Mercury 9.9hp 4-stroke vs. Yamaha 9.9 2-stroke?

Phil Davies · 02 February 2005, 12:03

Guys, I need your advice and thoughts on a new engine purchase, please. I'm looking at buying a new 10hp (currently use a Yam 4hp 4-stroke) for an Avon RibLite 3.1m I've just bought. 10hp is the boat's maximum rating and max transom weighting is 40kgs. I'm interested in the recently launched Mercury 9.9 4-stroke (38kgs) or, if I go the 2-stroke route, the Yamaha 9.9 (36kgs). The Honda, Suzuki and Yam 4-strokes are all well over 40kgs and therefore not in the equation, which is a pity coz I'd have had that sweet-looking Suzi in a flash. The engine will be transported in the back of a car and I will only have to carry it a few yards to mount it on the transom.

I'm aware of the potential problems associated with transporting 4-strokes in cars and can make provision for this with a modicum of hassle. The 2-stroke appeals in that it can be chucked around with abandon but I do find mixing oil and petrol such a dreadful bore. The boat/engine will be used mainly in the winter for duck shooting forays so I don't necessarily need the acceleration qualities of a 2-stroke and the slow running capabilities of a 4-stroke do appeal. My other slight concern about the 2-strokes is the exhaust emissions - it is customary in England to shoot one's duck, not gas them.

Another consideration is the issue of the gear shift being incorporated into the throttle twist grip on the Mercury. A good friend whose opinion I respect highly has warned me off the Merc system and suggests the front mounted gear shift of the Yamaha is superior. I must admit I can see a problem developing if one shifted into neutral too fast and accidentally went into reverse at the wrong moment. Anyway, I'd value other people's views on the gear shift issue.

Also, how critical do people think it is that conventional 2-strokes will become obsolete after 2006? I don't intend ever selling the engine and would probably keep it for 15 years so parts supply might be important further down the line.

A third option I have is the Tohatsu 9.8hp 2-stroke which weighs a sprightly 27kgs. Only problem is I hate the colour and looks of it, although I suspect it's probably the most sensible choice

MeMe · 02 February 2005, 13:44

.....have you considered the Yam 9.9 4-Stroke which is only 36kilos. It's a cracking looking engine (better looking than the 2-S).

Phil, a 3.1 Avon with a 9.9 on the tail will fly, I thnk it may even frighten you. For use on the open sea, great - lets go as fast as we can - however, on tidal esturies, lakes and other such "slaughter grounds", why not consider a 8hp which will, without question chuck you along at a tremendous rate of knots.

"Where you with me that day in Abersoch when we came across several small SIBs with 6/8/9hp's belting around two up"? I'm sure it was you and I recall you commenting that an 8hp would be sufficient.

With regard to the gear change method and position, I too look forward to others comments regarding the same. For the life of me, I can't see what benefit, if any at all the "all-in-one" Merc' tiller has over the Yam's which is centrally positioned (better than the side mounted lever) and offers no ambiguity when it comes to determining if one is in gear or not.

Finally, the Lada (Tohatsu). NO - DON'T GO THERE, yes it may be the sensible option but hey - come on - get a grip.

Link to the Yam 8 & 9.9 4st

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.uk/produc...tcm%3A46-16861

Phil Davies · 02 February 2005, 13:52

There was actually an Avon RibLite 3.1m whizzing around that day. I remember he had an 8hp Yamaha 2-stroke on the tail and told us how well it went. Frightening with a 9.9? Come on, Graeme, a Ducati 916 with a slick rear tyre is frightening

ps. Ah, didn't realise the Yam 4-stroke was 37kgs. Now there's a thought.

MeMe · 02 February 2005, 13:56

.......you've already made your mind up - I know what you're like ! Take a look at this .......

http://www.boatsandoutboards.com/view/CTC048/

It's the Merc you fancy but with a substantial cost saving. However, one does have to ask ones self, Why ?

Phil Davies · 02 February 2005, 14:11

I suspect that's the outgoing 4-stroke model and he's got one left in stock. By the way I checked the weight of the Yam 9.9 4-stroke in their brochure, because being the sad anorak that I am I do have one upstairs, and it's actually 45kgs. The Yam website is wrong! Just do a spec comparison on the 15 and 9.9 - it's the same engine but the 15 is shown with the correct weight of 45kgs. The Yam 8hp 4-stroke is the one that weighs 37kgs!! Oh, how I love these little research projects, makes life worth living and avoids doing any work for another day

Thanks for your input Graeme, always interesting to hear your views

Bilge Rat · 02 February 2005, 14:20

The weight consideration would realy only come into play when considering how far you have to carry the engine ? if its not far and your able to store and transport the engine in the correct position then i'd consider the 4 stroke, however if it is some distance, your'll have to make at least 2 trips just to get the boat and engine to the water !
Dont be afraid of mixing 2 stroke as its very easy, i did it with my old rude for over a year, yes its nice to drive into the petrol station and not think about it but it really was no bother dropping a bit of oil into a 20 litre jerry can and filling it with petrol.

so sounds like your only dilema really is 2 verses 4 stroke and the accosiated problems.
And you knwo which engine i'd be going for dont you

Bilge Rat · 02 February 2005, 14:22

Ask a silly question.....why are you considering doing this right now, duck season ends in two weeks and your not going to be using the boat that much during the summer are you ! so why not wait a while and see what comes along ?

