Need more help

[PHIL]

Thank You for your input on my last question. Here's the deal.I found 2 boats that I really like. Both have Yamaha 150hp outboards on them. The one yamaha is a 2004 2 stroke with about 300-400 hours on it. The other is a Yamaha 2005 4 stroke with about 1200 hours on it.Both boats are priced about the same. Both boats have exact same options and both are same model and length, and are in same good condition. Which one should I buy, and why??? Please help make this decision easy for me.

[fellinger]

Sorry, Phil I got nothing. I don't know enough to answer. I do know from speaking to people in the past that a lot of times it just comes down to personal preference.

Maybe Matt will chime in and offer his mechanical expertise.....

Welcome! Fred

[BigAl13]

personally i would go 4 stroke but thats just my preference.

[blynch]

After years of running a 2-stroke merc my next boat will definitely have a four stroke.  I fished a charter with a 4stroke yammi last year and was extremely impressed.  So much quieter and smoother in and out of gear than the 2 stroke.  I hesitate to make a real reccomendation becasue I haven't run a 4 stroke myself, but, like I said, I will not be purchasing another 2-stroke until I own and test a 4-stroke.

[Maritime Matt]

First, what make model and length of boat is each motor pushing? Also what 2 stroke Yammy does it have? Carbed, HPDI, etc? Most Yamaha 2 stokes are good runners. 150 HPDI Yammys may be one of there best HP in that series. They do require strict maintenance of those expensive  fuel filters on the motor. Are there service records available for either motor? The 4 stroke 150 at 1200 hrs should have had a 1000hr maintainance done already including a timing belt. Either way you go, they should be checked out, or if being sold by a dealer, get a written warranty of some kind. DO NOT BUY A BOAT WITHOUT a SEATRIAL. If your spending alot of coin, think about a Survey.
Matt

[DJ76]

personally i would go with the motor with the lower hours.  In theory you are going to get that much more life out of the motor (in theory). Tough to compare two stroke to four stroke though. Each has pros and cons.

There are soooooo many variables to consider and in the end only you can decide because you know them all. For instance...how long do you plan on owning the boat?  Do you turn over your boat every 5 years, 10, etc?  Do you plan on repowering in the future?  Is resale important?  Which better fits into your budget? Is fuel consumption important?

good luck
 

[Fishin Dude]

I'm in agreement with Maritime Matt, a Seatrial and Survey of both boats should give you more information on which to base your decision. They can save you a lot of money and aggravation in the long run. Nothing is worse than being stuck at the dock when the bite is hot.    <'((((><