Honda 115 hp 4 stroke

Powerboat · 29 October 2002, 13:18

We are replacing Ally cat our two year old Advanced Powerboat School RIB in the next month or so.

She was equipped with a Yamaha 100 hp 4 stroke which I reckon was the best engine I have ever owned with superb economy.

I currently run about 30 different Yamaha OB motors in my different walks of life and have been very happy with every thing bar the huge price increases in recent years over here.

Having seen their latest quote , my loyalty over 20 years to Yamaha has now been stretched too far !

I am there fore looking at a Honda 115 hp 4 stroke Ultra long shaft for Ally Cat 2 this year and for two other twin engined craft which we will be ordering in the first half of next year.

Any user experience out there ?

Best wishes ,

Stuart
www.powerboat.org

Jason Norman · 29 October 2002, 13:58

We fitted a 90hp & 115hp honda to two of our 6.5m's and they have proven to be excellent set ups, the 5 year warranty on both engines was a big winner to.

batfalcon · 29 October 2002, 18:51

Never had owned a Honda myself, but I do have a friend who does. He bought the engine (and the boat) the same year as I did, that is 1997. Every years he "plows" the Aegean sea with this rib but I never heard any complains for the engine.

Simon Guest · 30 October 2002, 08:48

Hi Stuart,

No direct experience, but the Honda 115 is really heavy, isn't it? Basically same as the 130? I remember a really old thread where JK posted weights of various engines in this range, and the Honda was *much* heavier than the others.

I tried to find the thread to post a cross reference, but couldn't. Perhaps it's been deleted by now. (That would be a shame, as searching in these old threads provides a great source of information, or at least, opinion.)

cheers,
Simon

Tiger · 30 October 2002, 08:57

Used the Honda 130hp on a number of different ribs and it is very nice, quiet smooth, can't say it was ballistic acceleration, but the boats were 6.5m and not light.

Point about weight is very important to consider, not only for trim and towing, but strain on the transom.

Would certainly recomend it as a good option to the pricy Yamaha.

Tiger

Powerboat · 30 October 2002, 09:35

Weight is the main isssue worrying me !

The Yammie comes in a a very reasonable 167 KG ( Very close to her two stroke sister ) . I have a memory that the Honday is substantially heavier.

Funny thing though.

Since posting here I have had a contact from a Yammie dealer who is worried at losing the knock on business from our School !

Best wishes ,

Stuart

Alan · 30 October 2002, 10:41

I think the Honda is over 200kg? As Simon says its basically the same engine as the 130. Howabout a Merc/Mariner 115? Either that or pay the price for the best engineering - Yammie!

Alan

Powerboat · 30 October 2002, 11:18

Hi Alan,

I agree , except the price premium over here for the best engineering is now bordering on the unaforadble !

But a 40 kg penalty is substantial !

Best wishes ,

Stuart

Ben · 05 November 2002, 16:52

Have had a Honda 50 and 130 and both are faultless. Helps that I get a good discount as well

Powerboat · 05 November 2002, 17:06

Hi folks ,

Many thanks for the valuable feedback.

looks like the Honda 115 could be a runner alright !

Best wishes ,

Stuart
www.powerboat.org