Highfield… any regrets?

I'm looking at a new EFI engine this upcoming season and it comes with electric start. Yes, I know --- ultimate laziness. Anyway, I would need a battery, battery box. Do you have recommendations for me? BTW, I'm looking at the Mercury 15hp 4stroke EFI unless someone can give me a reason why Tohatsu or Suzuki EFI are better? I plan to put on my Highfield 290 CL (max hp is 15) and I'm fat so I need all the hp I can get to get up on plane.

 

tohatsu (i believe) makes the smaller outboards for merc and many others so if you can find it cheaper and don't mind a different logo might be worth a look

 

where has everyone bought their highfields? Has to be US based (apparently theres a 25% import tax from Canada on them rght now?), anything within driving distance of western NY is preferred.

So far I've spoken to a dealer in Chicago but they want $675 to ship a 310CL to us and its a 10hr drive from me. There is a dealer in Ohio that's only about 5hrs but I haven't heard back from them yet. I have an enclosed trailer large enough to get it home so I'd really prefer to go get it

 

There is a dealer in Holland, MI. Same distance as Chicago, less fun for an overnight stay.

Did the Chicago guys say they have stock? Last I heard everything was still way backlogged, especially outboards.

 

I had (well still have two) Merc 9.9s for my 10' inflatable. Moved up to a Suzuki 15hp EFI once I realized a 9.9 wouldn't cut it.

The reason I went with Suzuki is it appears to be a better design than the Merc and the 9.9/15/20hp are all the same motor, just a different ECU, prop and intake restrictor plate. So in essence, you could buy the 9.9 and "upgrade" it to a 20hp. I've kept mine the 15hp and have no plans to upgrade it. Having that option really opens things up, as the marketplace for small outboards has been tight the past year and I expect it to continue into 2022.

 

they do, as of last week at least.

maybe I’ll just bite the bullet and drive out to get one. I like driving but 20 hours is a bit much for one day . I’ll have to pick an overnight stop

 

Ryan, what about Defender?
I think they might sell highfield and they’re close, relatively speaking.
Everyone I know has bought from CO2 in Oakville, but that was a while ago. I don’t know about that tax. Must be new.

 

defender is a good call, they only show the UL models but I’ll give ‘em a shout.

Oh and I did talk to co2, they were the ones who told me about the “25% tariff” and called it a Trump tax, lol

Thanks!

 

Buy a Walker Bay. They are made in Canada or Mexico? Only China imports (Highfield) suffer the “unique” 25% import duty.

 

If you are considering Defender, then you might want to check Port Inflatables on Long Island, NY.
http://portinflatables.com/

 

Yeah, anything less than a 15hp IMHO is too small. I tried a smaller Mercury 8hp I had and no way ..... I have a 15 hp Mercury now but I'm sick and tired of dealing with cleaning the carb every year and no places around here sell ethanol free stuff.....

 

My 4 year old gets a kick out of pushing the start button. Gotta love EFI and electric start!

 

Sent them a note. Thanks!

 

Are you / have you been happy with Suzuki EFI? Any issues with it?

 

Now you’re just showing off

 

Absolutely love it. I've noticed if it sits over a week it'll take two pulls to start (building fuel pressure) and take a few seconds longer to start with the push button (maybe 2-3). Both my carbed Merc 9.9s are first pull ('06 & '19). The Suzuki has all the power I was looking for. For $70 you can buy software and the cable to plug into the ECM.

I bought it used with 5 hours on it (the retired guy said). Plugged it in to find 1.3hrs on the motor! Hell of a deal at $600 off retail in this market!

It makes heading to the beach that much easier! I just have to leave it in gear so they can't start it while they are playing in the dink, driving their R/C boats.

 

I've been searching with no luck. Have any recommendations for me?

 

These guys have the white 15hp in stock.

https://onlineoutboards.com/collections/suzuki-outboard-motors

Sign up for their notify me feature for the one you want... they get stock fairly often.

I lucked into my used one on Facebook Marketplace. A few hours away but I was able to work it into a business trip.

 

Have you purchased from them previously?

 

I have twice…. Both motors delivered to the house… great company