So, I have decided to buy a new Honwave T40. The dealer offers a range of engines: Honda, Suzuki, Mercury, Tohatsu. He reckons a 20 hp would push it along nicely.
Question is, what engine should I go for? Any opinions?
Any of the major manufactures will serve you well. I'd be looking at weight if you're building rather than towing. I'd also wouldn't be constrained by main dealer, and suggest you check out Yamaha.
All the big 4/5 manufacturers are fine.
I'm biased as have a Suzuki DF20 and it's the best motor I've owned. Had it 3 years, still the lightest 20 out there and fuel injected to boot.
The suzuki is efi and simply stunning. look at the post in the cruises section I put up as one is going round the UK.
Honda . so silent is is amazing. expensive but bullet proof but far less fun.
Mercury / mariner / tohatsu = same outboard. a bit cheaper than the suzi and lots around ( suzuki was on back order) but has carbs and heavier than the suzi and not as refined as the honda. Having said that it is ok. It will not make your ears fall of due to grinning so wide like the suzi but no known major problems
Yam : Not the best engine in their range and they have some great ones. I suspect that a new 20 will be out soonish but a yamaha dealer could tell you more and sorry not close enough to them to give a fair comment sorry.
Summery if it was me
Suzuki if you want fun
Honda if you want steady and will do lots of hours but I dont know anyone doing 5K hours on a SIB
Mercury/ Mariner / Tohatsu: The cheapest
Yam: ask someone else but the ones I have used have been OK!
i don't know where this honda thing comes from regarding hours and "bullet proof", it isn't like the rest are worse and honda is the benchmark for all other makers.
it is practically impossible for a leisure boater to wear an engine out in UK, it will quit with corrosion/lack of use well before that time regardless of the make these days.
all you need to do is go onto THT forum and you will find suzukis, yams, mercs, etecs, hondas etc with 5k-10k hours on them (maybe not 20hp granted) and still in use with no powerhead swaps.
it is just your donald duck and none of the engines you mention would worry me. the suzuki having EFI and being lightest would be the buying points for me though if price isn't an issue.
They are all good these days and there is an element of personal choice.
Suzuki lightest by a few kg and quite a keen price usually at £2300 or so.
Honda bit heavier and another £125 or so.
Mariner a bit outclassed in this size being 8kg heavier than the Suzuki... but often £250 or more cheaper if that matters most.
I went through the choices earlier this year and chose the Suzuki due partly due to its weight and partly as I very much likes the idea of the EFI and ECU mapping to allow fast pickup but also good economy when cruising.
OK so I've only done just over 10hrs** with the Suzuki but so fat no cause to regret my decision.
**By chance taking it for its first service at the dealers tomorrow.
The Honda comment comes from a previous life working for an outboard dealer and seeing what makes needed repair the most and least compared to how many were sold/ serviced/ market share. Based on this ( and yes it could have just been our workshop) the honda outboards were by far the most reliable. I would also add that I never did see some other outboards with the hours you mention. I do see a few other makes do those hours on a regular basis but not all and I am not saying they dont do them, but I have not seen it in 4.5 years.
Sula
