In your opinion, what is the best 115 HP tiller for a 20' Lund Alaskan and why. THanks.

Although I run a 75 Optimax (same powerhead as the 115) I'd take a hard look at the 115 V-4 Evinrude E-tec. More cubic inches, shorter powerhead for casting and looking over, you can get the non-powered Mertens Titan-tiller steering system for it.
HRG

Best version is a reliable dealer near you and a must have is some sort of power steering, all motors are very good these days.

The 115 Opti is a sweet runnin', fishing engine. GREAT for a tiller guy. I agree with Dave....get the Merc power steering and you won't look back!

Steve Fellegy
651-270-3383

I spent quite a bit if time looking at the 115 class motors, as I almost purchased a new boat with a 115. In the end, I purchased something different.

I've owned the older 115 2+2, but not one of the newer motors. Let me start by saying I thought all the 115 hp motors are really very good. You could throw a dart to select which one and you will most likely be happy with your choice. It's hard to go wrong, there is not a single one that is bad - so the dealer advice is pretty good. If you don't have a good servicing dealer, I'd remove the motor from consideration.

My first choice was the 115 Opti - Proven design, fuel efficiency, ability to troll down, smart craft gauges, and tiller handle are all area's that shined with the 115 Opti choice.

My second choice was the 115 Suzuki, third was the 115 Merc Fourstroke. The Suzuki 4 stroke trolls down better than the Merc, and 'likely' has a better hole shot. The 115 Merc fourstroke - I'm very optimistic about the durability and longevity of that motor, even though it has not been on the market long. I've got good dealers for both brands within a few miles of home.

A friend and co-worker has an 08 20' Alaskan with a Merc 115 fourstroke tiller. He spent a little time getting the right prop, and had to have the trailer adjusted for weight distribution. He's been really satisfied with the boat. He previously had a 95 20' Alaskan, and was simply upgrading in model year. But if you go with the 115 Merc fourstroke, let me know and I can get some prop and trailer info for you that may avoid some aggravation.

I'll add to the fourstroke side. I guess I've been able to some time with most of them in my quest for a new boat(used, new to me). The big three anyway. Yamaha, Suzuki, Merc. Rank order:
1. Suzuki
2. Yamaha
3. Merc(not "verado")

I ended up with the Yamaha because that was the best total package I was looking for, however if I could have picked my motor, it would have been the Suzuki. FYI it's pushing an 1890BT Warrior.

Why? Smoothest shifting, no contest(all stainless 3 blades). Quietest, again not close. The Yamaha is also very quiet at idle, At WOT the suzuki is just stunning. It sounds at 6200 rpm's like most motors at 4800. The merc was Loud. In addition it(zuke) was also the smoothest, least shake etc. but similar to the others. My favorite part without question is the gear ratio(2.59). Suzuki's got this right. The fix for fourstroke powerband issues vs. two strokers is in the gears. The number of props available in "normal" pitches helps all by itself. Both the 90 and 115 Suzuki's hole shot it best in class on about everything they power. Depends on prop whether or not they can hang top end.
I wish my Yamaha had suzuki gears, I could put a 90/75 lower unit on it to get to 2.30 up from 2.15, but that's not enough for the cost. I would say the Yamaha is the strongest, but it's hard to harness the running qualities of the suzuki with limited prop choices.i.e good hole shot poor top, vice versa, too fast trolling etc.

I'm happy enough with my Yamaha, fuel injected fourstrokes are quite a step from what I grew up with. Head to head, the suzuki is the most refined work of art in this class that I've been around.

Only negative would be dealer network or lack thereof. Noone I personally know has had any trouble.

Have you Me(e)t the Parents ?????

Indeed! My in-laws, while good folks, are a piece of work.

The 115 Optimax was and still would be my first choice. That is after owning one. The Suzuki would be my second choice. All the brands should give you satisfactory service.

Nothing against OPTI's.

Great motors but after trolling with one for several weekends I'd rather not have to breath the smoke all the time.

A little to loud for me also.

A wheel boat, a great choice, but a tiller... not for me.

Nothing against OPTI's.

Great motors but after trolling with one for several weekends I'd rather not have to breath the smoke all the time.

A little to loud for me also.

A wheel boat, a great choice, but a tiller... not for me.
Since when did an Opti smoke?

Since when did an Opti smoke?


It smokes more than my 4 stroke.

Maybe it wouldn't bother you but sitting next to a tiller when its running all day I prefer a motor that is quieter and smokes less.

Just my opinion.

Have you actually run a 115 Optimax? I did for 415 hours. During that time I did a lot of back trolling. I have asthma and the "Smoke"? did not bother me. However, the exhaust fumes did bother me with the old technology carb engines of the nineties. That was then this is now. I just put $400.00 in a perfomance exhaust system for one of my pick ups. The performance sound of an Optimax does not bother me.

The ninety horse Mercury Optimax will give the original poster the best torque in its class to get a 20' Lund Alaskan boat with a large hull and a heavy load moving. AND sound great while doing it. exhaust fumes will not be a problem.

Have you actually run a 115 Optimax? I did for 415 hours. During that time I did a lot of back trolling. I have asthma and the "Smoke"? did not bother me. However, the exhaust fumes did bother me with the old technology carb engines of the nineties. That was then this is now. I just put $400.00 in a perfomance exhaust system for one of my pick ups. The performance sound of an Optimax does not bother me.

The ninety horse Mercury Optimax will give the original poster the best torque in its class to get a 20' Lund Alaskan boat with a large hull and a heavy load moving. AND sound great while doing it. exhaust fumes will not be a problem.


Yes I have trolled in a boat with a 115 Opti. Several times.

Nice motor but not for me.

Like I said just my opinion.

i've had my 20' alaskan now for about 6 years. i've got the suzuki 75 hp 4 stroke on the back with tiller steering. i use it for lake mi. salmon fishing in the summer, duck hunting and fishing at lotw in the fall, and for layout shooting at lake st clair to the end of the year. i can fish eight rods comfortably, ride 80-100 miles a day if necessary and carry a layout boat, ten dozen decoys and three men to where we layout, all without any problems to speak of. the 75 gets me up and out of the water easily under all conditions and runs at about 28 wot fully loaded. i personally don't know why anyone would need a bigger motor on this boat. going much faster than thirty blows my lips off and if it's cold is no fun. so, my recommendation would be the suzuki. br

Sounds like you have a lot of great choices in a 115. I'll throw out another option. I've always had a tiller boat. My current one is an 18' Alaskan with an e-tec. If you can sacrifice just a little horsepower and go with a 90, you'll be able to dial the RPMs down and troll super slow without using the electric motor. I find that to be a huge benefit.

The 90 E-tec will allow you to do this...so will the 90 Yamaha. Good luck.