Outboard Motors

[TexasBob]

I'm still doing my bay boat research. I'm set on a 4 stroke and have been set on Yamaha for no direct reason other than hearing good things. Are there other dependable brands? What is the harmonic balancer issue on some of the Yamahas? Seems like certain years and models?

[captainsling]

Got a 2000 200hp Yamaha still going strong on a 22 Skeeter bay boat. Wouldn't recommend the boat just because it is like a lead sled. Good solid boat, just will beat you up.

Only other Motor I would go with is a Suzuki or Mercury Saltwater.

[Pin Oak DXT]

I will never buy any other outboard other than Yamaha. The last 4 I have owned have run flawlessly.

[BrandonA]

Yamaha's are awesome. I run a 250. Honda would be my only other choice.

[nativetexan]

Yamaha makes a great four stroke. I've heard some really good things about Suzuki as well.

[Ol Thumper]

Yamaha IMO has had their act together in the Outboard world far longer than anyone else and their products are top notch. Its the only outboard I would ever buy.

Depending on how large of a motor your wanting to run im not a fan of the big 4 strokes just due to the size. Ive ran 2 strokes forever and their flawless but you want a stroker so go get one allready

[BBRU]

Im running a Evinrude e-tec 225ho and love it. It has been a great motor so far.I was skeptical about it at first, but I have had great luck with it so far. Each brand has there inherent issues. Yamaha makes a great product and I doubt you will be disappointed.

[Redneck Archer]

I have a old suzuki that has been a great motor.

BUT, I am brand loyal to yamaha... I will buy nothing but yamaha (I inherited the suzuki motor). again nothing bad to say about it. BUT, if I have to spend money on something its yamaha (I have 4 quads in my garage, ALL YAMAHA)...

[Ron]

My boat has the four stroke Suzuki and it's always been extremely dependable. I think most are good, if you take care of them.

[rtp]

All good advice. Im partial to the Yamaha myself. Like said buy what you want but make sure you take care of it. If you start neglecting things this is when trouble start.

[WyoBull]

None of them make a bad engine these days. Boat motors are like bows, cameras etc. Go with the one that trips your trigger.

[Dejashoot]

I have a 2005 Yam F150 on my NauticStar. Runs great.

[flyby]

Did a quick google search and it looks like the harmonic balancer issue only effects 2004-2006 150 hp motors.

[TexasBob]

Thanks for the info everyone. I google searched the harmonic balancer issue and read the hull truth but i was wondering if anyone had first hand knowledge.

[RaginCagin]

I would take 4 stroke Honda first then 4 stroke Suzuki before the yamaha but thats me. both have been around longer as 4 strokes and i know some surveyiing companies that use Honda and Suzuki and are very very hard on them and they keep ticking. None are bad motors these days. More personal preference these days than anything, i doubt anyone can make a hard case why a yamaha is better than any other major 4 stroke other than they always ran yamaha or their daddy did.