What small outboard do you prefer????

[Harritwo]

Just picked up a new to me 16' Jon Boat and trailer. No Motor so i am considering buying a new motor to install.

I am thinking of a Lehr, Merc, or Yamaha 9.9 OB for this boat.

What is your opinion on which motor and why? I am leaning towards the Lehr but seriously considering the Merc and Yamaha.

All cost are about equal on the purchase.

 

[GA_Boater]

Buy a brand that has servicing dealers near you.

 

[Scott Danforth]

In that power range, many are rebranded tohatsus. So get the one with a servicing dealer near you

 

[pckeen]

They are all good brands. Me, I'm partial to Yamahas, but my favorite motor is one that's reliable, with no maintenance issues. All three brands you are looking at have developed good reputations. If the prices are similar, buy from whichever dealer is close, with a good reputation for service. My next new motor will be a suzuki, because I like the dealer's service department.

 

[gm280]

I agree with all the previous comments as well. I will ask though, a 16 foot Jon Boat with only a 10HP engine? What does the boat plate state as the max HP? I would buy one as close to the max as I could. Then even when it is well loaded or tired over the years it still has enough to go reasonably well yet. JMHO!

 

[pckeen]

Good point - the general rule of thumb is to put a motor on that is a minimum of 70% of the max rated hp, otherwise you will get poor performance.

 

[Sea Rider]

If OB will be living sitting on transom and boat on a trailler, go for the 15 HP brand model of your prefference, both 9.9 & 15 weights near same, will have more boating fun along carrying more load and boaters as well..

Happy Boating