I’ll be changing my signature at the bottom of my posts, because I’m no longer getting a 175. My salesman looked far and wide but could not find a 175 or 200 F-series or VMaxSHO brand new for repower. Apparently, Yamaha is having production issues, and those motors will not be available until 2019- too long for me! I did look at some online sites and found those motors for 2-4 grand less. Though I didn’t check whether or not they were in stock, I know they don’t include controls and rigging, plus financing would be an issue. In order to repower in most circumstances, you have to roll the boat into the package and have lien placed on the entire package. I did just that and am satisfied with the interest, term, payments, and deal on the motor.
It’ll be the Yamaha F150LB. More than adequate power and great fuel economy, it’s the go-to engine for Xpress on the HB22. Looking forward to hopefully being back on the water in the Hardcore Xpress by the end of the month.
I have the 200SHO on my H22 it’s nice but a little overkill, who needs to go over 60 in a bay boat. Also not the greatest gas mileage. I fish mostly saltwater in the creeks and flats and I bought a 4 blade mercury prop so it is nice to jump up on plane when fully loaded but don’t run over 40 very often.
James, I was curious because I have been reading the same thing about Yamaha availability. It appears that 2 things are happening.
First, Yamaha and other manufacturers are buying transoms. I.E. if you buy XYZ boat, it’s going to come with a XYZ motor regardless. These are big name manufacturers such as Robalo, Sea Hunt, etc that turn out thousands of boats. So to uphold their obligation, these manufacturers get the motors first.
Second is the effect of the hurricane in south Florida this past year. Many, many people buying replacement boats and motors.
The rumor is that Yamaha is going to build a new plant here in the US somewhere, but that doesn’t do you any good.
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
Thanks for all the comments guys! I’ll probably notice a big improvement in performance even though it’s not the 175 I originally sought. Today’s motors are much higher torque, and the old Yammy was likely losing compression for years.
Interesting insights Charles! It’s going to get where boats are like cars. Lose the engine and replace the whole thing.
On Friday, I emailed my salesman. To my dismay, he replied that there was a misunderstanding regarding the availability of the Yamaha F150’s and they are backordered until June. However, they were exploring other contacts to find me a motor. Therefore, I began looking and talking with other dealers regarding Suzukis and Mercury’s. I let the original dealership know what I was thinking around 10:30 yesterday morning. The person I talked with said she understood and no hard feelings if the deal fell through.
Around 2:15, I get a call from my salesman saying they found one up north and it will be here in 2-3 weeks if I still want it. My response was “do it!!” It’s amazing how things work.
Who thought repowering would be such a hassle?! Nonetheless, I’m looking forward to it.
Fog, you know I’m a Yamaha guy for years and my Dad and I both have had the 150 on previous boats. Very very reliable motor but if something falls through on this one they found for you, I wouldn’t hesitate to look at the Suzuki either. I think you will find they are less expensive and have an incredible reputation for reliability. The only knock I have heard on them is their parts availability. People rarely have issues but if they do my understanding is there can be a very long wait for parts.
Personally I will never consider Mercury again. Dad had one that was problematic and I had one that literally caught on fire on me in the middle of the Everglades Park. It was an electrical fire and went out quickly but we were 100% stranded in a rough place. It was an $800 tow bill (15 years ago, probably $1,500 now) from Sea Tow. Then it was still under warranty and Mercury wouldn’t honor it saying it must have been caused by a loose battery wire (which 100% wasn’t the case). I repowered that boat with a Yamaha and every boat since with no issues.
Fog, you know I’m a Yamaha guy for years and my Dad and I both have had the 150 on previous boats. Very very reliable motor but if something falls through on this one they found for you, I wouldn’t hesitate to look at the Suzuki either. I think you will find they are less expensive and have an incredible reputation for reliability. The only knock I have heard on them is their parts availability. People rarely have issues but if they do my understanding is there can be a very long wait for parts.
Personally I will never consider Mercury again. Dad had one that was problematic and I had one that literally caught on fire on me in the middle of the Everglades Park. It was an electrical fire and went out quickly but we were 100% stranded in a rough place. It was an $800 tow bill (15 years ago, probably $1,500 now) from Sea Tow. Then it was still under warranty and Mercury wouldn’t honor it saying it must have been caused by a loose battery wire (which 100% wasn’t the case). I repowered that boat with a Yamaha and every boat since with no issues.
Love my Yamaha, but if my F150 blew up today and there was a supply issue with getting a replacement, I wouldn’t hesitate to buy a Suzuki.
-The size of a fish is directly proportional to the time between when it’s lost and the story is told. - Me
-What’s the best eating fish, you ask? I’ve found that for a lot people, its the ones that they happen to be able to catch, clean, and cook. - My Dad (1/13/37 - 9/27/16 I love you Pops)
-Until you have loved a dog, part of your soul remains unawakened. Anatole France (paraphrased)
-RIP my “Puppy Dog” 10/15/2004 - 1/14/2013. I’ll never forget him. What a special friend he was.
-Team Gonna Fish
10-4 guys. I’m glad to stay a Yamaha guy, but I did take a loooong look at Suzuki and was heading in that direction until I got the call. I also looked hard at the Verado 175, but in light of your info Tiger, will not look at Mercury again. I have no respect for a company that weasels out of a warranty.
Fog, I’m with you on the Mercs, got warrenty screwed on my last pr of 225s. went with Evenrude E tec and the best move I ever made! Over a thousand hrs on my 250, not a burb. Run reg gas and reg oil too.
Nothing at all wrong with an E-Tec Boatpoor. I looked at those too. Generally where I looked, I found them just a little more pricey than other makes yet not enough to be out of the question. Again, I’m glad to remain with Yamaha. I’m comfortable and confident with 27 years of using them. That’s not just with the one I’m replacing but also with a hopped up 30 I had on my little Hightide I sold 5 years ago. Before that boat, I had a 14 foot Crestliner with a 1969 Johnson 20 horse that lasted until 1991. Before that it was my Uncle’s rowboat we kept at the lot in Bear Creek. After my grandparents passed, it was our share of the proceeds from the lot sale that bought my Xpress. In 2001, Daddy turned over to me the 18 foot BassHawk with the old 175. I hung that motor on the Xpress in 2011 after the bass boat transom rotted.
