Yamaha vs. Merc 4-stroke

[Bruce Jefferis]

I'm researching motors to put on a new flats skiff (Maverick Mirage HPX-T). It's a very light (425 lb.) 16 foot boat with a pocket or short tunnel hull. Am mainly interested in a 60 hp 4-stroke (although not completely decided on that yet, and yes I've read all the excellent posts in here on 2 vs. 4 stroke debate).<br /><br />I've heard that Yamaha makes the Merc four-strokes, but from what I've been able to tell, the Merc uses fuel injection and the Yamaha is carbed. Most seem to favor fuel injection, so I'm curious if this is right (why would Yamaha not inject their own if they're building one for Merc)?<br /><br />Also looking for recommendations on High Thrust (Yamaha) or Big Foot (Merc) configuration. Understand it's basically lower gear ratio for more low end power, but less top end speed. For a flat's boat set up where shallow water running and starts are more important than top speed (for me anyway) is this a better option, or are these motors really geared too low?

 

[JB]

Re: Yamaha vs. Merc 4-stroke

Howdy, BoneDaddy.<br /><br />The smaller Merc EFI 4 strokes are all Merc. Not Yamaha.<br /><br />The Bigfoot and High Thrust models are designed for heavy loads at low speeds. Things like pontoons or auxiliarys on big boats. Sort of like having a truck transmission in a car.<br /><br />You can do as you see best, but I would get the standard foot and prop it to suit my priorities.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Bruce Jefferis]

Re: Yamaha vs. Merc 4-stroke

Thanks for the input. I've heard that about the High Thrust and the Big Foot for heavy work, but wonder why they spec them on Hell's Bay boats. I've got a question into them too.<br /><br />By the way, JB, I have to laugh since the name of my current boat is the "JB". My fishing partner and I named her after a particularly good looking girl in our office. We just wanted to say we were spending the weekend with "JB".

 

[JB]

Re: Yamaha vs. Merc 4-stroke

Hahaha! <br /><br />Well, now you could say you are spending the weekend with this dried up old great granpa from iBoats.