ADVICE NEEDED FOR LONGBOAT ENGINE KIT OUT

 Hi guys. I have purchased my first new boat. It's a 6 metre longboat similar to the SouthWinds. I have these questions to ask as it is hull only and need to kit out with motor etc.

The transom is rated from 60hp-100hp (25 inch).I will put the biggest motor possible as I want to do this setup once and not regret anything in the future. The question I have is if I went for 100hp 4 stroke or 100hp 2stroke,well there is a difference of around 50kg between these 2 variants. I have asked the dealer if the specs for the transom are 2 or 4 stroke sizes/weights and he said it wouldn't matter as the boat can easily handle either.

The other question I have which I'm sure has come up a few times before is which engine to choose?

If I go the biggest possible which is 100hp or similar can those that have experienced both types of engines please give me feedback on brands as this will help me make my decision on brand/variant.

I'm  liking the four strokes due to fuel economy but have heard the later 2 strokes are much better than the older models. 

The boat will be used mainly in the Pilbira and would definitely need to be reliable. 

Thnks in advance :-)


Tradewind's picture

Posts: 756

Date Joined: 18/09/12

Reliable with new engines

Fri, 2013-10-11 08:36

Reliable with new engines should be a given these days

 

I'd probably stick with the 4 stroke Yamaha/Suzuki/Honda/Mercury/Johnson-Evinrude

These days they're similiar in states and economy and don't vary too much on weight

 

If you're going for a two stroke you've got the evinrude etec or the mercury optimax for fuel efficiency

 

Lastly if reliability is that big an issue and you have some mechanical aptitude then consider getting a normal two-stroke in a carbie model which might be hard to find but you'll be able to work on it on the water if issues arise

Willlo's picture

Posts: 1490

Date Joined: 07/10/11

I would go for either a

Fri, 2013-10-11 13:52

I would go for either a yammie 4 stroke or a suzuki 4 stroke,i run a 150 yammie 4 st and have never had a problem they are both great workers and very reliable motors.

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Bruce's picture

Posts: 527

Date Joined: 11/04/12

 If you go new you can't go

Fri, 2013-10-11 19:02

 If you go new you can't go wrong with a 2 or 4 stroke. People prefer the 4 stroke for the quietness and perhaps the fuel efficiency, but more so for reliability- I mean almost every Police/Sea Rescue boat has a 4 stroke on the back. That said, a new 2 stroke would be equally reliable but is just a bit noisier and chews a bit more fuel.

If money wasn't an issue I'd go for a 100hp Yam or Suzuki 4 stroke. Better for resale too

Posts: 20

Date Joined: 02/07/13

 Get a 115 yamaha, they cost

Sat, 2013-10-12 06:25

 Get a 115 yamaha, they cost nothing to run and are very realiable. 

Posts: 5

Date Joined: 26/07/12

Thanks for the replies. I

Mon, 2013-10-14 10:11

Thanks for the replies. I went to the boat show and did a bit of homework on the outboards that are available. Out of all that I looked at it seems that Mercury have the best bang for buck deal ATM. They also state that they are the only engine that covers corrosion as the metals they use are alot more resitant for salt water use.What the dealer also mentioned was that the HP rating they advertise is correct if not more. He mentioned that the other manufacuturers will give a rating but most are under this. 

I did hear alot of stories from some guys trying to sell me their brand and understand that not all is correct hence asking you guys that I know have been through the same thing.

If anyone can comment on the current range of 4 stroke Mercury engines or if you own one that is mounted to a boat I would appreciate your comments on reliability/fuel consumption etc.

 

 

Tradewind's picture

Posts: 756

Date Joined: 18/09/12

I can't comment on the

Mon, 2013-10-14 11:00

I can't comment on the Mercury as i've never used it, but what I will say is the big five seem to be forever touting that they're the only ones giving accurate information on HP, Economy etc

They've been around for a long time (Mariner). I've got a friend with a surtees and a four stroke Mercury. Been out on it a few times and it's extremely economical on fuel.

 

If they're offering you a good deal and warranty, I wouldn't think twice about accepting