Yamaha or Honda

[albacized]

I'm finally making the plunge (re: post of same content from over a year ago). I'm buying a small portable motor for my skiff (12 ft v-bow Sea Nymph from Lowe). It seems the most highly regarded motors are Hondas and Yamahas. Specifically, I was looking at the Honda 5hp 4-stroke or the Yamaha 4hp 4-stroke, both with a short shaft. The only real advantage that I can see reading the specs is that the Yamaha is 12 lbs lighter than the Honda (48 lbs vs 60 lbs). However, that unto itself will only be a factor if all else is equal. Does anyone have some opinions they can share? Btw, I was at one point considering more economical brands but came to the conclusion that all 4-strokes are a bit pricey and a couple dollars more for some peace of mind is worth it.

[RogerStg]

Honda has been maiking 4 stroke outboards for the US since 1973. All other brands have been around for just a few years. I don't know if that matters to you, but when people talk about the great reliability record of 4 strokes they are talking about Hondas. That's not to say anything negative about others, their long term reliability will take a few more years to establish.

[mdrew9]

I owned a Yamaha motorcycle. So I am partial to them.

[albacized]

A couple of lasts question regarding my original querie. I went to Atlantic Boats in Wareham yesterday where they sell both the Yamaha and Honda. The salesman tried pushing a third name on me: Suzuki. He says that they are a little less expensive (although the 4HP was only 4 dollars less expensive than the 4HP Yamaha) and that all the commercial guys are using a Suzuki and that they are very reliable. First, do you guys concur that Suzuki makes a good motor? They offer a 6 year warranty compared to 3 year. I'm still leaning towards Yamaha although I'm still open for suggestions: I'm purchasing on Monday.
Also, I notice that 4HP (and smaller) motors in general have 1 cylinder vs 2 on higher HP motors. What kind of difference does that make? If it's a big difference, I may still want the Honda 5HP or the Suzuki 6HP, which have 2 cylinders each (they weight 60 and 55 lbs each).
Another point for Yamaha is that they have an 'Ultimate Corrosion Protection System' which sounds like a plus since I'm using it in saltwater. Do the other two brands mentioned hold up well in salt.

Sorry for all the questions...but a visit to the shop created more questions vs answering them.

[uncle4]

Hi there.

Suzuki.... very, VERY good.
Yamaha.... very, VERY good.
Honda.... very, VERY good.

I'd be partial to the Suzuki....they're tough, bullet
proof, and (as you mentioned, for the bigger units)
cheaper. I know of several charter captains running
the suzuki engine, and all are very happy.

Check your local area, and make sure you're getting a
brand-name that you can have serviced by an authorized
agent. Here on the vineyard there are no suzuki-trained
mechanics... so warranty work, etc can be a problem.

As for salt water, corrosion and such.. if you keep after
your motor (e.g. fresh-water flush, etc) you should have
no problems with any of the mfgs.

Multiple cylinders typically makes an engine run smoother,
although (theoretically) a dynamically balanced one-
lunger (cylinder) should run as smoothly as a 2 (or 4).

Good luck..... post pix!

Uncle 4

[albacized]

Hi there.

Suzuki.... very, VERY good.
Yamaha.... very, VERY good.
Honda.... very, VERY good.

I'd be partial to the Suzuki....they're tough, bullet
proof, and (as you mentioned, for the bigger units)
cheaper. I know of several charter captains running
the suzuki engine, and all are very happy.

Check your local area, and make sure you're getting a
brand-name that you can have serviced by an authorized
agent. Here on the vineyard there are no suzuki-trained
mechanics... so warranty work, etc can be a problem.

As for salt water, corrosion and such.. if you keep after
your motor (e.g. fresh-water flush, etc) you should have
no problems with any of the mfgs.

Multiple cylinders typically makes an engine run smoother,
although (theoretically) a dynamically balanced one-
lunger (cylinder) should run as smoothly as a 2 (or 4).

Good luck..... post pix!

Uncle 4

Good info...thanks alot....I guess I'll go with the Suzuki 6HP

[Capt.ChrisLembo]

Do a little more research.

I don't know about the smaller HP motors but Suzuki had a ton af recalls on the larger 4 strokes. There a a bunch down here and it is pretty much received a good report except for the recalls. The Honda and Suzuki receive the same praises except the suzuki has not been around long enough to talk about long term reliability and resale value.

Hondas have more experience in what you are looking for and are extremely reliable.