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Author Topic:   Whaler 13-footer: 40-HP Mercury or Yamaha

deccher posted 07-30-2007 07:56 PM ET (US)
I have a [19]72 13-foot Boston Whaler boat that my Pop left me. Great boat! Lots of childhood memories. Well, my aunt bought me a new 40-HP Mercury four-stroke for my birthday. The motor was supposed to be in last Friday. The dealer is now telling me it will be the end of August before it comes in! He originally told me 10 days!
I called today, told him what I thought. He offered me a 40-HP Yamaha. I don't know a thing about this stuff.
What do YOU ALL think? (other than the fact that my aunt spoils me)
Jakemachete posted 07-30-2007 09:03 PM ET (US)
[I] have a 1965 13-foot Boston Whaler boat with a 25 Mercury 2004. The motor is a perfect match. [N]o complains. [I]t planed with four adults with a broken propeller. The 40 four-stroke might be heavy and sluggish. [I] would stick with a 25 two-stroke, a 25 four-stroke, or a 40 two-stroke.
CaMoFroG posted 07-31-2007 10:00 AM ET (US)
I've got a newer 130 sport with a 40 hp 4-stroke merc.
I love it, it is great only thing different i did was change from the 3-blade Aluminum 10-1/4" dia / 14" pitch prop that came with it to a 4 -blade 10-1/2" dia / 12" pitch prop SS... WAY better hole shot and i can actually pull an adult instead of just kids out of the water
i do have to admit that the yamaha 40 hp is about 33 lbs lighter then the 40 hp merc. really either one would be good.
13rounds posted 07-31-2007 10:57 AM ET (US)
i have a 1984 13 with a 50 johnson that's great! my suggestion is take the 40 yamaha you won't regret it. my personal opinion is that any 13 with less than a 40 is not worth it.
Tohsgib posted 07-31-2007 11:20 AM ET (US)
The Yamaha and Mercury 40's are the same powerhead I believe. The Yamaha costs more. The Yamaha resales beter and has nicer decals. If he gives you an EVEN swap, take it.
Tom W Clark posted 07-31-2007 11:21 AM ET (US)
The Yamaha 40 and the Mercury 40 share the same powerhead but the Mercury is EFI. However, the Mercury has a severe weight penalty of 33 pounds.
The deciding factor may be the fact that the Yamaha is only offered in a 20" shaft length while the Mercury can be had either way. Your 1972 Sport 13 requires a 15" shaft length motor, something I assume your dealer is aware of but you might want to check on that.
Personally, I would be very hesitant to put a 217 pound motor on a 15" transom 13 footer.
contender posted 08-03-2007 01:44 PM ET (US)
Jump on the Yamaha
PeteB88 posted 08-05-2007 12:25 PM ET (US)
I have a Classic 13 [with a 19]92 Yamaha 40 which is surprisingly light but still seems somewhat transom heavy. You need to be concerned about too much weight on that transom. And it is NOT the same boat as a 130 which handles a four-stroke Merc 40 no problem.
My Yamaha 40 electric start, remote control, power tilt weighs 167.2 lbs per owner's manual. Find one today that light.
808Boater posted 08-05-2007 07:54 PM ET (US)
I'm new to this site,and so glad I stumbled across this forum. I'm in the process of restoring a 1974 Boston Whaler 13. I am really hung up on my engine choice. I really want a peppy two-stroke, and I can get a brand new Yamaha 25-HP two-stroke for a decent price, but I'm worried about it being underpowered, with four adults on board. It would mainly be used for trolling and cruising around in the ocean. I was hoping to get some feedback about whether the 25-HP two-stroke is sufficient or if the 40-HP four-stroke Yamaha would be more suited for my setup and usage.
