Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

[Heartbeast]

I have a 2 stroke 25 horse tohatsu on the back of a stick steering J16 carolina skiff. Motor is bad broke and might get a new one. Somewhere between 25 and 40 hp, 2 or 4 stroke, 15 inch. I use my boat in freshwater 90%, saltwater 10%. The tohatsu served me well but don't know much about the other brands and whether they might be a better choice. I know everyone has an opinion and I would really like to hear them. Thank you.

-Bob

 

[steelespike]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Well if I was buying I would give the Evinrude etec a long look.
Direct fuel injection 2 stroke ,meets or exceed all CARB requirements.have a 25,30 and 40 hp. 25 & 30 short shaft manual start are about 146lbs, 40 is about 240.
Have fewer less complicated service intervals than a 4 stroke. Prices may scare you a bit ,especially compared to your Suzuki.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

That 15" requirement is going to limit your possibilities. All but the smallest motors are only available in 20".

I'm not familiar with your boat, but if it has a 15" transon, chances are a 4-stroke would be too heavy.

I had the same predicament a couple of years ago. I ended up with a Yami 25 2-stroke. 105 pounds and the largest 15" motor available. Nobody carries them so I had to buy one on the internet and have it shipped. There are still a few left, but won't be for long.

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

I'll second the Evinrude Etec..........

But get the Yamaha 25 if you're going to save money instead of quality......

 

[achris]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Mercury still do 15" engines up to 40hp.... If weight is an issue, have a look at the Merc 30LW...

Chris............

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

evinrude, or yammy.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

I'll second the Evinrude Etec..........

But get the Yamaha 25 if you're going to save money instead of quality......

That made me chuckle. I've been an Evinrude guy since the 1950's. I had to bite my tongue when I signed the order for the Yami, but at that very time period Evinrude did not make a motor that met my requirements. And I will never own a Merc.

When Yamaha came into the US market in the 1970's, they blew away OMC in the quality department. Yami has kept on top all throiugh the years. Its also true that Evinrude met and exceded their quality for a long time.

Of course we all know that OMC's "quality" in the late 1990's is what put the company into bankruptcy. Thank goodness for BRP for bringing them back!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

There is no qualitative difference amongst the brands. In individual models you can make a case for one brand or another based on:

Weight
Warranty
Price
Technology
Available power at X RPM
Proximity to service

Sooooooo, the obvious choice is brand X because someone you don't know recommended it and you should avoid brand Y because the same person had a friend who knew someone that had some problem after ten years

For what its worth, my personal choice is to roll the dice on an Etec or another Tohatsu.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Sooo, the obvious choice is brand X because someone you don't know recommended it and you should avoid brand Y because the same person had a friend who knew someone that had some problem after ten years

I love that statement. I copied it for my archives....LOL.

Personally, I would NEVER buy another Evinrude. I got a good buy on one last summer and the coil is bad and BRP doesn't make parts any more. That soured me for good.

(It's a 1919 and was last run in 1941 - got her from the original owner too)

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

40 might be a little much for that boat. maybe you can find an old 33?

15" shafts are hard to find used b'c they are so popular!

Are we sure about no 15" above 25 or 40? I swear i thought my 70 Johnson was 15--just never measured.

 

[JimS123]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Are we sure about no 15" above 25 or 40? I swear i thought my 70 Johnson was 15--just never measured.

Years ago the entire outboard line was available in 15". So your 70 may very well have been. Not any more.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Years ago the entire outboard line was available in 15". So your 70 may very well have been. Not any more.

Interesting. My motor that came on the boat new was 1988; I repowered with a 1986/7. But i found the owner's manual--it's a 20". Just looks short I guess

 

[trendsetter240]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

I love that statement. I copied it for my archives....LOL.

Personally, I would NEVER buy another Evinrude. I got a good buy on one last summer and the coil is bad and BRP doesn't make parts any more. That soured me for good.

(It's a 1919 and was last run in 1941 - got her from the original owner too)

No parts support on the electronics for a 90 year old motor? Not easy to please are ya

My vote would be the same as tohatsu_guru's if you are going brand new (etec then tohatsu).

If you are going used then look for a 1985-1998 johnyrude or yamaha.

 

[ClassyGlassy]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Mercury makes a 30hp that comes in either 15 OR 20 inch lengths....

http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/outboards/fourstrokes/enginesetthree_specs.php?ID=81

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Need new motor to replace broke one- suggestions?

Yes, that Mercury is a very popular Tohatsu model