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Author Topic:   OUTRAGE 18: What Brand 150-HP

derf posted 12-21-2005 10:29 AM ET (US)
Hi,
I would like to re-power my Outrage 18 with a recent 150-HP outboard. I would also like to know other's opinions on various brands. I have leaned toward OMC in the past but am open minded. My gut tells me to lean toward Yamaha. So, in general, what do you think is the best 150-HP outboard that is under 10 years old?
Does FICHT mean F-It, Call Harbor Tow?
Does OX66 mean it runs like a 66 year old ox?
Do 1995-2000 Suzukis have the best reliability?
I want opinions here, if you can back them with facts, good. Without starting a brand favorite war, what do you think?
Cheers,
Derf

mdono posted 12-21-2005 11:17 AM ET (US)
Derf:
My 19' Grady-White is powered by a leftover 1998 carburetor Johnson Ocean Pro 150 purchased and rigged by a dealer in 2000. Initially, I wanted but could not find at the time, a 175 to replace my blown 185. The dealer said the 150 was a close match for the ol' 185 and he was right.
My opinion so far is that this motor is basically bullet proof.
Mine sometimes runs in salt but mostly brackish or fresh water. No signs of corrosion. Maintenance by the book except for through de-carbonization every 50 or so hours and I use Amziol synthetic oil. Runs relatively smoothly and quietly.
Hole shot and overall acceleration is superior to a friends 150 Yami' powered Grady. Top end about the same.
Could have bought a FICHT, but glad I didn't given what occurred with some motors in that line up.
When the Grady's transom finally fails, I want to put this engine on an 18-20' Outrage.
Peter posted 12-21-2005 01:22 PM ET (US)
The bad reputation that Ficht has is way overdone. The 1998 and 1999 150 and 175s were the problem children and earned the "Found In Channel Hailing Tow" meaning for FICHT. The 1999 200/225s did have a problem with a bolt holding the injector on but were otherwise pretty solid motors. There many of them still running around in my locale.
The 2002 and later FICHTS and then called DIs built by BRP have been rock solid. I've got two BRP built Ficht 225s and they're better than the Yamaha 225 Ox66 that I had before them, which has a stellar reputation. They are much better than my friend's oil guzzling, plug fouling Yamaha 300 HPDIs.
RJG posted 12-21-2005 10:40 PM ET (US)
Derf.
One could argue best motor ever built for an 18 Outrage hull is a Yamaha 150 carburetor two-stroke. Yes, there is newer technology around, but for the money nothing comes close. Light weight, smooth, quiet, inexpensive, simple motors that just run and run. And with a 63 gallon fuel tank, range is a non-issue. It will yank a slalom skier right out of his bindings and idle all day without a single cough. I have one on my 18 and wouldn't trade it for anything else. You can still find them new if look around.
sosmerc posted 12-21-2005 10:53 PM ET (US)
I must admit, even though I have been a loyal Mercury supporter for over 25 years, the few Yamaha V6 two-stroke motors I have run and worked on have been impressively smooth and durable for their owners. Yamaha must spend some extra time on balancing their rotating assemblies on these engines. And their ignition and electrical systems seem to be very dependable compared to many of the Mercury motors I work on.
I have always thought the past healthy relationship between Mercury and Yamaha was a big plus for Mercury. Too bad this is changing due to recent politics. I also think it is a shame for loyal Boston Whaler fans that the brand has become so tighly connected to Brunswick and therefore has the effect of discouraging the use of engines other than Mercs.
Revenge 25 posted 12-22-2005 09:54 AM ET (US)
Yamaha OX66 or new E-TEC. I also like the Johnson motors for the price, if you don't mind the smoke (It doesn't bother me).
jimh posted 12-22-2005 01:46 PM ET (US)
My own brand preferences tend to influenced by the following factors:
--the product
--the dealer supporting the product locally
--the brand's reputation
--the brand's dealer network
Many modern engines are excellent products, so often what distinguishes one from another is something else on that list.
onlyawhaler posted 12-23-2005 01:48 AM ET (US)
I have the same boat and engine setup as you. I am holding out for the E-TEC 150. Give it a year if you can to avoid the rush, higher inital asking price, and potential bugs to work out.
Your existing OMC pre-rig will help in the installation as far as the shift and throttle. It will probably be a little lighter and quicker than the four-strokes
Sterling
Onlyawhaler
derf posted 12-23-2005 11:09 AM ET (US)
I have a 1995 Mariner 115.
I plan to only use the dealer for warranty work. If I buy new, then the dealer will be a factor.
