90 2stroke vs 115 4 stroke

Ok what i got is an 1882 polar flat bottom skiff with a Yamaha 90 2. My only complaint is holeshot when i load it with any extra weight at all.Now, ive been itching like crazy for a 115 4stroke but with the 4s being lazy on takeoff would it be any better than the 90. I dont wanna drop that kind of money and still have the same slow take off.Has anyone else done this swap and how much different was the 4?

That 90 2S should be all that boat needs. It would be hard for me to drop that kind of money on a 4S when you have such a great motor. Most skiff owners would kill for that model. Probably the best weight to power ratio. I would get a little lower pitch prop, and or get trim tabs before I swapped motors. You are talking about adding 120# to the back which will probably perform worse. Depending on the WOT of the new 115 and the gearing, top end may be the same, but I don’t think it would be an upgrade on take off.

“Wailord”
1979 17’ Montauk
90 Johnson

Wilderness Ride 115

Have the 90 Yamaha on a 19’ Carolina Skiff v-series. I wouldn’t call the hole shot lazy. Normally just two of is with a moderate sized cooler and standard inshore gear.

You going fishing or putting on a human cannon ball shot with a catch net where ever
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I have a Polar Flats 1788 with a Yamaha 70 2-stroke. It won’t snap your neck but once it gets up it cruises fine. Would I mind a 90? Nope but, I wouldn’t drop that kind of money on a 115 for a little better hole shot…unless you just have money to burn.

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What they said. That boat should run just fine with a 90, and that 2 stroke Yamaha is one of the best engines ever made. I also suspect that a different prop will help you a lot. What are you using now and how many RPMs does it turn at WOT?

Capt. Larry Teuton
Swamp Worshiper

I echo these guys. The 90 is all you need.

I will add though, my Yamaha 115 SHO four stroke has anything but a “lazy” hole shot. Everyone I’ve taken with me always comments on how quick out of the hole the boat is so not sure what four strokes you’ve been aboard that have a “lazy takeoff.” Plus it’s lighter than standard 115hp four strokes so the weight difference wouldn’t bother me in this case. Also, the fuel economy is better. Full of fuel (30 gal), gear and 2-3 people, my boat will run 40mph (via GPS). Granted, I’m not looking to drag race anyone, I’m going fishing.

My boat is rated for a 150hp motor but again, as already stated, I know I don’t “need” that extra horsepower to go fishing. Don’t confuse what you “want” with what you “need.” If what you have cranks every time and gets you from point “A” to point “B” and back again, it’s doing the job. Now, if you simply “want” a little more HP, then do it. As long as your boat is rated for it, of course.

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Xpress H20B Bay Series
Yamaha 115 SHO

I just traded up on my boat and went from a Yamaha 90 two stroke to a Yamaha 115 four stroke. The Yamaha 90 two stroke is a great engine that should really do well over time with reasonable care (and probably handles neglect as good as any - not that I’d want to test that). While the new boat is much heavier it feels quicker out of the hole with the 115. I’m enjoying the perks that come with the four stroke like quieter ride, better mpg and don’t miss adding oil. But, with the 90 Yamaha being such a good engine I’d be hard pressed to spend the cash to replace it unless I had to.

Sea Fox 186 Commander

Thanks guys, everyone pretty much is thinking like I am. I think my best route is maybe a 4 blade prop for the camping trips and what not when I know I’m loaded heavy. Normal activities I have no complaint with the 90. I definitely don’t wanna spend 12g and not benefit other than a ten dollar fuel swing.

prop change will change everything

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I have a 15P Powertech in the swap shop that’ll fit that thing. Worked incredibly well getting my water logged skiff out of the water in a hurry!

Wadmalaw native
16’ Bentz-Craft Flats Boat

When I was a good bit younger, I cared about how fast I could leave the starting line! Over the years I’ve slowed down and the Jack Rabbits, only get to the finish line 2/3 seconds before I do! What is the great thing about Hole Shot anyway? A little less slamming around and a little more slow and steady will pay off! I’ve found this to be true with most everything in life! This approach works especially well with a woman! I think there is a childhood parable, here somewhere:question::wink::smiley:

That 90 just isn’t enough motor. I’ll buy if for $1750 or so and you can start looking for a newer 4-stroke!

What ChrisV said. Prop changes everything. It’s simple really. As long as you have the right pitch and cup a 3 Blade will result in slower hole shot, blow out easier in turns, but better mid range and top end. 4 Blade will give you hole shot and good handling, not much on top end. Most places will make a recommendation and let you water test a prop(s), and switch them out if they aren’t what you wanted. Assuming you don’t ding them at all…

Will someone. explain the benefits of a hole shot to me, Please:question:

quote:
Originally posted by Easy

Will someone. explain the benefits of a hole shot to me, Please:question:


If I’m understanding the OP correctly…

Having that low end power helps get a loaded boat out of the hole and up on a plane.

Sometimes too much prop works well in the top end, but boat will struggle getting up on a plane.

It’s not about a holeshot like racing terms, just ability to get up on a plane…

Wadmalaw native
16’ Bentz-Craft Flats Boat

My idea of holeshot, is taking off somewhat flat. Not needing a quarter mile of 4’ water to take off. Top end speed I could Care less,I normally cruise at 25 or so. Also i feel like a big fuel loss is when a motor struggles to get going

Holeshot - the opposite of dragging ass for 15 seconds while your boat decides if it’s going to plane out or not.

Importance of hole shot:
Say you use a boat ramp that dries out at low tide. There is a puddle of 18" water at the end of the ramp from people power loading. There is only 10" of water past the puddle. Your boat requires 10" to run.
You must be on plane by the time you leave that puddle or your sitting in mud for 5 hours.

You people need to get on the water. These are boating 101 questions. Go see ChrisV. He’ll solve your problem in short order. This aint rocket science. Regardless of what rod and reel you fish with and what the water temperature is.