If money was no object...

[Brian E]

If money was no object, and your criteria for choosing a new 150hp outboard for saltwater use were in order of importance: reliability, performance and economy - which one would you choose? I'm buying, and can't trust the pitches I'm getting from those who are selling. Any educated and/or experienced opinions?

 

[DJ]

Re: If money was no object...

Brian E,<br /><br />I'm a die hard John/Rude fan. I believe that Bombardier is currently producing the finest OB's ever made.<br /><br />However, since $$$ are no object, I would go with an "American Brand" four stroke.<br /><br />The reason for the "American Brand" is service availability.<br /><br />Unfortunately, there are really no 150's available in the four stroke market. The closest is the Suzuki/Johnson/Evinrude available in 140.<br /><br />With that in mind, I would go with a Suzuki built 140. Or, if you need more ponies, I'd go with a Ficht 150 or better. Depends on your boat.<br /><br />Merc. has the Optimax system, I think Ficht is better-less voltage and HP. draw.<br /><br />Just, my opinion. The Ficht problems are HISTORY.<br /><br />Best advice, buy from a dealer you trust!!!

 

[Brian E]

Re: If money was no object...

djohns19<br /><br />Thanks for your advice.<br /><br />Considering reliability, though. Are the four strokes proven? <br /><br />And, isn't that 140 a four cylinder generating the upper amount of hp that is possible from four cylinders? Would I be safer with a six cylinder generating less hp relative to the number of cylinders (motor not working as hard)?

 

[Brian E]

Re: If money was no object...

Also, the Ficht problems are history? Why so sure? What's different?

 

[ob]

Re: If money was no object...

BrianE, speaking from observation experience only ,most of the hard core guides in the coastal bend of south Texas run 4 stroke yammies.These guys clock lots of hours per week on these guide rigs and must migrate to them for some reason.Strickly salt water.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: If money was no object...

If money were no object I would pop for the Diesel straight Inboard and forget everything I ever heard about outboards... But since you asked, Mercury saltwater optimax 2 stroke...

 

[ob]

Re: If money was no object...

BrianE, as mentioned above the optimax is also popular with these guys.You don't see as many as yammies on the guide boats ,but recently more than OMC.

 

[Brian E]

Re: If money was no object...

Ficht and Optimax. Everything I'd love to have in a perfect world - Power and gas & oil economy that easily justifies the extra cost of the direct injection engines.<br /><br />But, the nightmare stories about reliability issues and service ineptitude are too many to count.<br /><br />What were the problems that are now fixed?

 

[Brian E]

Re: If money was no object...

Reguarding the larger four strokes (150+). I've been told that manufacturers used lighter than necesssary materials in the lower units to save weight.<br /><br />This sacrifice is showiing up now as broken mechanicals that are too weak to handle the horsepower driving them.<br /><br />Truth? Do I dare?

 

[snapperbait]

Re: If money was no object...

Don't know about the lower unit issues?.. Whatever you end up with get the most warranty available..

 

[JB]

Re: If money was no object...

Hi, Brian.<br /><br />Regarding the Suzi/Johnson 140.<br /><br />Yes, it is 4 cylinders. That doesn't matter; So are 800hp Offys.<br /><br />It is slightly over 2 liters, 120ci.+. It is less stressed than the Yamaha 90 2S.<br /><br />In Rally applications, 2 liter, 4 cylinder engines typically produce over 300hp reliably.<br /><br />Numbers of cylinders are mostly irrelevant in generating hp. More cylinders are typically smoother and more complex.<br /><br />The Suzuki-built 4 cylinder 4 stroke outboard engines are smooth and quiet beyond belief of anyone who hasn't actually used one.<br /><br />Another myth is that 4 strokes have to be heavier than 2 strokes. The DF140 weighs 412lb, less than most 140hp 2 strokes.<br /><br />I don't want to sound like a Suzi salesman, but as a Suzi owner I am convinced.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[ob]

Re: If money was no object...

