Weight Difference between Honda and Yamaha Outboards

Rain

Can anyone explain the huge weight disparity between the Honda 115 HP at 478 lbs. and the Yamaha 115 HP at 377? Over 100 lbs. and over 26% more for the Honda? WHY?

Aurelia · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:05 pm Post subject:

The Yamaha is a newer design with associated benefits but the primary reason relates to displacement. The Yamaha is over 20% smaller than the Honda. That physically relates to less weight but also generally means:

Yamaha- working a little harder to make its rated power
Honda-working a little less to make its rated power

Those are just generalizations of course and I think most boat owners on this forum are more concerned with weight than surplus power.

Greg

Sunbeam · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:16 pm Post subject:

I'd say about the same thing as Aurelia. The Honda is the smallest engine on a big 'ol block. Lots of displacement. The Yamaha is also the smallest engine in its "range," but newly designed and with a big consideration placed on making it light weight.

Outboard mfgrs typically use the same block for a range of engines. As a further example of this, the Yamaha 70 hp is the largest engine on a smaller block range (and has the light weight to prove it), and it has around half the displacement of their 75 hp, which is the smallest engine on the next size block.

I've run on a couple of boats with the Honda 115 and I think it's a super engine; but there's no way I'm putting that much weight on my 22. Hence if I re-powered today it would be the Yamaha 115. OTOH, if Yamaha were to come out with a new 90 proportionally as light (right now it's barely any lighter than the new 115) I'd go with that (my dream 300# 90 hp Yamaha Very Happy

).

Rain · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 4:27 pm Post subject: Thanks for the quick replies

I appreciate the responses. I figured using the same block for several power outputs had something to do with it, but the difference seemed out of proportion. I suppose it's like the old Chevy big and small blocks! My age is showing! I hadn't considered the newer technology factor, but that makes sense.

You seem to have surmised the reason for my question! I was fortunate to get a ride (my first) on a C-Dory 22' last evening, and the owner said that while he really liked the Honda 90, if he were re-powering, he would go to the Honda 115. That got me researching, first considering the Honda 100, but it weighs 359 lbs., only 18 lbs. less than the Yamaha 115. Why not go up to the Yamaha?

Kushtaka · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 7:24 pm Post subject:

I have several of both motor in my work fleet, and a Honda on my boat.

Most of my Yamahas are being repowered with Hondas as they expire.

The reason for this has little to do with the outboards, although there are considerations, largely around power to weight as it is in this discussion. It has much more to do with available service. I only have a honda dealer nearby. In other parts of the state where we work I leave boats and if they are within a reasonable proximity to a yamaha dealer, yamaha is the motor, if it's evinrude, then its evinrude. These considerations can weigh heavily in many parts of the world, and a few parts of this country.

I have two boats with Mercury Sport Jets and we need to have them serviced in Fairbanks, which is a long trip. These boats are highly specialized (and the motors selected because of their impressive power to weight ratio) and they are the only ones we have that we have compromised on proximity to a dealer. However, these are river boats, and they run far enough north to be close to Fairbanks for a lot of the summer, so we are often able to get them to the dealer without too much trouble. It's the unexpected breakdowns near the coast that are the trouble.

However we do pay close attention to the block, and all things being equal, will generally use a larger block if we can, for a given horsepower. In the above example, we would always choose the yamaha 75hp over the 70hp, the extra 5hp being irrelevant. We work our engines harder than any rec user. The advantage is a good one for us, but maybe not for all, and it does cost a little weight.

Sunbeam · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 8:10 pm Post subject: Re: Thanks for the quick replies

Rain · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 9:19 pm Post subject: Lots of Yamaha Service Available

Living on an island has some advantages. Google says there are 6 Yamaha Marine Outboard Service Centers within 20 miles of my house! I have been to most of them. At least THAT isn't a problem.

Hoping to see a C-Dory that is for sale on Sunday. Wish me luck!

Sunbeam

hardee · Posted: Wed Oct 28, 2015 11:42 pm Post subject:

Rain, Another consideration you might think about: Living where you do, if you are considering boating up into Canada, you will find it much easier to get a Yamaha serviced or repaired, than if you are running a Honda. Has to do with Honda International and their warranty service setup. It has been tough for a US purchased Honda OB owner to get service and repair or parts accessed when north of the border.

Harvey
SleepyC Moon

Rain · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 5:33 am Post subject: One that got away...

Well, I missed that one! Was hoping to see it on Sunday, but it already sold. They do go quickly!

I appreciate the Honda service information. I was certainly not aware of that. This forum if a fountain of information.

NewMoon · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 9:12 am Post subject: Re: Thanks for the quick replies

hardee · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 11:22 am Post subject: Re: One that got away...

westward · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 1:03 pm Post subject:

I love Honda's and I'm a Honda guy generally. That said, there's NO WAY one should consider putting the current Honda 115 on a C-Dory 22. It's way too heavy. The motor is a gem, but the same weight as their 135/150. I would look for 90, or even 115 HP in the lightest form available if re-powering that boat. As mentioned earlier, the CD 22 was designed around the Johnson 70 2-stroke, and becomes cumbersome with too much stern weight. Cheers, Mike.

thataway · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 6:01 pm Post subject:

though the first boats (prior to 1987) were designed for the lighter motors, the newer boats (only 30 years), perform very well with the weight aft. Two of the Honda 40 or 50 are 418 lbs. We run with a lot of weight aft--including a full 95 qt cooler, freezer, gear of 100 lbs, three 70 lb batteries, generator. The boat handles well with this load.

Designed motor HP and weight of a boat take a number of items into consideration. It is not just the hull design.

We have to remember that new members looking for information, don't have all of the background information.

Rain · Posted: Thu Oct 29, 2015 6:06 pm Post subject: Honda 100

Does anyone know anything about the Honda 100, VTEC? I haven't found any reviews on line yet. It only weighs 366 lbs, slightly less than the Yamaha 90. Seems like it might be a great option for a C-Dory 22'. I am thinking about buying new. Anyone have a money tree or a golden goose I can use for a while? Smile