90 hp Honda vs. 90 hp Yamaha

[beachbob]

I've found a good deal on a new 22' Cruiser that can be either Honda or Yamaha powered. With the Yamaha, it's a couple of thousand dollars less expensive. I had a 2005 200 hp Yamaha on a dual console boat and it performed really well. Both 90hp engines are fuel injected and weigh within 10 pounds or so of each other. Are there good reasons, beyond looks, to pay extra for a Honda? Thank you.

[thataway]

I would say keep your $$. The one weakness we have seen with Honda's is that they seem slightly more prone to have electrolysis problems. Certainly the new injected Hondas are a better engine--and more HP than the older carb engines.

I believe that the Yahama 70 and 90 are on the same block--not sure about current Hondas.

Either engine will be excellent on the CD 22--and give you many ;years of service. We observed in the last few days in Canada Gulf Islands that Yahama is the predominant brand.

[CW]

Certainly the Yamahas are a better engine than the Honda. That is the view of folks around here anyway. Even if the price was even or more for the Yami. C.W.

[Dora~Jean]

I'd vote Yamaha, but then again, I'm biased... I agree with Bob's statement, that's what I heard 5 yrs ago when I got mine, maybe it's a thing of the past now though. Either engine should serve you fine. Might look at where you plan to have the engine serviced, distance, quality of work, etc, as another determining factor.

[jennykatz]

MY advice would be yamaha better price and better resale at least in florida Although if you could get a suzuki I would go with that .The Yamaha 75 and 90 are all based on the 1.6 litre eng the 115 yamaha is based on the 1.7 litre .By the way the older merc have the same block as the yamaha so might be more parts available ? .Ive had 2 f115 yamaha 's still have one of them on a cc-23 the 90 suzuki is on the cd-22 Duck Good Luck on your Quest. its a great boat

[Sea Wolf]

I've got a 2005 Yamaha EFI 90, the first year the Yamaha 90 and 70 became fuel injected, and it's been flawless.

As of 2007 or so, the aging Honda design got a new block based on a new auto engine they developed. It has less slightly less displacement than the old Honda and the Yamaha, but with fuel injection and some high tech modifications is said to develop about 105-108 hp in the Honda 90 package.

The extra H.P. might be a factor in your choice if you're a real hot rodder, but then if you were really concerned with speed, you wouldn't be buying a C-Dory style boat anyway! The extra H.P. would only get you 3-4 mph, in my guesstimation, but t would also eat more gas, by the way.

I'd by the Yamaha, if it were me.

Joe.

[ryder]

I have the 90 Yamaha on my 22 and it is a wonderful engine. I am sure the Honda is good as well although all my experinece has been with yamaha engines and over the years they have served me well.


regards
Ryder

[Adeline]

Sea Lion Ray (Mr. Fisherman) hung a Suzuki 90 on his Angler and was very happy with it. He regularly ran far offshore for halibut. As I recall it had a gear ratio that allowed the use of a larger diameter prop resulting in less slippage(greater efficiency).

[jennykatz]

Yes I have the 90 Suzuki with a 14by 18 pitch prop what a great combo It moves the Duck at 4500rpm about 23-mph great cruising getting about 4-5 mpg top speed is about 32-33mph.The suzi does have a bigger gear set also from what the mechanics tell me the suzi is a lot cheaper for repairs (from a dealer that sells both) Ive been very happy with this motor I got the 6 yr warranty only used it once for a trim pickup same crappy set up as yamaha plastic (pos) I will be sorry to see this boat and eng go . JIm on duck

[tsturm]

[beachbob]

If I can make myself go ahead and get the boat, I'm going to save a little money and go with the Yamaha. I spoke with a marine mechanic who told me that all of the major OB manufacturers make good reliable engines these days and it's really hard to make a mistake by going with any of them. Retirement and being older is a real two-edged sword when it comes to major purchases. On one hand, you're afraid to spend or borrow that much money. On the other hand, the term "some day" has taken on a whole new meaning and while none of us know how much time is left on the clock, it's got to be less than it is when you're forty! But if, as is apparently the case, C-dorys hold their value well, it takes some of the fear out the deal. Anyway, thank you.

[Doryman]

Another reason to go Yamaha -- a mechanic at the place where I had bottom painting done commented to me on how much he liked the sound of Yamaha 150s.

Warren

[Jack in Alaska]

From my observation here at Deep Creek, Alaska. The Yamaha used to be predominant but in the last several years Honda is gaining fast for the charter boasts with big engines.
One operator went from Yam. to Merc's on his 4 large boats.

My 1997 90 HP carburated Honda is a real jewel and I would buy it again but it would be injected this time.

[Catch 22]

ive heard that yamaha holds over 70% of the world market in outboard sales, my travels around central america made me believe it too, down there it seemed like 98% of all the motors were yamaha, hard to find anything else, and when you consider that so many people down there depend on their boat to make a living and harvest most of their food, it makes you think they must really trust the motors...my next motor will be a yamaha

[Sea Wolf]

History Test:

Anybody else remember Red Fox extolling the virtues of Yamaha against Honda back when he first got the Yammi 115 for his '85 Classic ?

How about yours truly knocking the antiquated design features of the still carburetored fuel fed Honda a few years back (2005) when Yamaha first came out with fuel injection in the 90 and 75? (Suzuki already had fuel injection a few years earlier.)

Then there was the famous motor choice poll with Honda winning hands down:

Outboard Choice-Redux

So now Honda comes along with a more powerful, fully modernized fuel injected engine, and what's the overwhelming recommendation?

Yamaha!

Go Figure!

Joe.