Dick E posted 08-05-2007 08:35 PM ET (US)
You have a boat that needs a motor whose [shaft] length is 15-inches. Most motors are 20-inch. Mercury has a four-stroke EFI 30-HP 15-inch that weighs about 175 lbs. This is about 35 lbs less then a Merc 40-HP four-stroke. In my opinion it's the best option considering transom weight, HP and latest technology.
contender posted 08-05-2007 11:16 PM ET (US)
Get a two-stroke for the 13 Boston Whaler boat, If you get a deal on the 25 this is a very nice set up, you will be a little underpowered with four adults but you will not have four adults all the time...good luck
PeteB88 posted 08-05-2007 11:22 PM ET (US)
A 40-HP is best if you can find one that's not too heavy - I love my Yamaha, goes fast, hauls a load, planes fast, economical, don't need to run WOT - even planes [without] going full throttle it's so cool. I just push throttle about 75-80% and within 20 -30 seconds it's in a plane. WOT gets instant plane, throttle back to about 60% and it is sippin' fuel.
I agree a good 30 or 35 is probably fine. But anything less would be underpowered for most skippers. I don't run WOT very often, don't have to. Plenty of power if necessary .
Remember! Classic 13s and 130s are NOT the same boat at all. I think Merc 40s rigged on 130s are underpowered for 130s
deccher posted 08-06-2007 07:08 PM ET (US)
Well, I thought I'd update everyone. I want to thank y'all for the advice and opinions. Since the short shaft is such a pain, [I] am having the transom built up to accept a standard. [I] am going [to buy] the 40-HP Mercury [with] power tilt and trim. [G]oing to cost me an extra $900 though.
[I]'ll let you know how it goes
L H G posted 08-06-2007 07:32 PM ET (US)
Don't waste your money having a transom modification done, which will hurt the value of the boat. Instead, keep the hull original, simply install a small setback jackplate, or even the low cost static lift plates. Have you looked at a new Mercury 50-HP two-stroke, still being made? $3880 at jacosmarine.com, and they even have Smartcraft. About 200-lbs and tons of power. Run a Trophy Sport prop.
whalerdude posted 09-06-2007 07:11 PM ET (US)
Hey LHG-& Everybody else
I just bought a used 1979 Classic 13' Sport. I believe it uses a 20" shaft engine. I am going to put a new engine on it.
I am leaning towards the 40 hp Yamaha 4 stroke.
Does anyone else out there have a 4 stroke yamaha on a classic 13?
I am very concerned about the weight as these boats were designed for 2 stroke power.
I am looking for comments and experience on 13 sport power options.
Thanks
Whalerdude Jack

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Author	Topic: Whaler 13-footer: 40-HP Mercury or Yamaha
deccher	posted 07-30-2007 07:56 PM ET (US) I have a [19]72 13-foot Boston Whaler boat that my Pop left me. Great boat! Lots of childhood memories. Well, my aunt bought me a new 40-HP Mercury four-stroke for my birthday. The motor was supposed to be in last Friday. The dealer is now telling me it will be the end of August before it comes in! He originally told me 10 days! I called today, told him what I thought. He offered me a 40-HP Yamaha. I don't know a thing about this stuff. What do YOU ALL think? (other than the fact that my aunt spoils me)
Jakemachete	posted 07-30-2007 09:03 PM ET (US) [I] have a 1965 13-foot Boston Whaler boat with a 25 Mercury 2004. The motor is a perfect match. [N]o complains. [I]t planed with four adults with a broken propeller. The 40 four-stroke might be heavy and sluggish. [I] would stick with a 25 two-stroke, a 25 four-stroke, or a 40 two-stroke.
CaMoFroG	posted 07-31-2007 10:00 AM ET (US) I've got a newer 130 sport with a 40 hp 4-stroke merc. I love it, it is great only thing different i did was change from the 3-blade Aluminum 10-1/4" dia / 14" pitch prop that came with it to a 4 -blade 10-1/2" dia / 12" pitch prop SS... WAY better hole shot and i can actually pull an adult instead of just kids out of the water i do have to admit that the yamaha 40 hp is about 33 lbs lighter then the 40 hp merc. really either one would be good.
13rounds	posted 07-31-2007 10:57 AM ET (US) i have a 1984 13 with a 50 johnson that's great! my suggestion is take the 40 yamaha you won't regret it. my personal opinion is that any 13 with less than a 40 is not worth it.
Tohsgib	posted 07-31-2007 11:20 AM ET (US) The Yamaha and Mercury 40's are the same powerhead I believe. The Yamaha costs more. The Yamaha resales beter and has nicer decals. If he gives you an EVEN swap, take it.
