suggested engine

bnn · 07 October 2008, 02:22

hi all,

i would like to ask all of you to help me in choosing an outboard for my future rib. the boat will be 9.5m hull with 2 optionally 3 engines (200-250 hp each)
here (egypt) i have an access to:
- yamaha (200hp, 4str ) recommended by the local rib constructor, due to easy maintenance/anathomy

and relatively low cost
- mercury,
- honda

the last two i now nothing about. which ones are the most reliable? which one is the cheapest? which one has best money:fun ratio? are the rib constructor suggestions right?

please help

ps. i am a newbie to this forum, so i would like to say hello to everyone on the board and please don't shoot me off after my first post here.
regards
bart

codprawn · 07 October 2008, 04:12

If they are available get a pair of Mercury 300XS - they are very light and not too bad on fuel.

3x engines are too much for a boat that size.

If you stick with yamaha go for the 250 - I would always get the most power for the same size and weight engine.

All the leading brands are pretty reliable.

Cypman · 07 October 2008, 16:31

Suzuki engines were very good value in Cyprus, you may wish to check their availability in Egypt. I consider the DF250 to be a great engine, and especially so if a good deal is available.

jyasaki · 07 October 2008, 16:58

Find out what is easy to get serviced nearby, and factor that in. It's a pain to have to trailer the boat a long ways just so the shop can look at it.

As far as make, well, they're all still in business, so none of them are trash. I'm not getting involved in a one over the other debate...

jky

Chris · 07 October 2008, 20:17

Why not get one of each

Turbodiesel · 07 October 2008, 20:45

Go for the Merc Verado 200hp.

bnn · 08 October 2008, 20:06

hi again,

suzies are the least often seen engines here

first of all - the boat will be commercialy used for diver transport, which in this case means captain + one crew, plus roughly: 6x90kg and 6x30kg (passengers and equipment).
are you sure 2x200hp will be enough?
the manufacturer's specs say 3x250hp or 2x350hp max (www.nationalmarineredsea.net)

both merc and yamaha are easily serviced on the spot, moreover what i was said from the manufacturer is that yamaha has the simpliest construct (even though they deal with mercs) true or not?
which technology should i look for? there's so many of them: hdpi, sx, vmax...
any difference in construction between yam and merc (more electronics somewhere?)
i am leaving in a country where electronics don;t have an easy life

i have a lot more questions and your answers are very motivating to ask about more and more. thanks for all of them. btw, i am not willing to trigger any "one better than another" discussion just found a new and exciting white spot in my knowledge...

codprawn · 08 October 2008, 23:35

What ever you do don't go near the Yamaha V8 engines - they are way too heavy!!!

My choice would be 2x 300hp - the Mercury 300XS is an incredible engine. Another choice would be the Verado 300 but they are very complicated.

The 300xs is probably the simplest engine.

yamaha 250 4 strokes are great as well.

Cookee · 09 October 2008, 13:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by codprawn

What ever you do don't go near the Yamaha V8 engines - they are way too heavy!!!

My choice would be 2x 300hp - the Mercury 300XS is an incredible engine. Another choice would be the Verado 300 but they are very complicated.

The 300xs is probably the simplest engine.

yamaha 250 4 strokes are great as well.

The 300XS is an incredible engine, but IMHO wrong for a commercial application - it is noisy, has less torque than a 4 stroke and I wouldn't expect to get a warranty using a race engine on a commercial trip boat!

And don't forget to add in the cost of oil into the running costs - DFI oil isn't cheap!

Mollers · 09 October 2008, 13:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cookee

The 300XS is an incredible engine, but IMHO wrong for a commercial application - it is noisy, has less torque than a 4 stroke and I wouldn't expect to get a warranty using a race engine on a commercial trip boat!

And don't forget to add in the cost of oil into the running costs - DFI oil isn't cheap!

Codders has a bit of a 'penchant' for the 300XS.

I reckon he'd reccomend one for a pedalo.

codprawn · 09 October 2008, 15:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mollers

Codders has a bit of a 'penchant' for the 300XS.

I reckon he'd reccomend one for a pedalo.

Too right - why not the Yanks stick them on those pontoon boats with a balcony and spiral staircase!!!