ride a tricycle.....I have called about 8-10 dealers asking for prices, etc. I am getting a range of prices, opinions and I am trying to make an "informed" decision. So, here goes...<br />JB: does Yamaha and Honda not come with EFI?<br />SeaDawg:what's a "big foot"...??<br />Omctech: are you saying 50HP is not enough for a 20 foot pontoon. I am only using it for fishing and cruising around on lake...pls, explain.JBSeaDawgOmctech

 

[JB]

Re: Yamaha vs Honda--Please Help This??!!

Hi, Jackrabbit. <br /><br />Yes, Honda and Yamaha offer EFI engines, but only in 115hp or above. <br /><br />The "Bigfoot" is a special gearcase and gearset for operating heavy boats at low to moderate speeds more efficiently with a larger, lower pitch prop.<br /><br />If your previous 50 ran your "toon" as quickly as you want it to, consider sticking with a 50. BUT: If your "toon" can handle as much as 115hp, you can use an EFI Yamaha or Honda and get more efficient operation while having extra HP available if you should need it.<br /><br />Unlike 2 strokes, which operate most efficiently at high rpm, 4 strokes operate very efficiently at all rpm.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . .<br />JB