Two Stroke or Four ... Help a Preacher Out?

David Palmer

David Palmer

Active member
Just got finished putting some money into my '74 Evinrude 15 hp ($850 total invested) that I'm using on a newly built Devlin Broadbill. Still not sure how reliable the motor is going to be, especially when it gets really cold.

My question is this: should I stay with what I have, look at buying a new 15 hp Yamaha two-stroke from a dealer who still has a few, or look at a new 9.9 hp four stroke?

I have oar locks and oars in case of an engine failure, but for the peace of mind I want to be sure I'm doing the right thing.

It won't cost you anything to advise me, so let the opinions fly!

Grace and peace!

David
(aka The Boat Building Preacher)
 
especially when it gets really cold
Click to expand...


Alabama? Oh wait....NORTH Alabama.


JMO, but you just spent twice + the value of the motor fixing it up, so why upgrade at this point? Run the motor on the boat this season and see if 15hp is enough HP for how you use the boat, and if not go bigger for next season.
 
I was faced with the same question and opted for the new 15 two stroke Yamaha. I already have an older (78 I think) 9.9 that I decided not to put any money into. It still runs but has a few issues that would need attention if I chose to use it on a regular basis.
 
two stroke yamahas have a very good reputation. The question I would ask is how far is the closest servicing dealer for parts and help during duck season.

Get the factory service book as part of the sale.

Buyers have a good bit of pull right now and that is an easy dealer give back at a sale.

I didnt see how the other motor worked out. Is it running now?

Good luck with the chief financial officer of the family.
 
I had a similar situation last year. I decided to buy the yammie 2 stroke 15hp and I've been very happy. I called around a ton of dealers between PA, OH, MI, and Indiana. I found the best deal near Sandusky, Oh and can give you some info if you have trouble finding one in your area. They had 15 left when I bought mine.

Capt. Matt, You are correct but some dealers bought up a bunch when they announced the end of the run. They stopped near the end of 2009. I'm pretty sure my tag on the motor actually has it listed as a 2010.
 
15 stroke over a 9.9 4 stroke any day of the week.
Unless i was in an area that outlawed 2 strokes, I would not put a 4 stroke on a broadbill.
The 15 2-stroke will have more power and weigh a lot less.

But like others noted, you just sank more in your motor than what it is worth. Unless you have clear problems this season, no sense in dumping it now. Run it until it dies.
 
I also agree that you should run it until/ unless it gives problems that shake your confidence in it. Personally I like the older OMCs but for a new one it would be the 15 2 stroke no question about it.
 
I bought a brand new 4 stroke 9.9. mercury, nice motor and quite. The heaviest 9.9 ever. it ways 115 lbs. Turned around and bought a 15 hp merc 83 pounds and more horse power. There's your answer. Oh yeah, the 9.9 is forsale...John
 
I did the same as Greg. Bought the Yami15 for my estaury. I want that reliability in December and January on the ocean. The old 15 Evinrude will become a summer motor once its problems are finally solved (at the shop now). That Yami 15 runs beautifully and has good pop.

Good luck, Bill
 
Go with the 2 stroke 15 over the 9.9 4 stroke! I bought a new left over 2 stroke 25 couple years ago great motor.
 
Thanks for the input guys! I like the idea of running the old motor during the summer and relying on a new one for the cold weather. I wound up I installing some oar locks because when I pushed my boat away from the dock to test my recently "fixed" '74 Evinrude, the danged old pull cord broke when I tugged on it a few times (I told the boys I wanted a new cord while they were fixing it but they apparently shafted me on that). I picked up my late grandfather's paddle to get back to shore, and what do you know ... it broke in two! Wound up swimming the boat back to the shore and boy was I miffed, enough to make a preacher cuss -- God is my witness on that. Called the shop from the dock and TOLD them to meet me at the launch to fix what they were supposed to fix. They balked a bit, but eventually did the right thing and got me back running.

I'd rather shell out a couple of grand for a new motor now, because I can guarantee you that the next time that old 'Rude fails, the water temp won't be 85 degrees.

Grace and peace and safe hunting this season!

David
 
I had the same considerations for my boat... Here are the pros & cons of 2 vs 4 strokes

2 strokes are smaller, lighter, more responsive out of the hole, the oil is mixed in the fuel (you must do it yourself) but also louder

4 strokes are bigger, heavier, less responsive out of the hold, oil is in the engine, much quiter, more fuel efficient

Yamaha stopped making the 15hp in a 2 stroke, but some dealers still have some in-stock. I considered purchasing one, but ultimately I decided the price tag (around $2500) was not worth it.
I never considered a 4 stroke due to the extra size & weight. I wanted my boat to float in the skinniest water possible, I also will be shooting over the motor... so smaller is better.
Ultimately, I looked on Craigslist, called marinas & searched the internet for a good motor. I ended up finding a 2000 15hp 2 stroke with a 15 in shaft in New Hampshire (on a local buy & sell website I found through google) and purchased it without ever seeing it in person. The owner emailed photos & videos of the motor running, etc and shipped it to me via UPS in a plywood crate. The motor starts with half a pull on the cord and runs like a top!
Even with shipping, the motor cost less than $1400 plus I didnt have to pay tax to a dealer so I easily saved $1250 or more when compared to buying a new one. Do your research and you can find a good motor out there, it took me 2 months, but I couldn't be happier....
 
One thing I don't feel like "taking chances" with, or even worrying about, is with my duckboat motor. I DO NOT want to get stuck somewhere, in middle of winter, far from just about everything. That's a main reason why I settled on the boat/motor that I did; the motor is a 2000, and great condition. I'm always surprised that so many people have old motors of questionable condition, on their duckboats.

As far as 2 or 4, I also recommend 2.......very light, small, and fairly dependable. I don't take any shortcuts on maintenance.
My 2-stroke 40hp is only 165 lbs.....and I doubt any new motor (2 or 4) out there weighs that little, for that hp.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top