which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

[jogrog]

I am looking to purchase a four stroke engine to be used in a saltwater application. Does anyone have an opinion on which motor is the most reliable in this type of application? I am looking to purchase a 115 to 150 hp engine.

 

[JB]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

Hi, Jogrog.<br /><br />In that range, Yamaha only makes the F115. Johnson offers DF115 and DF140, while Honda offers BF115 and BF130.<br /><br />The Hondas are heavier by nearly 100lb than the Yammy and The Johnny.<br /><br />My choice in your range would be the Johnson/Suzuki DF140. At 410lb it is lighter than either 115.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[Boatist]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

Jogrog<br />I would go with the Yamaha. First out here in the west almost every party boat skipper with outboards have switched to Yamaha. This all started before OMC went under but today everyone I have ask is 110 percent happy with Yamaha.<br /><br />Second: If you were going to buy a new Chev would to go to the Ford dealer to buy it. Bombardier/Johnson does not build there own motors, instead they buy it from Suzuki with Johnson Colors. For me that says I not going to make any effort to build the best motor and inprove it every year. Instead I will buy it from accrossed the street put my colors on it and it will be good enough. If it has a problem not my fault I did not build it. I have always been a OMC man but until they build there own motors I will not buy a 4 stroke from them. If I wanted that motor I would buy it from Suzuki.<br />Just my opinon.

 

[JB]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

I don't agree with your logic, Boatist. <br /><br />I think just the opposite; OMC, then Bombardier, contracted with Suzuki because it is a great line of engines. Same reason Brunswick cut the deal with Yamaha.<br /><br />I bought my DF70 from Suzuki, but would buy my next one from Bombardier because of the dealer network and parts availability.<br /><br />I have had zero need for dealer or parts, but I would be more comfortable knowing any Johnson dealer could help me.

 

[jprasisto]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

Maybe you guys can answer this one. I am also looking at the Johnson 140 4stroke vs. the 150 2 stroke. I have a 25ft GW Ssilfish. Will the 140 be enough to push it for many years to come? (My current evinrudes are '86's.) I ask because it looks to me that the 140 is the same engine as the 90 and the reliability may be a factor? Not sure which way to go. If I was not clear, it's a twin engine setup.<br />Thanks

 

[Forktail]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

I believe the Yamaha F115 is one of the finest outboards made...a real sweatheart. But you really can't go wrong with Suzuki's DF 140, or Honda's BF 130 if you want a little more umph. Both are proven. Johnson or Suzuki it doesn't matter. Same exact outboard, different paint. It would really come down to price and dealer support between those.

 

[DJ]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

bumbles,<br /><br />You really should open your own question. It's not considered polite to jump into someone elses thread to ask your own.<br /><br />Anyway, ditto the others on dealer support being a top priority.<br /><br />If your boat is a 25' Grady, I think even a 150 is a little on the light side. GW's are HEAVY with a great deal of horsepower eating deadrise.<br /><br />I don't know what the boat is rated for (max. hp.) but I'll bet it's 200 or better. I think I would get a little closer to the max. rating.<br /><br />Unless I misunderstood and you're thinking twins?

 

[flatsman]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

Why don't ya ask the question , Why do i need a 4 stroke -??? Mercury and Evinrude both have engines that out perform the 4 strokes ---weigh a lot less and have power to spare not to mention the fuel milage is much better ---the new e-tech engine that is about to come out from evinrude will even idle lower.. Ya know it's built here , Just an honest opion from an American ....Support those who support and protect you .

 

[JB]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

You don't need a 4 stroke, Flatsman. <br /><br />Tell me: What Merc or 'Rude in the same power range is lighter, cheaper and gets better fuel usage than the JohnnyUki DF140.<br /><br />The DFI 2 strokes are good engines, the E-Tek engines sound like good engines. There is no call to be bad mouthing 4 strokes with incorrect myths.<br /><br />Differnt strokes for different folks. My strokes are 4, yours seem to be 2.

 

[OBJ]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

Oh Lord. Another debate that will probably go on for years. 4 stroke vs. 2 stroke. Merc vs. JohnnyRude. Honda vs. Yamaha. Everybody vs. Everybody. I think it's a conspiracy by the outboard manufaturers to make every one get at each others throat..LOL!! Really, if a guy is going to buy a new motor, look at them all or as many as he can. Take a ride if possible. Learn about the service after purchanse and warranty and such. Pick the one he feels comfortable with. Anymore, it's not a purchase, it's an investment.<br />My opinion, if it's in the water running smoothly and causing me to have a good time, I love it!

 

[Forktail]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

"...the new e-tech engine that is about to come out from evinrude..."<br /><br />Let's not mislead people flatsman. The E-tech (when it becomes available) will only be offered in 40, 50, 60, 75, and 90 hp models. It will be another few years before outboards in the hp range discussed in this thread will be E-tech. And by then, I'm sure there will other competition. I understand Suzuki has some bigger 4-stroke outboards ready to hit the market that will supposidly knock your socks off.<br /><br />"Why don't ya ask the question , Why do i need a 4 stroke -???"<br /><br />Because independent studies from reputable sources like JD Power have found that consumers have less repairs, and higher satisfaction with 4-strokes. Especially the bigger one's as discussed in this thread. Add to that the experiences from those of us who, over the years, have owned many of both. <br /><br />OBJ, good point. But for some the decision to make a 2-stroke or 4-stroke "investment" can be a tough one. <br /><br />From original post...<br /><br />"Does anyone have an opinion on which motor is the most reliable?"<br /><br />People look here for opinions....and that's just what they get. Thanks for yours Jim.

 

[Boatist]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

JB<br />I agree with you that Bombardier/Johnson/Evinrude has a much better dealer network than Suzuki. In my area about 6 to 1 in favor of Bombardier. Still for me I fish with several other buddy that all have boats and I have worked on their boats but my pride is in my boat. If you went to Bombardier plant and walked thru I bet their pride is in the motor they build, the design team is in the motor they designed. I think that pride that says we build the best motor would be missing for the Suzuki at Bombardier. Anyway that just me.<br /><br />Flatsman<br />Why I need a 4 stroke and will not buy another 2 stroke. I live in California and many lake have band 2 strokes. Mostly in lakes that supply drinking water. The additive MTBE in gas has gotten in to many drinking water supplies. The smallest amount makes water tast bad. 2 strokes are biggest reason for MTBE being in drinking water so 2 strokes are band even if it meets 2006 spec and C.A.R.B. 3 star rating. By next year MTBE is supposed to be removed from gas but who knows what these lakes will do. Besides the 4 strokes are so quite.

 

[jprasisto]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

Looks like, based on a ot of info here and research, I'm going with the Suzuki. They a dealer real close to my boat, it's a bit less expensive than the Johnson, and they are offering an extended warranty for 6 years vs. 5 for Johnson. Since they are the same engines, Suzuki supplies Johnson with all their 4 strokes for now, it seemed to make sense. Can't wait!

 

[Capt Joe]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

6 & 5 year waranties???<br />Bloody hell, all we can get here is 3 years for Evinrude & 2 years for Johnson

 

[WillyBWright]

Re: which is better, johnson vs yamaha four stroke

I just wanted to interject that Yamaha makes a 4-stroke 150. It looks identical to the 115 only bigger. I installed one on a new boat package and I was very impressed on the lake test. You can hardly beat their 115 EFI and I expect the same from this new entry. I'm not terribly impressed by the big Hondas.<br /><br />I also like the DFIs, but not so impressed by the Optis. Too many moving parts, too many problems with expensive components, TOO LOUD! Everyone else's seem much quieter and far more reliable.