Which Outboard Motor

[CritterGitter]

Which outboard motor would be best for a small aluminum boat. I am looking into buying boat(14 to17ft) and I was wondering what would be the best motor. I don't plan to take it out on Lake Erie and it would primarily be used on inland lakes and resevoirs such as Hoover, Alum, Delaware, IL and Clear Fork. Also, would it be better to get a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke? I am thinking 9.9, 15 or 25 horspower. I know boats relatively well and I just wanted to get some thoughts from others.

CG

[Turkeyfoot]

CG....check with Mike at Petersburg Marina (Leesville Lake just East of Tappan) for a good deal on 9.9 Yamaha 4-strokes. He did have a few leftover 2003's that are high output with 4 blade props. Easy oil change and filter....very quiet even at full speed. E-mail is www.petersburgmarina.com;) ....TF

[Ohio Bill]

I like Mercs.... but my dad has a Johnson...and that motor works real good too!

[Spring fever]

I have a 16' Sea Nymph backtroller. After putting around with a 9.9 I traded for a 25 HP and I'm glad I did. It planes my boat with 2 people in it and when it gets windy I can get up on top and move right along. Of coarse with lakes like Clear Fork the 9.9 would be fine. I have a 2 stroke motor. I can't see the extra dollars for the 4 stroke.


:) SF

[M.Magis]

Mariner motors haven't been sold in the U.S. for a number of years, so I would scratch them off the list. Other than that, all of the ones you listed are good engines, though your forgetting some of the best; Honda, Suzuki, Nissan. If your not comfortable working on one yourself, pick a marina that your comfortable dealing with and go with that band. Even the best motors have troubles and require some work, and finding someone to work on a boat motor isn't as easy as finding a car mechanic.

[Ðe§perado™]

I have a Nissan 9.9 motor and I just love it. It planes my boat out with two people in it really easy. I have a 16ft. Lowe 1648.;)

[CritterGitter]

I knew I was forgetting to list some good ones. I just couldn't remember them. I wouldn't be against using a Honda or a Nissan. I don't think I would really want a Suzuki though.

CG

[M.Magis]

Suzuki makes one of the top outboards, however, the dealer support is really lacking in Ohio. I got a good deal on a used one, but I have no choice but to do all the work myself if something needs worked on. It actually ended up being a good thing, though. I've learned to diagnose most engine problems, and it's saved me a ton of money.

[CritterGitter]

As far as boats go, I have been looking at Lund, Lowe, Sylvan, Monark, Crestliner, Smokercraft and Starcraft. I don't care much for a Tracker as I think they are over-priced. Any others that I should put on the scratch list?

[M.Magis]

Back when I was looking, it seemed to me that Sylvan and Smokercraft were the same boats. Each had the EXACT same boat, just different names.:confused: I'd scratch Tracker too, but SeaArc makes some great boats, as does Xpress.

[Turkeyfoot]

Lot of boat and motor combos available....you just gotta narroe it down to were what lakes you'll be fishing the most, then make your decision accordingly regarding boat and motor size;) ....TF

[george tinkham]

delta marine seems like a good place an i believe they have a big service dept. over on gender rd.