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Author Topic: What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)  (Read 3008 times)

Damien

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What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)
« on: September 21, 2007, 09:31:26 AM »
Okay folks, I'm looking for a little advice or experience.

I am going to be purchasing a new small outboard.  It will be used primarily on my 12 foot aluminum boat as the main power with my Minn Kota as the troller.  It will also see use on a 17-18 fibreglass boat as a kicker for trolling on larger bodies of water and the ocean.

So, what size do you thing would make the most sense?

Also, does anyone have experience with Nissan Outboards?  I have read that Nissan (Tohatsu) also the supplier/manufacturer of the smaller Merc outboards.  This is appealing to me as there are no Nissan Outboard retailers in my area (for service or parts).  Can anyone confirm this?

The reason I ask as there are some smokin deals to be had on Nissan outboards from a larger US retailer right now, also you can't mess with this exchange rate!

Thanks!
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Jamison Jay

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Re: What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)
« Reply #1 on: September 21, 2007, 09:56:47 AM »
No experience with nissan. But 9.9 is the best all round use. Mainly because there are alot of 10hp limit lakes, a 9.9hp will get you up and planing, and with a second prop would be a great kicker.
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bentrod

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Re: What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)
« Reply #2 on: September 21, 2007, 12:07:59 PM »
I use a 8 hp high thrust 4- stroke Yamaha on my 20' Weldcraft.  It will push me 5 + mph.  Fast enough to troll for anything where I'm at.  Very easy to maintain and runs super clean and quiet.  It also has an alternator on it to charge my accessory battery. 
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ever_hopefull

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Re: What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)
« Reply #3 on: September 21, 2007, 12:21:27 PM »
I have run a lot of motors over my time, and agree with sticking with the 9.9 hp limit.  I also have not used a Nissan before, but one key thing to consider is the location of closest shop that can do maintenance, and/or for you to purchase parts.  For that reason, I have been sticking to Mercs.  I have a 2000 9.9 that just won't quite even though it has been dunked a few times - it still starts and runs just fine (after getting the water out).  Due to where I live (water access only) I run the motors every day of the year and the 4 strokes motors (all brands) are fantastic.  My experience is that they use 30% less fuel and are much quieter and therefore well worth the extra money.  The key factor to consider is not just the purchase price, but reliability and ease of maintenance.  Be sure to get the extended insurance as this has also saved my pocket book on at least on occassion when major work had to be done on a motor.

Good luck
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BwiBwi

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Re: What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)
« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2007, 12:35:41 PM »
I run a Yamaha 4 stroke 9.9hp high thrust on my boat as a kicker.  It works great.  Starts easy even after 4 months sitting idle.
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Damien

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Re: What Size Outboard - Dual Use (and brand advice)
« Reply #5 on: September 21, 2007, 02:04:15 PM »
Cool, good info.

Thats why I posted if anyone knew for sure that Merc=Nissan, due to there being no retailer/repair shop in my city.

I can pick up a brand new Nissan Four Stroke 8hp for $1500 USD (CDN), hence the attraction.  A four stroke 8hp Merc locally is $2400.

 :'(
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