Motors

[dollargary]

I have a decision to make and I really need some advice from the members of this forum . I am about to purchase a new boat,motor and trailer. My problem is the motors. The dealership has two identical boats and I mean same boat and same trailer. The problem is one boat has a 115 Yamaha ,and the other has a 115 Suzuki both are 4-stroke engines. The Suzuki is 1,000 dollars cheaper. The problem is I have never owned or operated a Suzuki out board,but my last boat had a115 Yamaha on it . Never had a problem with that engine. Could someone please give me some advice on the Suzuki engine. I know it probably comes down to preference . Any help would be greatly appreciated. Since this is a large purchase,for me, I would like to know the facts and I know I should pay the extra money go with the Yamaha,but if the quality and workmanship on the Suzuki is as good as the Yamaha then I don't see paying the extra money. Again thanks in advance.

[red_yakker]

Don't have any experience with Suzuki, but a Yamaha is hard to beat when it comes to reliability. If I had to make the choice, I'd pay the extra $1,000 for the Yammy. That being said, I'm currently running a Honda that I'm very pleased with.

[reelbad]

Yamaha.

[Salty Gator]

Also no experience with Suzuki (but have heard some good things). But have you ever heard anyone say they didn't like their Yamaha? For $1000 difference, I'd go w the yammer hammer. Good luck

[dollargary]

Thanks guys that is the way I was leaning. I figure I would have piece of mind with the Yamaha. Thanks again for your opinions, that helped me tremendously.

[fishinfool]

Call the guys at Tow Boat. They run Suzuki on their service vessels. One captain told me they started using them due to price, but continued due to reliability.

[SS-342]

I have a 115 Suzuki and love it. Both engines are good. A lot of Suzuki's are on boats up the east coast. In some places they are the preferred motor. I've never ran a Yamaha so can't compare.

[Flint River Pirate]

I am a die hard Yamaha guy but I am hearing great things about the Suzuki motors. Compare the warranty of each motor too. I wouldn't be afraid of a Suzuki if you have someone local to work on it. The bottom line is that anything mechanical will fail. Last year I had a power head blow on a brand new four stroke Yamaha with 3 hours on it. I had only owned the motor two weeks. Yamaha chose to replace the power head under warranty instead of replacing the whole motor as I requested. I just didn't want a brand new outboard that had been worked on. They were very rude to deal with and basically told me that they didn't care if I was upset about it. Their head guy from Kennesaw, GA sent me an email that really irritated me.

With that being said, they build a great product but I was burned with their customer service. It really disappointed me because I have purchased 9 brand new Yamaha outboards. The next time I buy a new motor, I plan to explore the Suzuki motors. One thousand dollars is a lot of money. You could put that savings towards equipment for your boat.

[FishWithChris]

Talk to Rainman on here, he has a 115 Suzi - motor runs great.

One of my coworkers just got an 18' (used, low hours) with a 115 Suzi 4 stroke and he loves it as well.

Been on several boats with Suzi motors, never had an issue with them.

[SHOWBOAT]

I would buy a Yamaha every time.

However, every Suzuki owner I know is pleased. I'm regularly on an Everglades with twin 175 'Zuks and they are very nice.

[dollargary]

Your right Flint River Pirate I could use that extra money for some up grades on the boat. I am still comparing the two motors,haven't made my mind completely up yet. The information I am receiving from this forum has been a great help. I will search for more information and compare warranties. Rainman let me know your feelings about your 4 stroke Suzuki . Thanks to all of you for the help.

[Rhettley]

I have a 2003 2 stroke Suzuki on my boat and it's been a solid motor. If the warranties are the same I'd go with the Suzuki and put the extra money towards a towing service, insurance, fuel, and safety equipment.

[dollargary]

Thanks Rhettley . I just talked to a person who has a 1998 2 stroke Suzuki and he said he has never had a problem with his motor. He stated he was at lake Walter F George this past weekend and ran the motor all over the lake, no problems. Makes you wonder if the older models were built a little tougher, not better, just tougher.

[Flint River Pirate]

That old 90hp Yamaha 2 stroke was a bad dude. I wish I bought one in 2009 when they quit making them.

[dollargary]

I was told by one of the dealers that the older 2 stroke motors had more power ,that it would get up on plane a lot faster than some of the 4 stroks. He said in 5 to 10 years their would be no more 2 stroks. Modern technology I guess.