I am looking for some insight from fellow members, kinda torn in different directions on what motor to choose from. I am replacing a Mercury 40hp 4 cycle, not because the motor is not any good but i want a bigger motor. I am going to a 70 hp 4 cycle. I will be putting it on a 16' express with side steering. the 40 merc just dont provide me with any kind of a hole shot. Myself in the boat is fine, but with 2 one has to get up front for it to plane out. Any advice from you guys and gals will be appreciated.
Yamaha Vs Suzuki Vs Mercury
- Thread starter jd337
- Start date
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Welcome to TBN. 
RobertBrown
Veteran Member
Have you got a hydrofoil on it?
As you are aware the 40 gets a lot out of a gallon of gas. If you have to go to the 70 your fuel consumtion will increase.
If you don't have the hydrofoil, you should get one. It may solve your problem. It's hard to say for sure but I think it's worth a try.
There are several different brands to choose from....here's what I'm talking about.
Doel-fin Hydrofoil Stabilizer | Bass Pro Shops
whiskywizard
Silver Member
Trim is your issue, as well as HP. The Doel-fin will help. Adding auto trim tabs would do even more. Take a look at Smart Tabs before you plonk down the dollars on the bigger outboard.
schoolsout
Veteran Member
Try a different prop if all you are looking to gain is holeshot...
less pitch (with same diameter) will get you more bottom end, but you'll lose on top end.
More pitch will give you the opposite. I'd see if there is a prop shop around that will let you borrow props to test to see if that will help.
As for brands, Yamaha is the way to go.
I'd be willing to bet, also, that that Merc 40 you have now is a Yamaha engine...the smaller engines from many mfg use other engines...Suzuki was in OMC stuff. Yamaha did stuff for Merc...etc.
less pitch (with same diameter) will get you more bottom end, but you'll lose on top end.
More pitch will give you the opposite. I'd see if there is a prop shop around that will let you borrow props to test to see if that will help.
As for brands, Yamaha is the way to go.
I'd be willing to bet, also, that that Merc 40 you have now is a Yamaha engine...the smaller engines from many mfg use other engines...Suzuki was in OMC stuff. Yamaha did stuff for Merc...etc.
Hey thanks for the input from all of you. the smart tabs i dont have, nor the doil fins either. The hole shot is really what i care about. with two people fishing its heck to get on plane at all without one of us having to crawl to the front. Speed is not a big issue and I dont expect alot from a 40hp but never would i have imagined it taking this long. A prop may the way to go. I will look and see what pitch i have. Been told i need a 11 or 12 pitch to improve out of the box. all things will be considered and if its saves me money it will be the path taken.
Excellent choice in boats. I'm running an hd 22sc in camo from xpress. It has the 115 4 stroke merc on it. Had the total wrong prop on it when I got it. Absolutely no holeshot. Changed pitch and went stainless. Got a lot better but it's still no 2 stroke. I am more concerned with top end because we run some distance chasing ducks. That thing barely burns any fuel at all. So I wouldn't let that hold me back from going bigger. Trying a different pitch is cheapest though. Got any pics? Would love to see the boat. I'll try and find one of mine
creekbend
Super Star Member
I became fond of Yamaha outboards while I lived and worked in Florida. For overall performance and all points considered, my vote is in favor of Yamaha. Just my personal opinion. I am sure other manufacturers build quality marine motors also.
Have a 99 40 2 stroke merc and 07 suzuki 140 4stroke have only had to change the water pump on the merc in 09. Run it on a 17 tdb and it goes pretty good but I did switch props awhile back and it works much better.