Catch 22":245gyqbi said:So I am just about to repower the Catch 22. I am buying a new motor and would like peoples input. I spend 95% of my time fishing/ cruising in Puget Sound. I do not care about top speed at all. All I care about is fuel economy and reliability. If you feel like taking the time, I would appreciate your input on the following. Let me know what you have and how it did for you. Obviously 22 footers would be most interesting to hear from, but all are welcome. THANKS!
Motor Make/ Model/ year:
Where did you buy it (if in the Puget sound area):
Customer service rating (1-10):
Cost new (if you wish to disclose):$
Fuel economy:
Reliability of motor (1-10):
Features you particularly like/ dislike:
Any other comments:
localboy":2oioncte said:Motor Make/ Model/ year: 2006 Suzuki DF150
Where did you buy it (if in the Puget sound area): Came w/ the boat
Customer service rating (1-10): Performance Marine is good
Cost new (if you wish to disclose):$Don' know; see above
Fuel economy: Don't know. No fuel flow meter
Reliability of motor (1-10): 9
Features you particularly like/ dislike: The thing is so quiet at idle, sometimes I don't even realize it's running. Compared to same hp Honda, the engine is smaller. I can do my own basic maintenance quite simply.
flatfishfool":36h8na1u said:The 90 Honda is a nice fit for the boat. When lightly loaded for daytrips I will get 5.5mpg cruising in fair seas at 14mph or so and running 3600 RPMs. Economy goes down from there as you add people and gear or try to go fast. I don't think I have seen much less than 3.75mpg in any usage though. Mine is a 1997 model with 1350hours and has been v. reliable (knock knock). I think a lower unit failure was the only major issue it's seen (knock again).
I know the boat was typically sold with a 70HP 2-stroke back in the day but unless you truly don't care about speed at all (like you're willing to go 8-10 when you could be going 13-16) and/or your usage is always lightly loaded I would be hesitant to go that low. Having run some bigger boats that were underpowered I much prefer having a little in reserve even if I rarely use it and especially if I can still get 5+mpgs.
I would be curious to hear more numbers from those with twin 40s or perhaps someone with a Yamaha 80 or 100. I don't know much about them but I've always thought the 90 Etec may be an ideal match for weight and power/efficiency. Perhaps the Tohatsu 90 TLDI as well.
Congrats Kevin. Sounds like a sweet motor. And you're right, Jacobsen Marine is being built as we speak. It will be nice to see your boat across the fairway real soon.Catch 22":3uctlckr said:Well I put a down payment on a 90hp yamaha today. It should arrive at Jacobsens Marine next week for installation. Since I will be mooring at Edmonds and they are putting a new location there it will make service easy. In the mean time I am finishing up new electrical, hydrolic steering, and new fuel lines/ separater. Can't wait to be back on the water.
thataway":3jir9g79 said:It is not just Suzuki that has issues with "making oil" Yamaha, seems to have the most of the number I read about--Merc certainly has this problem, as do a few Suzuki.
The various causes are cited as improper break in. Corrosion of the cylinder walls, from not fogging the engine if it is not used for several months.
These are certainly things I would look at very carefully with the new outboard.
Also many of the newer outboards have corrosion issues in the exhaust passages (hot corrosive gas, with salt water)…. most brands involved.
Suzuki America filed for bankruptcy a couple of years ago. This affected the car mostly--and a different arm continued with the outboards. Shortly after the Earthquake in Japan, there was a shortage of all Japanese outboards, but that back log should have been taken care of. I can call my suzuki dealer (a friend) and inquire about availability if you wish--I think I will get a straight story. It is unusual to keep the larger motors in stock, since the demand is less and there are a number of sizes (and now colors in Suzuki.