[boyd66k20]

Who makes the best outboards in the 15-20 hp models that's reasonably priced.

 

[Peewee0413]

When buying any luxury item price isn't everything, repair cost and part availability is critical......I like Mercury...

 

[SFD]

Evinrude - to bad they are closing that part of the business. If you can find a newer one at a good price I’d jump on it. A newer Mercury is up there too. Which ever - stick with a newer model for the modern technology advancements.

check this one out - my high school buddy who I visited last weekend was able to track down his dads old boat. This is a 1 of 1 - 1968 Span made in Wisconsin. His dad had it made with a inline 6 cylinder Chevy in lieu of the offered 4 banger. Came out nice. 4 year restoration turned out great. It scoots well. Some more prop tuning and he will get 55 mph out of it. I like the old pharaoh cane handle as his flag pole topper. We were out hitting the taveroonies on the lake over the Labor Day weekend up in northern Wisconsin. My ( wife’s ) Malibu next to the Span.

L

 

[billdini]

I think Yamaha makes the best outboard although mine were a 90, 200 and 250 4 strokes. They just run and run. I bought my first 40hp Johnson in 1968. Honda makes a great engine too just a few more bucks

Yamaha 15 HP | F15SMHA

Yamaha's 362-cc 15-hp portable features a SOHC in-line, two-cylinder design. Its single carburetor and CDI Microcomputer Ignition System make it one of the most fuel-efficient in its class. At just 111 pounds, it's suitable for lightweight craft such as aluminum fishing boats, tenders, and...

www.boatspecialists.com

 

[Road Roamer]

I would stay clear of Chrysler.

You can always go blown alky big block Chevy if you aren't afraid of a little power.

 

[DZAUTO]

I know the question was originally inquiring about outboard engines (maybe I should not even respond to this). But it is just my nature to build my own.
First, I'm NOT an outboard fan, although I know that, as mentioned above, there are some good outboard engines available today------------------pick your poison and pick your price!!!
If I were looking for a newer boat (and I'm not), I would shop for a a boat in good condition but with a bad (small block Chevy) engine. I'd built my own and rebuild (if needed) the out drive unit.
Right now, I'm still 17yrs old (just trapped in this damn 78yr old body!!!) and still prefer any and all kinds of hot rods.
I special ordered this jet boat almost 50yrs ago, have taken care of it, keep it in the garage year around (except when going to the lake) and it has served us well. It has the third engine (420SB), which I built. Previous engines have NOT failed, I just wanted more (just like any hotrodder).

 

[Alwhite00]

Merc or Yamaha.

 

[blue_69_malibu]

I second the above Merc or Yamaha, although a Honda is also good.
FWIW, back in July, I tried to get a price quote for a 15 or 20 HP Kicker Motor for my 2017 Crestliner Fishhawk 1750, that is powered by a Merc 115 XPS 4S.
I was told that there was an 8-12 month wait due to supply chain issues.....for all brands other than Suzuki.
That said, go with EFI for a new boat motor. Those new four strokes are quiet, good on gas, and you can troll all day with them and not have any issues.
Here's a great boating video....complete with a Third Gen Camaro that I trashed earlier today. Love the video, though:

 

[DZAUTO]

For a 4-stroke outboard, how and where is the oil, since it is no longer mixed with the gas?

 

[DZAUTO]

I second the above Merc or Yamaha, although a Honda is also good.
FWIW, back in July, I tried to get a price quote for a 15 or 20 HP Kicker Motor for my 2017 Crestliner Fishhawk 1750, that is powered by a Merc 115 XPS 4S.
I was told that there was an 8-12 month wait due to supply chain issues.....for all brands other than Suzuki.
That said, go with EFI for a new boat motor. Those new four strokes are quiet, good on gas, and you can troll all day with them and not have any issues.
Here's a great boating video....complete with a Third Gen Camaro that I trashed earlier today. Love the video, though:

That COULD HAVE BEEN a great video, if it did not have that damn music dubbed in which drowned out the sounds of the boat!!!!!!!!!!!!! After about 15sec, I quit watching.

