Yamaha outboards

[kjackson]

Hmmm... I've had five Yamahas, and the only one I didn't like was a 4-stroke 6hp. I couldn't start it for the life of me, except, of course, when I took it into the shop. I did own a 50hp four-stroke that I used a lot--often enough in place of the 6hp that wouldn't start. It was a great motor for me, and it lasted the second owner of the boat another four or five years with no problems.  It was a pleasure, and I swore I'd never own another two-stroke.

However, on my current boat, the four-strokes were sold out in 2005, and I ended up having to put a 50hp two-stroke on it. It's been fairly reliable considering the misuse I put it to-- too much low-end trolling for walleyes. The only issue I've had with that motor is a computer/controller that gave out at one point.  It's been a good motor since, and I trust the brand. 

[dan hufferd]

My son has my old boat with a 1998 Yamaha 40hp 2 stroke. Very good in every way. He lives in Texas on the river, and fishes it every day. You only choke it once at the beginning of the day and never touch the choke again, unlike my 2003 merc if you leave it off for 5 minutes you will have to choke it.

I have no idea about any other displacement that Yamaha makes, but I know you see 40 and 50 hp models in TV shows around the world. Next time you see a show with one of those rubber boats going up on the beach look it will be a Yamaha. They are everywhere. 

[Gumboot]

Thanks for everyone's input.  Brought home my "new to me" '03 Lowe 180W w 90hp Yamaha 2 stroke.  Prop doesn't have nick on it, boat in like new condition...can't wait to remedy that.  Was pleasantly surprised by ride.  Light chop on Pomme yesterday, very smooth stable ride, 42 on the speedo at wot with full tank and wife on board.  That's plenty for me.

Not a fan of the stingray fin thing on lower unit.  Why is it there?  Porpoising?

[fishinwrench]

Awesome.  That rig will be good to you.

Run it a few times without the hydrofoil and see.    Some rigs it actually helps, others get them put on because the previous owner either thought they looked cool, or didn't know how to drive a boat.  

If it handles good without it then you're better off not having it on there. 

[MOPanfisher]

Sounds like the same advice I got a few years ago when I bought mine.  I was going to put a hydrofoil thingy on it, and the mechanic/dealer said that if I needed it he had made some sort of mistake.  I used to have them but when I moved up to a power tilt/trim the need went away.  My boat is almost the same as yours only 6 inches shorter.  Runs about the same speed, and seems a little on the rich side on the mixture.  FYI my 90 HP Yamaha does NOT like to have the primer bulb pumped, it will flood it in a heartbeat.  It just likes to be cranked with make a little fast idle lever, it doesn't even like to be choked. Was out this weekend and for some reason the smell of a 2 stroke outboard is as relaxing as the smell of fresh coffee to me.

[rps]

I had a two stroke Yammy on an Xpress that worked great for the four years I owned it. The Evinrude Etec 75hp on the boat I am selling after six years so impressed me I had the Lund dealer swap the standard Mercury 4s for a 90hp Evinrude Etec. I love the fact that I do not have a large maintenance bill every winter. I love the hole shot torque. I love the overall lighter weight. Something to think about.

[fishinwrench]

6 hours ago, MOPanfisher said:

Runs about the same speed, and seems a little on the rich side on the mixture.  FYI my 90 HP Yamaha does NOT like to have the primer bulb pumped, it will flood it in a heartbeat.  It just likes to be cranked with make a little fast idle lever, it doesn't even like to be choked. Was out this weekend and for some reason the smell of a 2 stroke outboard is as relaxing as the smell of fresh coffee to me.

Your carb float (or vapor seperator if so equipped) levels are not set right.  Not a big deal but you are using more fuel than you should be and there is probably some carbon buildup happening.    Pull your spark plugs and see if one or more are dirtier than the others.  I bet so.  

And yeah, I love that smell too.

[Whiteriver]

Fishinwrench---I've got a 2007 25hp 2 stroke Yamaha I've had since it was new.  I've owned 3 or 4 new Supreme/Shawnee's I've strapped it on and each time I sell one I just unstrap this motor and put it on the new boat--it's not for sale.  The original gas hose inner liner collapsed and I bought a new hose that is supposed to be ethanol proof--(that remains to be seen, but I try to run ethanol free all I can).  Anyway, is it better to run the motor out of gas at the ramp or just turn the motor off and leave the gas in the carbs?  I've been running it dry for a couple years now and it's not missed a lick--runs great.  In my opinion, after owning about every brand, the 25 hp Yamaha is the best motor ever made.  It's light weight, has tons of power, and good on gas.  I had a 15 hp Yamaha with the same results too.  The only problem I've encountered is the starter---the starters seem to be a little short on quality and maybe not heavy duty enough.  Also, I mix 50:1 and the manual says 100:1----I'm not ballsy enough to run it that lean---what's your opinion on the mixture too?  Thanks

[Whiteriver]

Fishinwrench---one more question----my buddy has a 2008 25 hp 2 stroke Yamaha too and his bottom carb is pouring gas out the top of the carb.  Needle valve stuck, float, or gasket bad?  We haven't taken it off yet, but what's your best guess...thanks.

[Old plug]

I got a Yamaha 115 4 stroke,though it calls itself  mercury. Thre  time trouble with fuel system. You got achoice burn only E91 or put about 1 oz per gal of sea foam in the gas. E87 will clog those tiny intake jets very fast. I did nether. In the future I will. Other  than that  engine is 16 yrs old and starts fast as my car and runs real good now.