xlr8

I'm currently looking at different boat/engine package choices for a 19'-20' aluminum fishing boat. I still haven't made my mind up yet as to whether I want either a side console or a center console - it depends on the boat manufacturer (G3 or SeaArk). The boat will probably be used to fish 3 people at a time, so I'm not interested in being the first to get to the fishing hole in terms of speed. I am interested in an engine/prop combo that is strong out of the hole, reasonably quick (don't have to set any speed records), has good reliability, and has good fuel economy.



I'm looking at the Evinrude 115 ETEC, Suzuki 115 Four Stroke, and the Yamaha 115 Four Stroke. Each one of these has their advantages and disadvantages. I like the added torque and lower weight of the ETEC, the timing chain vs. a belt of the Suzuki, and the overall reputation of the Yamaha Four Strokes. I really haven't considered the Merc 115 Optimax since the dealers and manufacturers that I'm looking at don't have Mercs on their package boats.



While I don't want this to turn into the usual Ford vs. Chevy debate, I would certainly appreciate your experiences and honest opinions on the 115 ETEC, 115 Suzuki, and the F115 Yamaha.



Thanks in advance!

38bat

I don't think you'd be unhappy with any of them. Personally I would go with the E-tec but that's just me. What is the price difference between the three?

tightlines

I would not suggest the suzuki. I bought one new with the factory warranty and still had to pay for part of the repairs when it broke. Also parts can take a LONG time to come in. I have been very pleased with every yamaha i have ever owned. Cant say anything about the E tec.

wrightackle

The suzuki 115 and 140 are about the same weight. I have two friends that have the suzuki 140's and they are really sweet motors. It is a shame you don't finda mercury optimax offered for the the boats you are looking at. I spend a lot of time over at the florida sportsman boating forum and those guys are crazy about the optimax. It sounds from your post you have done your homework though.I don't think you can go wrong with any of your choices. I have fished a lot on two different cape horn 17's. One with a 115 4 stroke yamahaand the other with a 140 suzuki. Maybe not fair to the yamaha because of the hp rating but the suzuki really shines.

X-Shark

I agree that you would not make a bad move with any of them, so let's look at a few other things in the mix.



The oil for the E-Tec is expensive. $30gal or better.





Go look at the gear ratio's. Suzuki has the lowest gear ratio and thus swings a bigger prop. 14in in that HP range. This gives extremely good Holeshot.



The Suzzy has a higher amp alt.



The DF-140 actually weighs a few pounds less than a DF-115.



It cost's me $20 per motor to change the oil in my DF-140's.



Regular maintenance parts are not a problem. I've never needed anything else.

hardcorehare

i've got a twinvee with twin df115's on it. absolutely positively love those engines. have four bladed 22pitch props and it's on plane in about 2 seconds feels like. never have had a minutes trouble, not even a hiccup or miss or anything and were goin on 18months. i was looking at the honda, suzuki, and yamaha. look what seatow uses.....suzuki. i went with suzuki because of the gear ratio and timing chain over the honda, plus i've heard good stuff about em. another thing to do is go to boat shops and look at what's being worked on. i bought mine at paradise marine in gulf shores and they carried honda, suzuki, and yamaha motors. i walked around back and not a single suzuki was being worked on. i grew up an evinrude guy and still have an older 2 stroke 140. but i let dependability and such especially when your 25 miles out in the gulf speak for itself. i think any of those motors u've stated would be awesome. now days they seem to be on top of the game in all the outboards. just get it and get to fishin dude....

xlr8

For those with four strokes, either the Suzuki or the Yamaha, other than oil & filter changes, what other things need to be worked on for routine maintenance? I have heard some horror stories of a 100 hour service on a Yamaha costing $500 at the dealer! I can change the oil, filter, plugs, and lower unit oil myself; are there any other "dealer-only" items for routine maintenance? Also, how many hours can you put on the four strokes before they need to have their valves adjusted?



For those that have already replied, thank you!!!

Wharf Rat

I have an 08 Suzuki 115 4-stroke on my 18 ft flats boat. I love it. Haven't had any problems. Have only done the 20 hour service and it was free. Haven't had to order any parts or use the warranty, so can't speak to that.

Private Pilot

I'd go Yamaha. I've learned that when you turn the key, its going to start. Mine has been runnin strong for 3 years now with no issues.

xlr8

For those with Suzuki four strokes's, is the fact that they have a lower gear ratio and can swing a larger prop make a noticeable difference in hole shot and low end performance? If so, does this make the top end speed suffer or is all of this just advertising hype on Suzuki's web page?



Thanks for sharing your observations!!