Thread: Ordering New Crappie/Panfish Boat But What Motor Brand is Best?

My opinion, get all the ponies it will hold. An underpowered boat won’t plane with extra weight in it, and I won’t even talk about when it’s time to go......NOW!!! The motor also isn’t working as hard and works better and will last longer. Good luck with the choice. Merc and Yamaha are my choices, look at what the guides run, that speaks.

I came back and added this. Think of this; for some reason you have to go now and you need to plane ASAP. The smaller motor takes significantly longer to break over and get on plane than a larger motor. Depth and obstructions can change things fast also.

Get the maximum size motor the boat is rated for. You can cruise at half throttle at a comfortable speed. If you need to beat a storm back to the dock you can use your full speed. I've had many boats. I under powered one and learned my lesson. Also getting the right pitched prop is important.







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I Never go below what boat is rated for on motor . Will be a killer on resale and you never know where you may decide to fish later on . I like Yamaha but anybody in business should be good if you have good service in your area . Tahatsu is another you may want to consider . I had one and liked it a lot . Traded up in size in a used boat and now have Yamaha .

Originally Posted by USMA65

Go to the coast and see what the average boater is using. I have been to Georgetown, SC, and Gulf Shores, AL, recently. Yamaha rules both coasts, hands down. I asked a dealer in Georgetown why that was the case. His answer included price, dependability, service, warranty, and the fact that there are dealers all over the country.
But what do I know, I have an Evinrude !!!

This. If you look at people who make their livelihood on a boat they all run Yamaha.

Better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it

Honda jumps to mind instantly especially in that hp range.

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Its all about parts ad service. Yamaha gives you the most of both

Yamaha, hands down. Their reliability is renowned. Also couldn't agree more with the advice to go with a larger motor. A 25 on a stick steer boat is going to beat you to death. You need to be able to keep the bow out of the water on a stick steer or you're gonna hate it. I had one. It was a 14' with a 30 on it. Barely enough motor.