Recommendation on new 20 hp outboard engine

[eqquus1]

I'm looking for a new 20 hp outboard engine for our 11'6" tender. The last two purchases were Tohatsu's but we haven't been happy with the performance of the later. Any suggestions?

 

[blaster]

I really like the 20hp suziki. It's batteryless fuel injected and light weight.


http://www.suzukimarine.com/Product Lines/Outboard Motors/Products/DF20A_EFI/2012/DF20A_EFI.aspx

 

[480ces]

You won't beat Yamaha for reliability!

 

[Havana Shamrock]

I have a Honda which are very good but I hear all great things about Yamaha. Tohatsu makes the blocks for Mercury and Nissan I believe if my Honda goes I'm getting a Yamaha

 

[fr8dog]

I've had great luck so far with the 20 Suzuki. 97 lbs.

 

[Lazy Daze]

Tohatsu actually makes some pretty reliable engines. But like any small engine, any little bit of sediment that gets in the fuel can cause idle or running issues/nightmares. The internals of those engine's fuel system is so small that it doesn't take much to mess it up. Generally, OB's last a couple decades with proper care. Before you go and buy another engine, what about having a technician take a whack at it? If it's a fuel/running issue, just find one of those "eats carbs for lunch" kind of guys. It might save you a ton of money in the long run.

As far as what engine to go with... I think a lot of this really comes down to personal preference. Tohatsu does make the smaller blocks for Merc (not the bigger ones). Besides the Merc/Tohatsu, I also (personally) like the Yami's. But what might be most advantageous to you is the engine that you will have the best local service for in your area.

 

[blaster]

Yamaha is the heaviest, and the fuel injected Suzuki won't have the ethanol carburetor problems.

 

[endless seas]

4 x Tohatsu since 2004 with different boats and different dinghies they all were perfect.I would not hesitate on another!!!

 

[M T Pockets]

I have the 20hp Suzuki electric start on a 11 ft AB, 2 adults get about 25mph lots of fun.

 

[swaterhouse]

I agree that the choice is better by who is your local service coming from. My dealer had both Yamaha and Suzuki, we always had suzukis for small engines growing up. The dealer said the yamahas were better up to the 9.9, from 15 to 70 he said the suzukis were his preference.

 

[eqquus1]

Thank you all for you suggestions. Unfortunately we are starting from scratch as the engine was destroyed in a fire whilst in storage. We have some research to do but thanks for the start!

 

[kevin27]

Look for a 2 stroke. I still have my 15hp and the 25hp currently run on my dhingy. They are awesome! It's lightweight and fast. Top speed is 33.5MPH.