advice on engine choice please!

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 20:37

Please help:
I currently own a bombard aerotec 380 with a Yam 15hp 2 stroke short (37kg). I am selling the Yam 15hp to upgrade as the max rating for my aerotec 380 is a 25hp.
My dilemma is this......do i go for the Yam 25hp 2 stroke short (50kg) good used condition from a dealer/12 months warranty, or do i go for a mercury 20hp 4 stroke short (52kg) brand new from a dealer/5 years warranty. The dealer tells me that the mercury is being used by a lot of race teams and is the engine to have in this class and is also performing better than some 30hp. Ive compared all the pro's and con's of 2 and 4 stroke and still cant decide. I am looking for some much needed advice and knowledge/experience on this issue....where better to look than Ribnet forum

Pikey Dave · 13 March 2013, 20:50

Yam 2s. Even more so if you deflate the boat & put it in the boot.

ppenman · 13 March 2013, 20:55

I would keep the 15. I upgraded my aerotec 380 from a 15 to a 30 2 str and regretted it. Yes it was faster but I thought the 15 suited the boat better. I'm sure everybody will call me a wimp and that you can never have too much power.

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 21:09

there is nothing wrong with my Yam 15, in fact it is mint. I just have a thirst for more oomph and i want to get my lad along on a set of ski's more comfortably. Why exactly did you regret the 30?

ppenman · 13 March 2013, 21:18

The boat was a lot more flighty and tiring to control when it got bouncy. It would be good if you could try the 25 before selling the 15.

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 21:21

yes....will try that with the dealer. Thanks for the advice

thestig1973 · 13 March 2013, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekus

yes....will try that with the dealer. Thanks for the advice

You could try your bombard with my yam 25, if we can sort out a suitable date

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 23:03

wow thats really kind of you. That would defo sort the decision out. Do you have any plans to get out in the near future? meeting wouldnt be a problem as we are not that far apart

John Kennett · 13 March 2013, 23:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by ppenman

I would keep the 15. I upgraded my aerotec 380 from a 15 to a 30 2 str and regretted it. Yes it was faster but I thought the 15 suited the boat better. I'm sure everybody will call me a wimp and that you can never have too much power.

I'm with you. I didn't particularly enjoy my Aerotec with a 25; it was just too much weight to lug about, and in anything but the flattest calm I don't feel any desire to be going that fast in this sort of boat.

A 15hp 2-stroke is the perfect match and will only feel underpowered if you really load the boat up.

beamishken · 13 March 2013, 23:15

my pal had the same boat & did exactly the same swap as you for the same reason so his kids could ski it transformed the boat although it was on remotes after the swap I had a go on the skis to "test"it & managed to get up on two skis & even kicked one off although it did bog out a bit if I pulled out for a hard turn on a single ski

Id guess it would be a bit hard work on a tiller though

another friend has a 20hp four stroke merc on a little walker bay he keeps at his house in turkey & we used it for a couple of weeks last year & it wasnt a patch on a two stroke

give me the used two stroke yammy any day

thestig1973 · 13 March 2013, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deekus

wow thats really kind of you. That would defo sort the decision out. Do you have any plans to get out in the near future? meeting wouldnt be a problem as we are not that far apart

I should be out sometime over Easter hopefully, I'll message you as soon as I know :-)

PeterM · 13 March 2013, 23:25

I run a 25 Merc 2 stoke on my 380....it only really comes into it's own when the boat is loaded up...

Loaded up it will still hit 20+ knts...at 3/4 throttle.the 15 will only get close to that 2 up at wot....(based on racing Matt h in his) :-)

You can never have to much power!...especially if it's lighter than the 4 stoke...much better response to if thinking of skiing....

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 23:28

cheers pal.....its all becoming clearer

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 23:29

that's brilliant....thanks pal

Deekus · 13 March 2013, 23:31

thanks stig1973, that will be really helpful. Did you get my post regarding LLigwy Bay?

Locozodiac · 15 March 2013, 15:27

Get a Tohatsu 2 strokes 18 HP if available in your area, you shouldn't go wot on choppy seas, worst with well inflated sib, will bump too much. Throttle down to maintain minimum plane, your passengers will have a much confortable ride including yourself.

Happy Boating