2021 - 20HP Outboard - Yamaha vs Honda?

[Steve_C]

2021 - 20HP Outboard - Yamaha vs Honda? About to purchase new dingy (Highfield 340) Will be initially in the Med before eventually heading West.

I know both of these have seen some updates and most comparisons I can find are for older models. I have always had a slight preference for Yamaha, but Hondas can be pretty solid as well.

Opinions????

[Manateeman]

I have a dead Honda 20 you can have for free. I rebuilt the bottom end, new carburetor, various things broke one after the other. I got to hate it so much I just bought a Yamaha 25. It came with one broken bolt which hold the rope mechanism on. On my fix it list. Otherwise very reliable. Running Starbrite enzyme gas treatment in which I’m a firm believer works. Seems the fuel injection motors work better than carb but what about DIY repairs a long way from home. You couldn’t kill my old Yamaha. I generally detest outboards. If I didn’t need a SUV of a dinghy and didn’t live in a river with a strong current, I use my Trinka 10 with oars. I’m putting a new carb and choke cable on my 2.5 Yamaha which has a bowl drain screw you cannot unscrew. Perfect self destruction design.
Did I say I detest all of them? Is there any dinghy motor you can count on ? My Yanmar diesel runs like a Swiss watch.
My manatee crew charges more than a Z tug for each hour they paddle.

[sy_gilana]

In the 3rd world, there is an established Yamaha dealer network.
Honda, any other brand, maybe excluding Tohatsu, not well supported.
Fuel quality is an issue for most motors, 4 strokes especially. Get a fuel injected 4stroke or a 2 stroke. IF the former, take along plenty of filters.
For plain day to day hammering, you cannot beat a Yamaha 2 stroke Enduro. But not available in 20HP, so go for 25. Weighs the same as a 4 stroke 15.
If you cant get it in US, wait till you get over to the Caribbean with a temporary motor.

[Steve_C]

Originally Posted by sy_gilana

In the 3rd world, there is an established Yamaha dealer network.
Honda, any other brand, maybe excluding Tohatsu, not well supported.
Fuel quality is an issue for most motors, 4 strokes especially. Get a fuel injected 4stroke or a 2 stroke. IF the former, take along plenty of filters.
For plain day to day hammering, you cannot beat a Yamaha 2 stroke Enduro. But not available in 20HP, so go for 25. Weighs the same as a 4 stroke 15.
If you cant get it in US, wait till you get over to the Caribbean with a temporary motor.

Does Yamaha still even make the 2 stroke?

[CAELESTIS]

Steve, I have the Highfield 340, currently with a Yamaha 15 2 stroke. It will not plane with all four of us unless WOT for quite some distance.

I am currently looking for a Yamaha 25 2 stroke. They are not sold new in the US, but Yamaha sells them all over the world.

I can’t say enough great things about Yamaha.

[CAELESTIS]

https://youtu.be/jc224x9hd9k

[ixnax]

Tohatsu 20 EFI 4 stroke with electric start. Fuel efficient, strong, smooth and quiet compared to the two stroke 15HP Yamaha I had before. Up to 20HP Mercury's are Tohatsu's. Other brands parts, for example oil filters, also cross. Importantly, it's light. Under 100#, I think. More importantly, everyone who gets in your dink will wish they had your engine.