Carburated vs EFI (Honda -- 2006 or 2007?)

[Tortuga]

Hi all,

It looks like my time to move up to a 4 stroke may be near (lost my power head on my old Yami 70 this last week). I've been seeing some deals on Honda's -- $7900 for the 2006 Carburated 90 installed and rigged (new engine) vs. $9900 for the 2007 EFI 90 installed and rigged.

I don't yet have a price on the Yamaha 90, but will look around.

I guess I'm wondering what the costs and benefits of the 2 engines (carburated vs EFI) are. $2000 savings is huge for me at this point (not expecting to be facing an engine replacement at this point) though I don't want to invest in something that I won't be happy with over the long run.

Suggestions, advice, experiences? What is the downside of the carburated motor? Especially in the area of reliability and safety?

Thanks!

Matt

[Captains Cat]

Matt, I had a pair of 94 45's on my 22, Hondas, of course with carbs. Lots of associated problems.

I've got a pair of 01 Suzi 115's (200 hours) on the TC255, EFI and wonderful. Turn on, wait 3 seconds and they're both going, never a whimper!

I'd sure recommend the EFI Honda! Or Suzi or Yami. They're all good.

Charlie

[20dauntless]

We have the Honda 90 EFI and so far it has been perfect. It starts the first time every time, never smokes, is very smooth, and easy on gas. I'd highly reccomend it. We paid $8700 for the engine, gauges, controls, and installation from the factory.

[tsturm]

[westward]

I have to join the consensus on this one and recommend the EFI motor. It also has updated cooling and valve timing technology, is lighter, and has a better charging system.. I opted for twin (carb) BF40's last year mainly because the new EFI 90 was still experiencing initial glitches with the control brain, but I'll bet these are all ironed out by now. Now I come to find out that the 40/50 are being similarly updated. The old Honda 90 motor will run reliably for a long, long time so purchasing that one would by no means be a a "bad" move, just older technology. Good luck with whatever you select. Mike.

[Plan C]

I replaced a Honda 75 with a 90EFI a year ago and the difference is huge. The 90 is lighter, 15HP greater, starts perfectly (usually an issue with the 75), runs smoother, and gets 1 mpg better. Easy choice.

Dave

[Sea Wolf]

[breausaw]

The pasture is not always greener on the other side of the hill.
My 06 Honda carbureted 90 gets almost exactly the same MPG as a fellow Brat with same boat equipped with the Honda EFI model. The only difference I see in comparing notes is his higher speed a WOT, hence more HP or better prop selection or less weight or all of the above.
$2000 in savings will get you a lot of boat stuff, or just make a smaller hole in your wallet.
I’m happy with my BF90, its starts just fine if I pump up the bulb and throttle her up.
The guy I bought my boat from said it was a hard starter, but have never had a problem.
Yea I’ve had to hit the starter a couple of times now and then but not really an issue.
If unlimited funds were available I’d trade up, buy a bigger boat, more power, more stuff, better electronics, nicer fishing gear, etc, etc, etc.
You have to do a Cost benefit analysis that works for you.

[Wefings]

If you think you will use your boat alot , and participate in maintaining it ,the carb motor is a bargain . If you want the freedom to not have to ""winterize" and worry about preventing carb cleanings and just have less fuel issues ,and value that little bit more top end and economy , the EFI is a great motor. The EFIs all are . Note that the Honda is the only vestige of the "old days" left and disappearing fast. They changed them for a reason .However ,if you understand what you have with a carb Honda , it still a masterpiece of engineering.
Marc

[Will-C]

Hello,
If you can swing the extra 2k I'd buy the late model motor. Apples to apples the EFI motor should be cheaper to run and maintain. One springtime trip for carb cleaning or worse carborator replacement would eat up a good chunk of that 2k. Ask Sleepy C. Resale value, lighter weight,and the benefit of all around new technology. If you really want to save money slap a 50 or 70hp motor on the back.
D.D.

[Les Lampman]

[wannabeowner2]

[Da Nag]

[Wefings]

There is a dramatic difference in fuel related carb issues here in the south as opposed to the north . We have much more incidence of fuel related problems here than they do in the north west or north east . I have noted that speaking with many dealers that I have met . Must be the humidity here or the heat .
Marc

[Tom on Icarus]

Some of you might remember from earlier posts that I had carburetor problems earlier this year with my BF75. In the end, even after putting in all new jets and giving it the full treatment, #4 carb still would not deliver any fuel at idle so I had to replace it. Now she idles fine again. Don’t know what caused the problem but my mechanic friend said that he has seen it before…..just not usually with Hondas.
If anyone needs to replace a carb you should check out “boats.net”. I bought one through them for one third of what our Honda dealer wanted…….genuine Honda parts too. They are based in Florida and sell parts for most makes of motors.
Any Brats need parts??……check out…. “boats.net”. I saved a bundle.

Cheers,
Tom