Best 30-hp outboard

[Chevy4sur]

I have a 30-hp, 2-cycle, tiller, Johnson powering my 16-foot SeaNymph backtroller which is rated to take up to a 40-hp. I am beginning to research a replacement motor and wonder what recommendations any of you may have...2-cycle vs 4-cycle, Johnson vs Honda vs Mercury vs Yamaha etc.

I fish walleyes in rivers, lakes and big lakes (Erie, Saginaw) as well as salmon in Lake Michigan. So, I do lots and lots of trolling backward and forward.

The Johnson has been a great motor and has required very little maintenance - in the shop once in 10 seasons and then because some bolts worked loose in the motor. I would like my new motor to be even slower and at the same time to top-end a little faster than 27mph. Thanks, Jack.

[Kevin B]

I'm not sure if you want to move up to a 40hp or stay with a 30. If you want more speed, change prop size or move up to a 40. Personally, I have a 30 Mariner on my Bass Tracker, which I propped down due to elevation and in order to keep the rpm up a little more when trolling.But when it is time to rebuild or get a new motor, I'll get a new 40hp. I want the luxury of power tilt/trim. Additionally, a friend has a similar rig as mine, but with the 40. Nice. Especially when there's extra weight in the boat, like 4 people or a boat loaded with camping equipment, or three people and a 25mph headwind.
As far as manufacturer, I used to think "x" was better than "y" and "y" was better than "z". I don't think that way anymore. For me, if it is mechanical, it will need repaired! I minimize repairs by strictly following the maintenance schedule and using only one brand of gasoline. Would I buy another Mariner? Probably not. Not that it hasn't been dependable, but finding parts for a Mariner (including props) in the places where I've lived has been a chore.
I'll let someone else post about the 2-stroke vs. 4 stroke debate.

[Scott]

30 HP Three cylinder 2 stroke YAMAHA. I owned an 88 for several years and only put a water pump and plugs in it. I used it fishinging and duck hunting. I ran it in the most extreme conditions and had ice formed on the outside of it several times. IT never let me down once. Very strong with heavy loads. Very good on fuel and extremely strong. Mine was a pull start and it started extremely easy, and idled great. For the weight and cost and performance, you won't touch it with anything 2 or four stroke.

[RVRRAT]

I second the Yamaha 30hp.

[Fishing Junky]

Third it.

[KP]

I've been very happy with my Suzuki 30 HP 4 Stroke. It packs a lot of cc's and it's 3 valve per cylinder design allows it to keep up with anyones 30, 2 or 4 stroke.

It's the same engine as the 25 HP model that Bass and Walleye Boats Magazine tested as the fastest in it's class compared to the 2 and 4 strokes also tested. At 221 pounds, it weighs 30 pounds more than the next lightest 4 stroke, and 100+ more than the 2 strokes tested. Point is, cubic inches and technology beats light weight most days of the week.

[Good-Natured]

With a name like "Chevy4sur", performance and reliablity shouldn't be very important in outboards either.

Couldn't resist.

I'd stick with the OMC designs-sure see a lot more old 30 and 40 horses of that color running around yet-I can't recall the last time I saw a black one.

[Chevy4sur]

Thanks for the discussion, good information, and jesting as to "Chevy reliability" - neither OMC or Chevy have ever left me stranded. Now, as for the black ones - I gave up on them in '92 after getting stranded three straight times downriver!

[Al]

I'll chime in on the 30 2 cycle Yamaha. Lots of them in the Long Point, Ont. area on duck/fish boats. Awesome power and growl. Very, very reliable design. I've NEVER heard a bad word on them. Heaps of praise.