Which brand 40 hp?

[russwick]

I may be in the market for a new motor. I max at 45 HP on my aluminum tiller boat. Which brand would you recommend? Main considerations are trolling, fuel econ, reliability. I have to use remote tanks.

[Tim_Kelly]

The new Hondas look nice. Probably worth looking at the specs for all the different brands and seeing if any are significantly lighter than the others. That will probably make the biggest difference on a small boat. All the modern engines are pretty good.

[yarcraft91]

In a 40 horse, you have a choice with Mercury of a 3-cylinder or 4-cylinder 4-stroke. The 4-cylinder has the "BigFoot" lower unit and weighs 44 lbs more than the 3-cylinder. I have the 4-cyl in a 50-horse. It's smooth running, but idles too fast for trolling. When the idle speed is adjusted lower, the motor has stalling problems.

While you're looking, remove the cowl and look at the engine from a maintenance viewpoint. You might find it's hard to get at things like spark plugs (4-cyl Mercurys, classic example). Other things being equal, it's good to have easy access for common maintenance tasks.

[ziemann]

May I suggest looking at the Evinrude E-Tec 40?? 2 cylinder- light, outstanding fuel economy, no smoke...

You will see a very slight vibration at idle, but barely noticable since it is a 2 cylinder....

[T Mac]

Take a look at the new Yamaha F-40.
Multi point EFI. 4 Stroke.
This is a 3 cyl...which usually means a smoother idle than an engine with less cylinders.
It weighs 214 lbs, compared to an E-Tec 40 hp @ 240/250 lbs.

Excellent Yamaha re-power promotion going on right now.

Yamaha reliability as legendary... and they have a huge dealer network.

[Shellback]

If the new Yamaha 40's are EFI, then I'd say go for one. I've got a F50 Yamaha tiller, and it is one sweet motor. It has the VTS handle which allows you to idle down in 50 RPM increments for trolling. I didn't chime in earlier as I thought the 40's were carb motors and weren't as good as an EFI motor.

[billrob]

I have the e-tec 50 (same as 40). It's a nice motor. The other poster said it right. There's a little vibration at idle. I have mine dialed down to 650 rpm at idle. it trolls super slow. Honestly I don't use the electric anymore and I troll a lot.

The more you dial them down, the more they vibrate. When I turn up the throttle, the vibration goes away.

I've had a couple of minor hiccups but no major problems. Mine is a 2004.

Good luck. The 40-50s (any brand) are great motors for trolling in a smaller boat.

[Minnesota Tiller]

Get an Evinrude E Tec for all the reasons you want a motor stated above. Best in the business..

[used to log in]

Not sure on the 40's, but the Honda and Merc's were top dog in the new Bass & Walleye Boats shootout for 50 hp motors. It's in the new issue that just came out this week.

The rated speed, noise, fuel consumption, etc.

[dutchboy]

I re powered last summer with a 60 hp Yamaha. I won't say they are the best in the business only because that's just somebody's opinion. I will say I have been very happy with my Yamaha. Check around, like a boat, you want a dealer you are comfortable with. Don't shop price alone as those are the guys that will be back next summer saying their dealer sucks and they can't get any service. lol

Look at the motors, compare options, weight, performance and then pick your brand. Then go find a dealer you are happy with.

Really, all motors are very reliable these days and I don't think you could go wrong with any of the major brands.

[Grampa_Joe]

I like my new Etec 40 horse. Super nice lil motor.
Can't imagine getting an underpowered 4 stroke in a 40..

Joe Carlson

[whofan]

What ever you choose will be a good motor.
Look around your area and ask yourself where is a convenient place to go for service.
Who has good service?
Mercury has the most service options in my area. I`m a old OMC fan myself.
Suzuki makes a great motor but I would have to choose the brand with the best service.
If you happen to have a good Honda dealer close by, buy his motor.
If your a traveling fisherman maybe a different brand is better.
About 8 years ago Hondas were the smoothest running motors I`ve found. Now with EFI becoming the norm I`d say theyre all smooth now.

[russwick]

I'll be replacing a 40 HP Merc 4 cylinder. Great motor. Just getting tired. 28 MPH was the best I could do.
I guess I'm more concerned with the weight. I don't know if that is valid, but...
I live in Central MN and I see everything except Suzuki up here. Many dealers within 30 miles of me.
Thanks for all the replies!

[yarcraft91]

Russwick:

I have a 2006 50-horse Merc 4S on an Alumacraft Yukon side-console. That's a 700 lb boat and since I've loaded the boat with all my gear, 33-34 is the WOT speed with just me on board. The Merc 40 is a 3-cylinder version of my 4-cylinder, so one would expect a few mph with the 40 on my boat. Don't know what boat you're running, but if your current motor is pushing it at 28, I have to wonder if a new 40-horse would do much more.

[Johnnielund]

I have a 2008 75 HP E-Tec. I could not be happier! Great piece of machinery. Take a look at the 40 HP E-Tec.