 

[Bonkerman]

I look after a small fleet of boats that have both Honda and Yamaha engines. We have a 25hp yamaha with over 10,000 hrs and 4 20hp Honda's with over 6500 hrs and none of them have been apart. Regular servicing and water pump impellers from time to time and plugs and that's about it. Fresh water only.

 

[blue_69_malibu]

That COULD HAVE BEEN a great video, if it did not have that damn music dubbed in which drowned out the sounds of the boat!!!!!!!!!!!!! After about 15sec, I quit watching.

Mute it, then. It's worth it.

 

[blue_69_malibu]

For a 4-stroke outboard, how and where is the oil, since it is no longer mixed with the gas?

Mine is basically an inline 2.3 Litre four cylinder.....kind of on it's side or rotated 90 degrees, if that makes any sense.
For those of us with cold winters, Winterizing the new 4S EFI motors is super easy.
Will try to take a pix when I'm home next......

 

[SFD]

They’re oil injected, so gas and a separate tank for oil.
Wish all the sand bars were populated like that..

 

[zeke67]

If you are looking at modern/new outboards in the 15-25 HP range, most brands are manufactured by Tohatsu. So pick the dealer that is most local or most trusted.

 

[DUTCH MAX HEADWORK]

I second the above Merc or Yamaha, although a Honda is also good.
FWIW, back in July, I tried to get a price quote for a 15 or 20 HP Kicker Motor for my 2017 Crestliner Fishhawk 1750, that is powered by a Merc 115 XPS 4S.
I was told that there was an 8-12 month wait due to supply chain issues.....for all brands other than Suzuki.
That said, go with EFI for a new boat motor. Those new four strokes are quiet, good on gas, and you can troll all day with them and not have any issues.
Here's a great boating video....complete with a Third Gen Camaro that I trashed earlier today. Love the video, though:

I enjoyed it. Now I remember what I was doing in 89.

 

[boyd66k20]

I think Yamaha makes the best outboard although mine were a 90, 200 and 250 4 strokes. They just run and run. I bought my first 40hp Johnson in 1968. Honda makes a great engine too just a few more bucks

Yamaha 15 HP | F15SMHA

Yamaha's 362-cc 15-hp portable features a SOHC in-line, two-cylinder design. Its single carburetor and CDI Microcomputer Ignition System make it one of the most fuel-efficient in its class. At just 111 pounds, it's suitable for lightweight craft such as aluminum fishing boats, tenders, and...

www.boatspecialists.com

Thanks for that link. My brother in law in Maine has one and it has performed great for many years. I guess most are carbureted in the 15hp range. Are there any Yamahas that are EFI in the 15 hp range? Link didn't show any.
Found this link and discovered Tohatsu makes about everything now. It's 15 is EFI but a waiting list seems to be on tap.

2022 Tohatsu 15 HP MFS15ES Outboard Motor

The Tohatsu 15 HP EFI outboard motor, Model #MFS15ES, with the 15 inch short shaft, tiller steering and manual rope start is both affordable and perfect for larger sized aluminum boats, jon boats, skiff or larger inflatable boats. Based on dependability and efficiency, Tohatsu's 15 HP outboard...

onlineoutboards.com

I have an 06 Japanese made 4runner. Their quality is way better than American made things. I bet this holds true with outboards as well. The reviews are excellent.

 

[DZAUTO]

Mute it, then. It's worth it.

Nope, I want to HEAR, repeat, HEAR the machinery. Not a bunch of music dubbed in to drown out the sounds of boats, planes, drag boats, steam locomotives, etc, etc, etc. I just cannot understand why people make videos of various kinds of machinery and then kill the effect of the sounds of the machinery-----------------------the sounds are just part of the experience.

 

[The Lizard King]