Help! Can't pick an outboard!

[Nuaticocat]

I need some other opinions in a big way. I am planning on repowering my boat this spring but I can't decide what outboard to get. I am down to 2 for very specific reasons. So here is some info I have been chewing on.
Boat is a 2000 nautico catamaran. 18 foot long max hp is 75. Came with a 50 Honda 4 stroke. The Honda weighs 250 lbs and wot is 5200 with a 4 blade 12 pitch x 11 dia prop and runs at 23 mph.
Last summer I hung on a 2002 75 mercury 4 stroke. Weighed 400 lbs. ran 22 mph at 5000 rpm with a 11 pitch by 14dia. prop. Handled like crap due to the extra weight. Tried everything I could think of, 20 trips to the river. Took it off and put the Honda back on.
I have since moved the 6 gallaon portable tank to under the console.
I am torn between the Yamaha F70 4 stroke. weight is 260 lbs, wot is 6300, geared at 2.33.
The other option is the Etec 75 hp. weight is 320 , wot is 5200 , geared at 2.02.
The calculations show me that there is only a small difference in prop speed , with the Yamaha being slightly faster.
I would like to run my boat as fast as I can due to some of the long distances I travel. I also tow the kids on a tube or board.
Anybody have any ideas? I favor one, then a week later, the other one.

thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

Anybody have any ideas?


Yes, decide if you really have a need for a semi-displacement hull.

Do you boat in extremely choppy waters?
Is there some reason you need a cat type hull?

A planing hull will get you across those "long distances" a lot faster, and provide more speed for waterspouts.

I think I would be looking at replacing the boat before I spent money on a motor, with little expected increase in performance.

Probably not what you wanted to hear, but you asked.

 

[Nuaticocat]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

Yeah, having a semi-displacement cat has its drawbacks. Its definitely the right hull. It has sentimental value. It was "poppops boat" for my kids. I bought it when he hit 80. I actually like it a bunch since it is so stable and rides so nice. Handles very rough water with no problems. I take it out in heavy seas because it is fun. Lots of room too. I wouldn't have chosen a cat , but having owned this one , I wouldn't buy anything else. I would move up to a full plane , but the cost is so high for a new boat.
I really am just looking for dependability. But I want the most bang for my buck. Both motors are about the same cost. So having said that I want to keep the boat , and I have looked into new boats, any opinion on the outboard?

thanks

 

[roscoe]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

Totally understand the sentimental value.

I would go with the Yamaha F70 4 stroke, since your boat seems to be weight sensitive.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

If you like blowing $40 a gallon oil out the exhaust, go for the Etec. If you just want to go boating, bolt the Yamaha on the back.
In the end it all comes down to local service. Pick the one with the best local service.

 

[tazrig]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

They are both good motors but the etec will give you more torque (faster get up and go) because it is a 2 stroke and has an 85 amp alternater vs. a 17amp for the yamaha.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

The Etec is a direct injection 2 stroke The Etec does not require $40 a gallon oil.It can be programed for any appropriate TCW3 oil.
Etec has no break in period.No service required for 3 years or 300 hours.It has fewer and less complicated service intervals.
A 3 cylinder Etec has about 9 moving parts. A 3 cylinder 4 stroke has About 28 Moving parts.
Etec has a 60 hp 2 cylinder that weighs 240 lbs.It has a 2.67 gear ratio and a nice big prop for good grip in the off shore water.

 

[HarborRat]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

I'd keep the Honda. Sounds like you are reaching "hull speed". More power might just use more gas. If you had to re-power maybe look at a Merc 60hp Bigfoot...it is made for displacement hulls and swings a big prop.

 

[idonthaveaname]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

Yamaha F70 4 stroke for my 2 cents. I went through the same calculations with my purchase. I have always been an Evinrude/Johnson guy. My buddy has an E-tec, his GF had Yammies. We all know a really good Merc mechanic. I evaluated every make and model, talked with owners, and tossed and turned and came up with my Yamaha 115. I am completely satisfied with the purchase and it's a 3 year warranty. I was also fortunate to get an additional 3 years for free. It runs quiet and has a good hole start (It's on a 17' Proline) and crazy economical!!

Happy, happy, happy!

 

[dingbat]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

The Etec does not require $40 a gallon oil.It can be programed for any appropriate TCW3 oil.

Ok, have your choice...you can burn $40 a gallon oil at 100:1 or $20 a gallon oil at 50:1. Hummmm..isn't that the same cost?

 

[dkonrai]

Re: Help! Can't pick an outboard!

Ok, have your choice...you can burn $40 a gallon oil at 100:1 or $20 a gallon oil at 50:1. Hummmm..isn't that the same cost?

it depends how you look at it