I plan to buy used. I am a DIY person and can hardly stand to pay someone else to work on my stuff. Two friends and I put a used motor in my 2000 F-150 a year or so ago. I can handle maintenance up to and including a rebuild, if necessary. So, I'm interested in the product, mainly. With parts availability online, the dealer is not really a factor. While I would like to support local vendors, and do, I can't afford to pay tremendous mark-ups to someone who is only really wanting to sell new hulls with new outboards on them. I support local outboard shops that don't sell new boats when I can. I also have a friend who can get me just about anything new at dealer cost. A lot of times it is cheaper to buy online and pay shipping.
fourdfish posted 12-23-2005 12:13 PM ET (US)
DERF--I am a DIY also but all the new engines have some computers and electronics that make it more difficult to work on them unless you are at home with computers. That being said, I got my dealer to buy me the engine computer cable and software to hook it up. It is really great to see the engine performance stats with your laptop. I won't be playing with the engine though as it might void the warranty. My dealer is great about it and doesn't feel the least bit threatened by it.
derf posted 12-23-2005 04:23 PM ET (US)
There are good reasons to use dealer service departments. To me, most of the time, paying $80 or so shop rate per hour to have a teenager with a cordless drill poking my transom is just not good.
A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold. But, most mechanics are mediocre, at best.
There is a gap between good customer service, price, and dealerships, most of the time. I think the gap will close soon. Right now, most dealers still act like they are the only game in town and think they can charge whatever they want. Eds may be on the other end of the spectrum, selling outboards cheap with no controls or install or anything. But, at least that gives us consumers an idea of what a good price is. If you pay $1000 over what Ed's advertises and get installation, controls, etc. then you know you got a good deal. If a dealer wants $5000 more than Ed's, you know he is trying to gouge you.
RJG posted 12-23-2005 04:32 PM ET (US)
Hey Derf.
There is an outfit in Lake Placid, Fl that has a new, in box 2003 Yamaha 150 Carb. 2 stroke for $7,375.00. You would have a trick 18 Outrage with a new Yamaha 150 on a trailer for about 15K:) You otta' jump on that.
treybacon posted 01-02-2006 09:51 AM ET (US)
I have a 1988 18'Outrage w/ the original 1988 150HP 2 stroke Yamaha precision blend. I have been very happy with this setup and do feel this is a great choice for the money. Currently I run a 17P cupped Michigan Rapture SS prop. It turns 5200-5300 RPMs with avg load trimmed out. GPS speed is about 46-48MPH. Cruise 29-30mph at 3600 RPM. I would like to compare this to the new F150 4 stroke from Yamaha. Heard this is their best engine ever.

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Author	Topic: OUTRAGE 18: What Brand 150-HP
derf	posted 12-21-2005 10:29 AM ET (US) Hi, I would like to re-power my Outrage 18 with a recent 150-HP outboard. I would also like to know other's opinions on various brands. I have leaned toward OMC in the past but am open minded. My gut tells me to lean toward Yamaha. So, in general, what do you think is the best 150-HP outboard that is under 10 years old? Does FICHT mean F-It, Call Harbor Tow? Does OX66 mean it runs like a 66 year old ox? Do 1995-2000 Suzukis have the best reliability? I want opinions here, if you can back them with facts, good. Without starting a brand favorite war, what do you think? Cheers, Derf
mdono	posted 12-21-2005 11:17 AM ET (US) Derf: My 19' Grady-White is powered by a leftover 1998 carburetor Johnson Ocean Pro 150 purchased and rigged by a dealer in 2000. Initially, I wanted but could not find at the time, a 175 to replace my blown 185. The dealer said the 150 was a close match for the ol' 185 and he was right. My opinion so far is that this motor is basically bullet proof. Mine sometimes runs in salt but mostly brackish or fresh water. No signs of corrosion. Maintenance by the book except for through de-carbonization every 50 or so hours and I use Amziol synthetic oil. Runs relatively smoothly and quietly. Hole shot and overall acceleration is superior to a friends 150 Yami' powered Grady. Top end about the same. Could have bought a FICHT, but glad I didn't given what occurred with some motors in that line up. When the Grady's transom finally fails, I want to put this engine on an 18-20' Outrage.
Peter	posted 12-21-2005 01:22 PM ET (US) The bad reputation that Ficht has is way overdone. The 1998 and 1999 150 and 175s were the problem children and earned the "Found In Channel Hailing Tow" meaning for FICHT. The 1999 200/225s did have a problem with a bolt holding the injector on but were otherwise pretty solid motors. There many of them still running around in my locale. The 2002 and later FICHTS and then called DIs built by BRP have been rock solid. I've got two BRP built Ficht 225s and they're better than the Yamaha 225 Ox66 that I had before them, which has a stellar reputation. They are much better than my friend's oil guzzling, plug fouling Yamaha 300 HPDIs.
