Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

[Valley Boater]

I fish once or twice a year on a hp restricted lake (max. 10 hp) and purchased a nice '98 Honda 9.9 long shaft (4 cycle) tiller with very low hours. Starts easy and runs fine. I had the w.p. impeller replaced, changed oil & lower lube and she runs like new. At the end of the season I had an opportunity to pick up a '98 Mercury long shaft with electric start with remote controls. I converted the motor to a tiller (my '89 16' Starcraft with 20" transom doesn't have steering) and although it has a few more hours on the motor, it starts fine & runs smoothly. I don't need both motors and plan to sell one in the spring when the fellow anglers are in a buying mood. I would like some opinions of which motor would be the best for my situation:

I'm 61 years old and hope to keep the motor and itinerary going for at least 10 years.
I do not keep the motor on my boat except for weekends I'm using it so I will be facing mounting, removal & storage.
I want minimal maintenance & high dependability for my infrequent outings.
The motor will be stored on a wheeled stand in a semi-heated garage/shop.
Hole shots and top end speed are not an issue as my boat is too heavy for the 9.9 to get on a plane. A 9.9 plows my 800 pound boat through the water although it seems now that I have a long shaft the boat is close to planing over.

Which motor might serve my occasional use and reduced service best? I'm not trying to make this a Honda vs. Mercury question, it is more of a 4 banger vs. a 2 stoker.
The Honda has less hours (probably less than 10 actual hours) but it is heavier for me to lift, not an issue now but perhaps down the road it could.
The electric start is a nice feature for a senior boater.
I don't want to have a obsolete parts situation in 10 years.

The Honda is heavier, quieter, doesn't require oil mixed fuel but will probably require annual oil changes.
The Mercury is lighter, noisier, required mixed fuel and has electric start.

Is either motor an obvious keeper for the next decade of limited use?

I'm leaning towards keeping the Mercury and crossing my fingers that 2 cycle outboards won't be banned from my favorite county reservoirs. I am not very experienced with the design or dependability of one over the other other than the 2 cycle motors are noted to have a higher hp/pound over the 4 strokers. Any insight & opinions is welcomed.

 

[limitout]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

"I'm 61 years old and hope to keep the motor and itinerary going for at least 10 years."

"I want minimal maintenance & high dependability for my infrequent outings."

"crossing my fingers that 2 cycle outboards won't be banned from my favorite county reservoirs."

for these reasons (but mainly just the first two reasons) I would keep the Honda but if you want to know which will get you the most money selling it then that would be the Honda as well.

sounds like the only thing you wish you had on the Honda was electric start so look into a kit for it. most motors have kits to convert them to electric start if you want that conveinience but then you'll need to carry a battery too.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

im a johnyrude guy, but if i had those two motors and had to choose one, it would be an easy choice.....honda.

 

[tomhath]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

A ten horse shouldn't be a big deal to start with a rope, even as the years add up. But lifting it will become increasingly difficult. A folding engine hoist would cost you a couple of hundred bucks and make lifting/mounting a moot point. They're handy for other things too.

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[dkonrai]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

i say keep the merc, electric start is nice to have. i personally rather go with a 2 stroke.
dino

 

[jasonbailey]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

Since owning a Merc, I'm partial to Merc, it has always treated me well. That being said, my Dad is a retired equipment mechanic. All kinds - of equipment, heavy stuff all the way down to chainsaws. He has worked on lots of Honda equipment, and prefers Honda over all other equipment. If his company needed a piece of equipment and one of the vendors was powered by Honda, he always recommended Honda. He was a Ford/GM guy for 50+ years, last two cars he bought were Hondas.

He says, Honda's are very well designed, well built, and EASY to work on. I'm not sure if that carries over into Honda's Marine Power division, but the Honda stuff I've owned (2 Cars & 1 Motorcycle) always held up well.

I'm not sure if that helps, I don't think you'll go wrong with either the Merc or Honda. You really need to think about what will fit your needs the best. Electric start is very nice, toating a lighter motor around is good, 4 stroke will be quieter, 2 stroke will be easier to maintain. I think the Honda will have a higher resale value. You may want to check to see what dealers are near by.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

If it stayed on the boat, I'd keep the Honda. However, taking a 4-stroke on and off the boat would be a major pain to me, besides having the annoying problem of having to keep the 4 stroke in proper position so that the crankcase oil wouldn't go where it shouldn't. Also, the 2-stroke would be far easier to maintain as stated. I'd keep the merc in your situation just because you can lay it down in the trunk or truckbed and not worry about it---and it's lighter. If you keep the carb clean and a water pump impeller in it in good shape, it will easily go 10 years under pretty much anybody's fishing time.
JMO,
JBJ

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Two 9.9 hp in my shop - which should I keep?

Electric starter kits are costly, that's definitely a down money issue, worst scenario flywheel not being dented to work with starting motor and in need to be changed too....Merc, Thumbs UP...

Happy Boating