Phil Davies · 02 February 2005, 14:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilge Rat

And you knwo which engine i'd be going for dont you

Yeah, but Evinrude don't make a 9.9hp ETec

Phil Davies · 02 February 2005, 14:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bilge Rat

Ask a silly question.....why are you considering doing this right now, duck season ends in two weeks and your not going to be using the boat that much during the summer are you ! so why not wait a while and see what comes along ?

Why are you always so sensible, Rattie? As usual you are completely correct in your synopsis, but unfortunately once I get something into my head.....
Anyway, might use the RibLite as a tender for my Searider in the summer

118118 · 02 February 2005, 16:36

having used both merc and yam tiller steer engines, i would think that the yam is vastly better. the throttle/gear on mercurys is ok, but the gear shift can get quite sloppy over time. also on the merc you cant adjust idle revs without taking the lid off and moving bits by hand!!! on the new 2stroke mercs if you go from neutrul to reverse too quickley the engine kicks up.

just my oppinion

Rogue Wave · 02 February 2005, 17:28

the reason why the 9.9 are so heavy is they are the same blocks as used in more powerful ngines up to 20 hp. I believe that somewhere (FRANCE?) there is a no tax on engines under 10hp so 9.9 is a popular size with manufacturers although I am fairly convinced they might bang out a bit more,

Bilge Rat · 02 February 2005, 19:44

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

the reason why the 9.9 are so heavy is they are the same blocks as used in more powerful ngines up to 20 hp. I believe that somewhere (FRANCE?) there is a no tax on engines under 10hp so 9.9 is a popular size with manufacturers although I am fairly convinced they might bang out a bit more,

Rogue.... Lord D ain't gona have any problems paying the tax and i'd imagine tax is the last thing on his mind being so loaded, how many people do you know that have 5 cars, a ducati, rib, Robinson R30 helicopter and shoot things through the week and weekend just for fun, rumour has it that he also owns a small island somewhere on the blackwater.

Rogue Wave · 02 February 2005, 20:35

I was gonna offer him a lend of my Merc 9.9 but if he's got all thise toys then stuff him...cos I am jealous

Bilge Rat · 02 February 2005, 20:45

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rogue Wave

I was gonna offer him a lend of my Merc 9.9 but if he's got all thise toys then stuff him...cos I am jealous

Unlucky Davies, looks like you've mugged it again

Rogue old buddy can i have a go of your 9.9 instead, then i can tell Lord D how good it was

MeMe · 04 February 2005, 15:15

............you for being a little miffed. I'd have to agree, the poor feedback thus far to such an interesting question is also IMO poor. As always it's the rock steady few who bother to reply.

Louise · 04 February 2005, 15:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by MeMe

I'd have to agree, the poor feedback thus far to such an interesting question is also IMO poor. As always it's the rock steady few who bother to reply.

OK. So which one looks the nicest? Go for that one!

Bilge Rat · 04 February 2005, 20:56

Quote:

Originally Posted by Louise

OK. So which one looks the nicest? Go for that one!

Lou Lou your absolutely correct, Lord D's a complete tart when it comes to looks and image, God forbid him going against the grain

ADS · 04 February 2005, 21:19

Just out of interest, why are you upgrading from the 4HP? Is there a chance to get on the plane or is it all inshore work?

Alex

Phil Davies · 04 February 2005, 22:34

Quote:

Originally Posted by ADS

Just out of interest, why are you upgrading from the 4HP? Is there a chance to get on the plane or is it all inshore work?Alex

Mostly inshore, but life in the slow lane with a 4hp on a planing hull is pretty tedious. Besides which I have developed a deep loathing for my Yamaha 4hp 4-stroke which has an intriguing design fault causing it to flood if you tilt it up when hot and then not starting for the next ten minutes. It's also the most incredibly noisy outboard I've come across. Despite threatening it with a damn good hiding and a miserable future on the back of a displacement hull, it has failed to mend its ways.

Rogue Wave · 05 February 2005, 00:40

we bought the 9.9 as an Aux for Billy( 4 tons) but it wasn't really powerful enough. It wouldn't punch tide so we put it on the 3.1 mtr Avon wot lives on the tug and it flies!

I have no beefs with this engine at all but I have always thought that a looked after Yammie stands the test of time better!

Of course you can borrow it Bilgey