Tom W Clark	posted 07-31-2007 11:21 AM ET (US) The Yamaha 40 and the Mercury 40 share the same powerhead but the Mercury is EFI. However, the Mercury has a severe weight penalty of 33 pounds. The deciding factor may be the fact that the Yamaha is only offered in a 20" shaft length while the Mercury can be had either way. Your 1972 Sport 13 requires a 15" shaft length motor, something I assume your dealer is aware of but you might want to check on that. Personally, I would be very hesitant to put a 217 pound motor on a 15" transom 13 footer.
contender	posted 08-03-2007 01:44 PM ET (US) Jump on the Yamaha
PeteB88	posted 08-05-2007 12:25 PM ET (US) I have a Classic 13 [with a 19]92 Yamaha 40 which is surprisingly light but still seems somewhat transom heavy. You need to be concerned about too much weight on that transom. And it is NOT the same boat as a 130 which handles a four-stroke Merc 40 no problem. My Yamaha 40 electric start, remote control, power tilt weighs 167.2 lbs per owner's manual. Find one today that light.
808Boater	posted 08-05-2007 07:54 PM ET (US) I'm new to this site,and so glad I stumbled across this forum. I'm in the process of restoring a 1974 Boston Whaler 13. I am really hung up on my engine choice. I really want a peppy two-stroke, and I can get a brand new Yamaha 25-HP two-stroke for a decent price, but I'm worried about it being underpowered, with four adults on board. It would mainly be used for trolling and cruising around in the ocean. I was hoping to get some feedback about whether the 25-HP two-stroke is sufficient or if the 40-HP four-stroke Yamaha would be more suited for my setup and usage.
Dick E	posted 08-05-2007 08:35 PM ET (US) You have a boat that needs a motor whose [shaft] length is 15-inches. Most motors are 20-inch. Mercury has a four-stroke EFI 30-HP 15-inch that weighs about 175 lbs. This is about 35 lbs less then a Merc 40-HP four-stroke. In my opinion it's the best option considering transom weight, HP and latest technology.
contender	posted 08-05-2007 11:16 PM ET (US) Get a two-stroke for the 13 Boston Whaler boat, If you get a deal on the 25 this is a very nice set up, you will be a little underpowered with four adults but you will not have four adults all the time...good luck
PeteB88	posted 08-05-2007 11:22 PM ET (US) A 40-HP is best if you can find one that's not too heavy - I love my Yamaha, goes fast, hauls a load, planes fast, economical, don't need to run WOT - even planes [without] going full throttle it's so cool. I just push throttle about 75-80% and within 20 -30 seconds it's in a plane. WOT gets instant plane, throttle back to about 60% and it is sippin' fuel. I agree a good 30 or 35 is probably fine. But anything less would be underpowered for most skippers. I don't run WOT very often, don't have to. Plenty of power if necessary . Remember! Classic 13s and 130s are NOT the same boat at all. I think Merc 40s rigged on 130s are underpowered for 130s
deccher	posted 08-06-2007 07:08 PM ET (US) Well, I thought I'd update everyone. I want to thank y'all for the advice and opinions. Since the short shaft is such a pain, [I] am having the transom built up to accept a standard. [I] am going [to buy] the 40-HP Mercury [with] power tilt and trim. [G]oing to cost me an extra $900 though. [I]'ll let you know how it goes
L H G	posted 08-06-2007 07:32 PM ET (US) Don't waste your money having a transom modification done, which will hurt the value of the boat. Instead, keep the hull original, simply install a small setback jackplate, or even the low cost static lift plates. Have you looked at a new Mercury 50-HP two-stroke, still being made? $3880 at jacosmarine.com, and they even have Smartcraft. About 200-lbs and tons of power. Run a Trophy Sport prop.
whalerdude	posted 09-06-2007 07:11 PM ET (US) Hey LHG-& Everybody else I just bought a used 1979 Classic 13' Sport. I believe it uses a 20" shaft engine. I am going to put a new engine on it. I am leaning towards the 40 hp Yamaha 4 stroke. Does anyone else out there have a 4 stroke yamaha on a classic 13? I am very concerned about the weight as these boats were designed for 2 stroke power. I am looking for comments and experience on 13 sport power options. Thanks Whalerdude Jack