If money were no object and I had a rig to put it on I would follow JB's advice.He's obviously well versed in outboards and I've heard him praise suzuki 4 strokes many times from his own personal use.

 

[Brian E]

Re: If money was no object...

Thanks to all who contributed.<br /><br />Jb, you've convinced me that 140hp out of four cylinders isn't a problem. The fact that you are an owner that speaks highly of the brand speaks volumes to me.<br /><br />To everyone - It is well know that four strokes are smooth and fuel efficient and suzuki's three year warranty says something about their own confidence in the product. At least that may mean that if I do have problems, I won't be paying out of my pocket to fix them.<br /><br />I'll look for a dealer that's been around for a while (great advice) and start asking a lot more questions.<br /><br />I'll let you know what I decide and send you a bill if I have any problems!

 

[DJ]

Re: If money was no object...

Brian,<br /><br />Don't forget that engine (the same except paint) is available asa Johnson/Evinrude. This may help in your dealer selection.<br /><br />Ad a past Suzuki owner, I liked the engine, but service was nearly impossible to find.

 

[Maximum Gravity]

Re: If money was no object...

I think djohns19 echoes the most important sentiment, find a reputable dealer in your area that will take care of you. Nothing worse than getting the most fantabuloso motor ever made and having to trailer it 150 miles to get the carbs synchronized. Go with the most warranty you can get for that motor - it WILL pay for itself.

 

[what200]

Re: If money was no object...

If money wasn't an object:<br /><br />A Mercury 280 offshore with a 150 cowling.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: If money was no object...

What nearby dealer offers good reliable service that you trust?<br /><br />Think about it!

 

[DJ]

Re: If money was no object...

Dhadley,<br /><br />Unfortuneately, your point is very valid. Of the 10 or so dealers, within a reasonable distance of where I live, I could only recommend two. One carries Bombardier and Yamaha, the other Mercury.

 

[grid]

Re: If money was no object...

I've represented the Suzuki line since 1979. The 140 is the finest piece of machinery to be on the water. It's at least as strong as my 2-stroke 140. That said, when my kids wanted me to intercede in getting them an engine for their Lake Norman cavorting, I suggested to them (as other have to you) that they find a dealer who's competent and reliable, regardless of the brand he sells. That's the guy you want to know will be available on July 4 when EVERYTHING breaks down!

 

[CFO94]

Re: If money was no object...

Brian E,<br /> I don't know what kind, or size boat you're running, but wanted to put in my 2 cents. I recently re-powered with a 200 Yamaha 4 stroke. Can't say enough good things about how satisfied I am. I have a 1986, 23' Mako. Had a 2 stroke 200 before. The new engine is faster, both out of the hole and top end, quieter, and much more economical. I'm in Miami and can recommend a great, honest, dealer. Problem is that Yamaha apparently doesn't make a 4 stroke between 115 and 200 hp. If your boat can handle a 200, you should look into it. The dead weight difference between a 2 and 4 stroke of 200 hp is less than 100 lbs, but an extra 80 or 90 lbs hanging on the transom of some boats can make a tremendous difference in performance. Don't believe it if a salesman tells you different.<br />I just returned from my "new engine maiden voyage". Living in Fla. this might interest you. I left Miami area (Columbus Day Regetta) 10/13 morning. Went ICW south to Long Key, then North up the West coast of Fl., to Tampa (for dinner, Tue night 10/15). Headed South next day via Gulf ICW, to Caloosahachee river, across the State, through Lake Okeechobee, St. Lucie Canal, to the East coast ICW, then South back to Miami. <br />The total trip was over 840 miles, and I burned about 220 gals. of gas.<br />It's a great trip... You go through 5 locks in the Okeechobee Waterway. A lot of nice scenery along the way. I spent $160 on charts that I'm willing to share. If you or anyone else is interested, send me a message.