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

  1. #1
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    Default Ordering New Crappie/Panfish Boat But What Motor Brand is Best?


    My options are:

    Mercury 25 power tilt/trim
    Honda 25 power tilt/trim
    Suzuki 25 power tilt/trim
    Yamaha 25 power tilt/trim

    This is on a 17 foot stick steer boat. I could upgrade to a 30 for around 700-1000 more depending on brand but I don't care much about speed in the lakes I'll be fishing in. What would you choose or which do you think will still be running in 8-10 years?

  2. #2
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    If you can I would get a Honda or Suzuki. I might add I have a stick steer boat with a 40 Mercury.....have used it a ton in the last 5 years with no issues what so ever....but I still wish I had a Honda or Suzuki. As to horse power.....my boat is only 14.5 feet long yet it has a 40 HP. When I had it built I was only going to get a 25....then a 30.....and so on. Forty HP is the max for my boat and I’m glad I maxed it out. I’m afraid you may regret not getting a bigger motor for a 17 foot boat. Right now you may not can see yourself ever selling the boat but that day may come and an under powered boat might take a while to sell. Of course this is just my opinion. I will in all likelihood re-power in 3 or 4 years and then I will have the Honda or Suzuki.

    Regards



    Sent from my iPad using Crappie.com Fishing mobile app
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    A 25hp outboard is really small for a 17ft boat and I think you will regret your decision. You will need a minimum of a 40hp outboard. I'm in Texas so 90% of the outboards I see here are either Mercury or Yamaha. If given a choice my next boat will have a Yamaha on the back end.

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    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 !!!

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    I have a 2012 Yamaha F70 and would not consider buying any other brand. Other than routine impeller and oil changes, I've had zero issues in 8 years with around 400+ hours of runtime. And the fuel economy is awesome!

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    1st. time I've ever disagreed with Alphahawk . Yamaha all the way. Scott

  7. #7
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    Cray is offline Crappie.com 2019 Man of Year, Supermod & Moderator of the Mechanics Forum * Crappie.com Supporter
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    Think this all comes down to where you fish. Down where you are if fish all small waters li Bayous and small rivers then a 25 would be fine on a 17 if not loaded to gills with gear. My 17 is pretty heavy with a 50 Yamaha 4 stroke. And it is loaded and I’m over 200. Runs about 32 on a good day which is plenty for me. I’d sure want to take a test drive with that motor/boat combo before I bought. I see quite a few 16 tracker stick steer around my area with 25 2 stroke motors that seem to perform fine just not speed demons. Far as which motor I would be hard pressed not to buy another Yamaha.
    Proud Member of Team Geezer
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    I recently shopped boats and was surprised to find most of the major boat brands came with Mercury motors. I wanted Yamaha based on reputation and recommendations from a couple or boat mechanics. I'm quite happy with my Yamaha. That 25 Yamaha you mentioned is kind of legendary for reliability. Honda has a great reputation but seems to be more expensive. Suzuki has a good reputation but no dealers close to me.

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    I went with a Yamaha F50 on my 17' Alweld. Not a bit of trouble in almost 2 years, very good on gas.
    "Alive without breath, as cold as death; never thirsty, ever drinking, all in mail never clinking."

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    I would be interested in being close to a reputable dealer and at least shop their brand. Having a good reliable place for service is important to me. I prefer Yamaha and am fortunate to have a Yamaha dealer nearby. But I would be comfortable with any brands listed. However I would try, if my funds allowed it, to get the motor the boat is rated for. I think it would perform better with all the gear we carry and as mentioned, would be a tough sell with an underpowered motor.

    If you are going to have a problem, choosing an outboard for new boat is a good problem to have. Congrats
    Likes Oregon slabman LIKED above post

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