New Engine for Osprey Vipermax 6.8

JohnnyMW · 30 August 2020, 18:01

I have an Osprey Vipermax 6.8m (2015) which is currently powered with an Evinrude ETEC G1 200HO. It's great fun but after yet another Bank Holiday weekend ruined by a faulty engine (just out of warranty), I've decided to change the engine to something a little more reliable.

I love the power from the ETEC, but not the reliability, so I've been thinking about a Yamaha 200 or Suzuki 200 - does anyone have any thoughts on the best option? Have heard the Vipermax 6.8 may handle better with the lighter 4 cylinder engines, (compared to V6 ETEC) but can't decide which to go with.

Any views on performance, economy, reliability?

Thanks for your help

Johnny

Andrei · 30 August 2020, 20:15

We have been running Yamaha outboards commercially for 20 years with great success. Our 6.7m RHIB is powered by a Yamaha F200 which has performed near flawlessly.

Erin · 31 August 2020, 07:11

I have a Suzuki DF200 on my Osprey 6.5 which has been faultless for the last 12 years. I do feel it weighs the stern down a bit more than idea, but I gather the new ones are a bit lighter.

Jeff · 02 September 2020, 09:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyMW

I have an Osprey Vipermax 6.8m (2015) which is currently powered with an Evinrude ETEC G1 200HO. It's great fun but after yet another Bank Holiday weekend ruined by a faulty engine (just out of warranty), I've decided to change the engine to something a little more reliable.

I love the power from the ETEC, but not the reliability, so I've been thinking about a Yamaha 200 or Suzuki 200 - does anyone have any thoughts on the best option? Have heard the Vipermax 6.8 may handle better with the lighter 4 cylinder engines, (compared to V6 ETEC) but can't decide which to go with.

Any views on performance, economy, reliability?

Thanks for your help

Johnny

Have you considered Mercury V6 4 strokes ,,, 225 is the same weight as the 200 hp at around 220kg . Great reliable & relatively simple technology

JohnnyMW · 02 September 2020, 20:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Erin

I have a Suzuki DF200 on my Osprey 6.5 which has been faultless for the last 12 years. I do feel it weighs the stern down a bit more than idea, but I gather the new ones are a bit lighter.

Hi - I’m definitely thinking a Suzuki DF200 is the way forward having read loads of reviews. As you say the new V4 is lighter!

JohnnyMW · 02 September 2020, 20:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff

Have you considered Mercury V6 4 strokes ,,, 225 is the same weight as the 200 hp at around 220kg . Great reliable & relatively simple technology

Thanks Jeff - hasn’t looked at Mercury - think I’m going to look East! Suzuki currently the favourite!

Pikey Dave · 03 September 2020, 10:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by JohnnyMW

Thanks Jeff - hasn’t looked at Mercury - think I’m going to look East! Suzuki currently the favourite!

As a Suzuki owner, I’d say buy the Mercury [emoji6]

Livid · 03 September 2020, 12:06

As a mercury owner I wouldn't rush to buy the mercury. Two people in the village I live in ran 150 efis and both had electrical trouble, I persevered and bought a new alternator, the other guy had so many issues (he is a commercial operator) that he gave up and dropped a 200 Yamaha on the back of his rib

hyndlandguy · 03 September 2020, 13:19

My local boat dealer is the local agent for both Mercury and Suzuki and he swears blind Suzuki is the way to go. Way better reliability in his opinion.

Robmc · 03 September 2020, 13:20

It's not necessarily the make of engine that worries me, its the support (or lack of) when things go wrong. The link below is from a person on the WSF (i had a boat like his a few years ago) - the tale of woe regards his Suzuki is enough to ensure that I'd think twice about the brand.
https://www.worldseafishing.com/foru...gest.38534963/