Honda Four Stroke motors

[cowgirl]

We would like to replace our 25 hp Merc outboard with a 30 hp Honda four stroke. What experiences have others had with four stroke outboards? Our boat is a 13 ft Boston Whaler, so one concern is weight. We also wonder about reliability, and also, we'd like to find a reputable dealer. Tell us your opinion!

[madrasahs]

"...Our boat is a 13 ft Boston Whaler, so one concern is weight...."

Whaler -- great boat -- and you are to be applauded for cleaning up the Lake's air and water with the four-stroke. :)

You're right to be concerned about weight.

You don't say what year your Whaler is -- and the factory's horsepower recommendations vary -- even among their own 13-foot models. Another factor is the condition of the hull. Do you know its history? (Was it previously in commercial or rental service?) How sound is the hull?

Four-strokes are heavier motors than the equivalent 2-strokes, and the Whaler factory's imprinted horsepower maximum recommendation can precede the introduction of the heavier 4-strokes. :confused: You could be stressing the transom either while boating or trailering over pot-holed roads.

Here's a site that helps determine the year/model and how to survey a Boston Whaler hull: http://continuouswave.com/reference/buying/html

[Zee]

We recently put a new 115 hp Yamaha 4-stroke on our 1985 4-winns 19 Horizon. We had the work done by Dave's Motorboat Shoppe in Gilford. He's up the road behind Sawyers, near the big vegetable market. Dave tested the transom to determine if the boat was sound enough. It was but to be sure, he installed a reinforcement bar as part of the installation. He is an honest businessman and won't sell you what won't work. We bought it last September and thus far have about 40 hours on the engine with no problem what so ever.

[KBoater]

I have a 13" BW 2002 with 25hp 4 stroke Merc. Rides great unless you put too much weight in it. Friend has larger Merc and can get better planing and speed out of it. Whaler changed the hull a few years ago so the hp of the engine should be related to the hull and transom design.

NO trouble with the engine. I just winterize it each year.

I think the Hondo is a heavier engine.

[Orion]

I've got two Honda 4-strokes and both run great, quiet, and super on fuel economy (which is getting more important every day). You can determine the weight of the engines off the web sites and put the equivalent extra weight near the transom to see how your boat would sit in the water with the new motor. The extra weight in a 25-30 hp range shouldn't have much effect on the transom as long as your not over the HP limit.

[Just Wonderin]

We were recently faced with a similar dilemma. We called the manufacturer (Edgewater)and talked with a member of their technical staff about what would best power the boat we were purchasing. They gave us a two-stroke and four-stroke option and all the reasons behind each.

We also visited J.D.Power and Associates at: http://www.jdpower.com/cc/boats/index.jsp Once you click on this link (or cut and paste), click on "engine quality and performance" on the left hand side of your screen. It is a pop-up screen, so be sure not to block pop-ups.

You'll be able to read their take on outboards.

"J.D. Power and Associates Reports: Technology Plays Major Role in Marine Engine Purchase Decisions by Consumers. Evinrude and Yamaha Rank Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Outboard Engines."

We feel that this research allowed us to make a very informed decision.

We currently have a Yamaha on our Grady White and have added a Yamaha to our Edgewater. We couldn't be happier with them. (now, don't boo but we did go with a two stroke on the small Edgewater because of the weight issue) Because of technological advancements, the two-strokes being manufactured today are nothing like the old smokers of the past.

[Knomad]

You can try Melvin Village Marina for your Honda Outboard. Great support and service. Good people.