Honda vs Yamaha

T

TA Smith

Active member
Looking to purchase a new 4 stroke 15 hp either a Honda or Yamaha outboard for sneakbox. The boats weighs about 300 lbs. There is no weight difference between a 15 and a 20 on both models. I currently run a 15 hp Evinrude 2 stroke and want to upgrade. Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
Tom
 
In my own experience they are both great motors, and Honda motors are seen in many commercial applications. The only downside I have seen is getting parts for the Honda motors, there are a lot more Yamaha dealers then Honda dealers.
 
Some points to add:
Can you afford the 20hp? Will the boat handle its weight? I would be more inclined to "up" the horsepower when going to a fourstroke and then add a four blade prop which will give you a better hole shot and reverse. You would lose a little top-end speed, but you also would likely not end-up running the motor at WOT as much, increasing longevity.
 
One more thing you may wish to consider...

The 2017 Yamaha F25 weighs the same as a 15. I haven't heard if the weight of the 15 was also reduced and I'm not in the market currently. Just saw the advertisement and started drooling / dreaming for the future.

Some of the 25 and under outboards also have battery-less electronic fuel injection now instead of carburation. I ran a new Suzuki on a fishing trip this summer and it was awesome.
 
The difference will be in torque. I didn't see a boat mentioned, but I assume there is a Max HP difference.

As I'm in the market I've started looking at Max HP vs block class wright. Example: the 100hp Yamaha maxes that block class, where the 115 is the lowest if the next block class. While some increase in performance will be achieved, is the net HP to weight ratio worth another $2k yo Max the boats rated HP? For this boat it's so upgrade from an 80 hp 2 stroke.

Yamaha vs Honda at this level of motor is likely preference. To the earlier point, service availability may be a key decision factor after price. I do not imagine quality is more than a perception at this point.
 
We've run them all commercially, All we run now are Hondas. Yes they are expensive, but I wouldn't run anything else anymore.
 
As far as I know both brands are wonderful BUT check the local dealers out, that may make all the difference. No matter how wonderful a new motor may be it WILL break sooner or later. ref. Murphy's Law
 
Tim Rousseau said:
In my own experience they are both great motors, and Honda motors are seen in many commercial applications. The only downside I have seen is getting parts for the Honda motors, there are a lot more Yamaha dealers then Honda dealers.
Click to expand...
I agree...service is the key for me personally, it will eventually need service.
 
Don't overlook Suzuki outboards, they have the best and longest warranty of all .
I think they are the lightest of the pack also
 
I would have mentioned Suzuki, they are a good motor, but for routine maintenance you need to take the shrouds apart to get to the filter, and at least the older ones were definitely heavier then Honda, which I believe is the lightest.
I'm talking 40 hp and above, not sure on the little ones.
 
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