Which motor would you buy?

[Jersey John]

Just recieved prices from 2 dealers. First the Yamaha 9.9 High Thrust 4 stroke, elctric start for $ 2385.00 Second the Mercury Bigfoot 9.9 elc. start for $2373.00 Mercury also mentioned I might need a ELS motor for $ 2508.00? What is an ELS and which of these motors would you buy for trolling? I have a Targa 18' alum. And a bracket to hold the motor. The motor on the boat is a 90 hp Merc. Thanks to all who answer. JJ

[eyecrosser]

ELS
Stands for electric start longshaft!
Check out the new 8h.p Yamaha has more tourqe than the 9.9's

[EAGLE EYES]

Both are good motors I'm sure, but since your already a Mercury owner: "Nothings better than a Mercury, except for two of them"!"-) Besides, the 9.9 will look nice sitting next to your 90. Good luck with whatever you decide! EE

[Ric]

I have a Yamaha so I am a little bit biased. However, one consideration is having matching brands on the back of the boat. I think that it helps when it comes time to sell. I also think that it will be easier when you want service work done, or just annual maintenance to have it done all at one dealer. Either way that you go I am sure that you will love the advantages of a good kicker.

[Sparky]

I went through the same process a few years ago and went with the Yamaha. Mercury was having problems with their 9.9 at the time and I don't think they had a bigfoot version. I have a Mercury main engine but, due to reliability concerns, I went with the Yamaha 9.9 hi thrust. I might come up with a different answer if I was looking into it now. The Yamaha has been great but, Mercury may have gotten their act together. You will enjoy the extra dimension that having a 4 stroke kicker will add to your fishing.

Sparky

[Jersey John]

Thanks to all who answered the Questions ! I have heard good things about the Yamaha, but the Merc. would look better next to the main engine. Also it would be alot easier to have taken care of, all by the same dealer that is. I also understand the Merc. is a good motor. What about the price? They are both in the same ball park, are they resonable or over priced? Should I look elsewhere for better pricing? Thanks again ! JJ

[EAGLE EYES]

Always look around and compare prices!! :-) That price you were quoted however, sounds about right.

[T-Mac]

Good price for tiller motor. If is a remote, there will be more necessary pieces and parts to add to the bill.

[drtaz]

what about the Merc 4 stroke 15 hp which is the same weight ?
assuming that there is no hp limit of concern, would this extra hp be worth the extra cost ? or would there be a problem with having too much hp and inability to slow down enough?

good responses. enjoyed your suggestions.

[cisco]

I have the Targa 18 with 90 Merc and added a 9.9 4-stroke Merc as a kicker (short shaft mounts nicely). Most of the time I have no complaints. However, the 15 would be desirable at times in wind and heavy seas when I need and want a bit more oomph.

I didn't know the 15 and 9.9 were the same weight. Otherwise, I would not want more weight than my 9.9 presently gives.

[Airwave(OH)]

Jersey John heres one more reason to buy the Merc. besides all the other good reasons, They are the Same motor. You could take the parts off one and install on the other. A little joint venture between the two companys. So you get matching looks, same dealership, same motor, same power,and safe a few bucks too!!!

[Jersey John]

Thanks for the info. I do have a hp restriction on many lakes here in Jersey, that is the only reason for a 9.9. Other than that I would buy the 15 hp for more power when needed, for the same weightas a 9.9.Looks like I will go with the Merc. 9.9 4 stroke in short shaft. Cisco do you have yours mounted on the transom or on a motor bracket? Thanks everyone ! JJ

[Phil T.]

How strong is your bracket? I doubt a 10hp-rated bracket would hold the BigFoot, and I know it won't hold the Yammy High-Thrust. You need a bracket that is designed for the thrust of a 25hp motor. Those big props pull!
I was warned of this by a dealer who had had some unhappy customers. He claimed I didn't want to know the details.

[cisco]

Mine is bolted thru the transom on the port side. I would rather have had it starboard, but that would have complicated electronics and connections to the 90 from the wheel. (Mine is the Targa with walk-thru windshield.) Since I run the kicker as a tiller, I prefer to have it closer. A bracket would put it out farther to the rear.

[nalty]

I'm a Merc guy, but warranty may be a consideration as well. I believe Yamaha is seven year.

[Rob Ensor]

Keep looking, you should be able to find a Mercury 9.9 Big Foot 4-stroke, for around $1,900. If not get back to me & I'll help you out.

[Jersey John]

Thanks I will keep looking, if I don't find one soon I will look you up. JJ