Older 4-stroke or newer 2-stroke?

[mhaas42]

I am looking at two different boats. One has a 1994 Honda 4-stroke 90 hp and the other has a 2006 Yamaha 90 hp 2-stroke. Assuming similar hours & condition, based solely on reliability, which is likely to be the better engine? Again, not concerned with speed, only reliability. What do you think?

 

[Mc Tool]

The Yam will get the best hole shot but the Honda will use half the fuel ......and weigh significantly more.
I wouldnt be keen on a hpdi 2 stroke but if its got carbs maybe..........nyaa... Id go for the Honda

 

[airshot]

Honda builds reliable stuff and have a proven record that you can't argue with....but any future repairs that might be needed are gonna be costly, four strokes are expensive to work on. The Yammy also has a good reputation and will be less costly for any similar repairs needed on the Honda. Tough call really....but as a two stroke fan I would vote for the Yammy because it is 12 years newer.

 

[DeepCMark58A]

I live in Central Minnesota there is no Honda dealer from the Twin Cities to Brainerd. Yamaha there are dealers and they are tough motors, I admit I do love the smell of 2 stroke burning in a boat motor.

 

[matt167]

Back in the 90s Honda was THE 4 stroke brand. They are great but the older ones are getting harder to get parts for. The Yam will have everything available you need and a tech willing to work on it should you need it

 

[dingbat]

Hard to beat a Honda for reliability….done with 2 strokes

You didn’t say how many hours are on each motor. Would take an older motor over one that is worn out or neglected

Buddy is a saltwater fishing guide. Puts 4,000-5,000 hours on a BF250 in before swapping out.

 

[cyclops222]

Used anything is about having good luck.

 

[dingbat]

Used anything is about having good luck.

Agree.....but some have better luck than others

 

[Chris1956]

Gee, if the Yamaha is HPDI, I would pass on both, unless you will do all repair and maint work yourself. If you plan your own work, then either are fine.

I say that because HPDI motors are obsolete now, and did not have a long run before that. You will be pressed to find a HPDI repair shop, I will bet.

The Honda is pretty old, so caution is in order.

 

[redneck joe]

Welcome to the forum.

Flip a coin on this one. Do you have a dealer or good mechanic in your area or are you competent to do the work.

 

[Captain Caveman]

Since hours and condition are comparable, I would toss in one more variable to consider. Talk to each seller and see which one seems that they took care of it better. Does one have all of the maintenance paperwork and looks like he keeps everything meticulously maintained? That could tip the decision for me too.

 

[cyclops222]

Do a compression test on both motors and all their cylinders.