RJG	posted 12-21-2005 10:40 PM ET (US) Derf. One could argue best motor ever built for an 18 Outrage hull is a Yamaha 150 carburetor two-stroke. Yes, there is newer technology around, but for the money nothing comes close. Light weight, smooth, quiet, inexpensive, simple motors that just run and run. And with a 63 gallon fuel tank, range is a non-issue. It will yank a slalom skier right out of his bindings and idle all day without a single cough. I have one on my 18 and wouldn't trade it for anything else. You can still find them new if look around.
sosmerc	posted 12-21-2005 10:53 PM ET (US) I must admit, even though I have been a loyal Mercury supporter for over 25 years, the few Yamaha V6 two-stroke motors I have run and worked on have been impressively smooth and durable for their owners. Yamaha must spend some extra time on balancing their rotating assemblies on these engines. And their ignition and electrical systems seem to be very dependable compared to many of the Mercury motors I work on. I have always thought the past healthy relationship between Mercury and Yamaha was a big plus for Mercury. Too bad this is changing due to recent politics. I also think it is a shame for loyal Boston Whaler fans that the brand has become so tighly connected to Brunswick and therefore has the effect of discouraging the use of engines other than Mercs.
Revenge 25	posted 12-22-2005 09:54 AM ET (US) Yamaha OX66 or new E-TEC. I also like the Johnson motors for the price, if you don't mind the smoke (It doesn't bother me).
jimh	posted 12-22-2005 01:46 PM ET (US) My own brand preferences tend to influenced by the following factors: --the product --the dealer supporting the product locally --the brand's reputation --the brand's dealer network Many modern engines are excellent products, so often what distinguishes one from another is something else on that list.
onlyawhaler	posted 12-23-2005 01:48 AM ET (US) I have the same boat and engine setup as you. I am holding out for the E-TEC 150. Give it a year if you can to avoid the rush, higher inital asking price, and potential bugs to work out. Your existing OMC pre-rig will help in the installation as far as the shift and throttle. It will probably be a little lighter and quicker than the four-strokes Sterling Onlyawhaler
derf	posted 12-23-2005 11:09 AM ET (US) I have a 1995 Mariner 115. I plan to only use the dealer for warranty work. If I buy new, then the dealer will be a factor. I plan to buy used. I am a DIY person and can hardly stand to pay someone else to work on my stuff. Two friends and I put a used motor in my 2000 F-150 a year or so ago. I can handle maintenance up to and including a rebuild, if necessary. So, I'm interested in the product, mainly. With parts availability online, the dealer is not really a factor. While I would like to support local vendors, and do, I can't afford to pay tremendous mark-ups to someone who is only really wanting to sell new hulls with new outboards on them. I support local outboard shops that don't sell new boats when I can. I also have a friend who can get me just about anything new at dealer cost. A lot of times it is cheaper to buy online and pay shipping.
fourdfish	posted 12-23-2005 12:13 PM ET (US) DERF--I am a DIY also but all the new engines have some computers and electronics that make it more difficult to work on them unless you are at home with computers. That being said, I got my dealer to buy me the engine computer cable and software to hook it up. It is really great to see the engine performance stats with your laptop. I won't be playing with the engine though as it might void the warranty. My dealer is great about it and doesn't feel the least bit threatened by it.
derf	posted 12-23-2005 04:23 PM ET (US) There are good reasons to use dealer service departments. To me, most of the time, paying $80 or so shop rate per hour to have a teenager with a cordless drill poking my transom is just not good. A good mechanic is worth his weight in gold. But, most mechanics are mediocre, at best. There is a gap between good customer service, price, and dealerships, most of the time. I think the gap will close soon. Right now, most dealers still act like they are the only game in town and think they can charge whatever they want. Eds may be on the other end of the spectrum, selling outboards cheap with no controls or install or anything. But, at least that gives us consumers an idea of what a good price is. If you pay $1000 over what Ed's advertises and get installation, controls, etc. then you know you got a good deal. If a dealer wants $5000 more than Ed's, you know he is trying to gouge you.
RJG	posted 12-23-2005 04:32 PM ET (US) Hey Derf. There is an outfit in Lake Placid, Fl that has a new, in box 2003 Yamaha 150 Carb. 2 stroke for $7,375.00. You would have a trick 18 Outrage with a new Yamaha 150 on a trailer for about 15K:) You otta' jump on that.
treybacon	posted 01-02-2006 09:51 AM ET (US) I have a 1988 18'Outrage w/ the original 1988 150HP 2 stroke Yamaha precision blend. I have been very happy with this setup and do feel this is a great choice for the money. Currently I run a 17P cupped Michigan Rapture SS prop. It turns 5200-5300 RPMs with avg load trimmed out. GPS speed is about 46-48MPH. Cruise 29-30mph at 3600 RPM. I would like to compare this to the new F150 4 stroke from Yamaha. Heard this is their best engine ever.