Repower options. What to do?

[DC deputy]

Hello fellows,

I am new to this forum thing, but would like to ask for suggestions.

I am recently faced with the decision to repower a 23 ft Hydra Sports. Max power is 300 hp. Had a Johnson 200 that did not quite do the job satisfactorily in my opinion.

I am now torn between an E-tec 250 or a Yamaha F250 four stroke.

Could someone provided pros and cons for both? Thanks

 

[Big Keepers]

Re: Repower options. What to do?

Personally I am a fan of Yamaha. To start with I'd think about whether you want a two stroke or a four stroke. Yamaha makes a two stroke direct injection motor that is pretty sweet and I believe Suzuki has a DI motor as well. The E-Tec is a pretty reliable motor also. It boasts 300 hours or more without servicing. It is very fuel efficient, the power to weight ratio is good, and for a two stroke it is uncharacteristically quiet. It also does not burn a lot of oil unlike older two strokes. However it does have its Evinrude quirks although the past issues with FICHT are "no longer evident." It depends on who you talk to.

Four stroke motors in general require a bit more in maintenance but are a lot quieter. Fuel efficiency is another issue with four stroke motors, it won't be the same as a two stroke. Evinrude I don't believe makes a four stroke motor. I'd go with a Yamaha or a Suzuki in that respect.

There are a million Mercury engines out there but for whatever reason I would not go with one, I can't quite explain it but from what I remember from school learning how to fix outboards, Mercury didn't sit well with me.

This forum will give you a zillion opinions as to which motor to use. If it were me I'd go with the Yamaha and try to decide whether or not you pick the two stroke or four stroke, but that is me.

 

[Fogcutter]

Re: Repower options. What to do?

Just thought I'l let you know that I am a big fan of Suzuki. I have a 2005 DF 200 with almost 1000 hrs (I have owned it since new). The only problem I have ever had with this engine was just this month when I got major water contamination in my gas...but as you know, that is not the motors fault.
It is very quiet and compared to my friends yamaha F200 it has a much better hole shot (we have very similar boats).
Changing the oil is very easy and not expensive at all.
Maybe its just me but it seems that many more people have problems with Yamaha on this site than Suzuki...but maybe it is just that most own Yamaha...not sure...

 

[Martin B]

Re: Repower options. What to do?

I have a pair of 200 e tachs (evinrude) on the back of my 24' Grady.I hit the ocean hard and all the time ,I have yet to have a problem.Queit ,powerfull ,fuel consumption is good.My boat doubles as a resue boat out of and around Shear Water B.C.
Evinrude put out a DVD on the E-Tachs amazing.

 

[StoutMann]

Re: Repower options. What to do?

If you're set on doing a re-power, why not max out the hull capacity with a 300? I'd hate to upgrade and still wish I had more power. Maxing it out would eliminate that possibility. Just a thought.

 

[v12mac]

Re: Repower options. What to do?

How does the boat float with the 200 on there now? If you can hold the extra weight I would go zuki 300 nothing else comes close in my book.

 

[PBJohn]

Re: Repower options. What to do?

Do not overlook the support system. If you need warranty work or service make sure the dealer has a good reputation. As far as size and type determine what you primary use is and research the burn numbers and HP ratings for each manufacturer. If you have an open wallet put the biggest, baddest, brightest engine on and run it like you stole it. Good luck!.