Hi guys, I'm looking to possibly up Grade from a 2008 Alumacraft Classic 165 with a Yamaha 50 4-stroke tiller to a Navigator 165 with a 60 yamaha 4-stoke tiller. I like the Classic 165 can get 28 MPH with 2-people, 20 gallons of gas and a filled livewell. I can get the backtrolling speed down to 1.2 mph on a calm day, wishing it could go lower but it is what it is. I know I could use electronics more, but I love using the outboard whenever possible.
My question is are there any Navigator 165 owners with a Yamaha 60 4 stroke tiller? I know the best is to max out the HP, but the 165 and the 175 Navigators are maxed the same @ 75hp. I'm guessing the 60 should work fine? it is 8" wider and a little deeper then the Classic which should help the troll down speed. Any owners of a Navigator with a 60 yamaha feel free to give me the pro's and con's of this rig. Not sure what the top end MPH is and how long it takes to plane, and if you regret not maxing it out. Thanks

I have a Navigator 165 side console with the 75 hp Yamaha 4 stroke and with 2 people and 20 gallons of gas and gear, I get around 35 mph. The side console increases the weight a little bit, but I think you would still want the 75 hp, even with the tiller. The side console is rated for a 90 hp max and I think the 175 tiller is also rated for a 90 hp.

Both the 165 and 175 Navigators are rated the same, 75 hp tillers. The way it sounds, the 165 is rated correct, but the 175 could probably be rated for a 90 hp.
I think the 165 Classic tiller could also be rated a bit higher. I think a 60 tiller would be perfect for that boat.

I would buy the new Yamaha F70 it is almost as light as the 60. To jump to a 75 you add a lot of weight for 5hp. Check out the specs.

http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/products/subcatspecs/2/specs.aspx

I agree with Knot Tellin. I have the 75hp 4 stroke in my Nav 175 Tiller — it squats a bit in the rear, but I wouldn't give up the power for a little weight savings. If I had the 165, I would really consider the 70 hp, but not the 60 hp. The tiller is already underpowered.

I was thinking the same thing about going with the new 70 hp. Called Cabelas today and they still have not got the first one in. Sounds like they won't even offer the 60 tiller on the Nav 165 anymore becasue they had complaints about them being under powered.
Thanks for the replys guys!

I fish out of my Dad's 165 Navigator with a 60 HP Merc. 4 stroke quite often. With only one person in the boat and light load it will run up to 30 GPS. With several people and all their gear the motor struggled to get up boat up on plane. He ended up putting a whale tail on motor to help get up on plane. Not sure how the Yammi compares to a Merc. but I would recommend Maxxing out HP on that rig.

I have an 05 navigator with a 60hp tiller. the boat is underpowered because of the drag of the 91" beam. I am going to get a 70hp this spring and that should improve the power issue. Last year I was fishing with a buddy, the livewell was full of water (and walleyes), slight chop and I was getting about 28mpg with gps. You can get around but need to pin it all the time when there are 3 people in the boat.

I would also buy the F70 Yamaha.

I would not buy the F75 Yamaha for this boat.

I would also recommend you buy the VTS system which allows you to adjust your RPM's up or down 50 RPM's each time you push the VTS button. My Yamaha will go down to 450 - 475 RPS with the VTS.

Gary, What trolling speed does 450 rpms equate to?

Not trying to discredit GarryB, but I think he may be mistaken on those RPM's. I have an F70 and the idle is set at 750 RPM and it's adjustable from 620 RPM to 900 RPM with the VTS.

NMG,

I have an analog tach which is not as accurate as a digital tach.

Here's what Yamaha says:

Trolling ControlVariable Trolling RPM, available on the F40 up to the F90 models, allows you to fine-tune your trolling speed in 50-RPM increments (between 550 and 1000 RPM depending on the model). Then, lock it in with the touch of a button on an optional Command Link® tachometer or optional Multi-Function Tiller Handle."


For clarification, I have the F60. The F70 came out a couple of year after I bought my rig. If I were buying new again, I would put the F70 on the Alumacraft Navigator 165 tiller.

I had a 2006 with the F60 Yammie. Way under powered. I liked the boat and the motor individaully, but hated the combo. If I was going to buy another Nav 165T, it would have a 75 2 stroke on it.