[Black Gnat]

I have a 12' G 3 boat, slightly heavier than a cartopper.
Would an 8 HP be enough to push it or should I go with a 9.8?
Also who makes the best outboard?
Yammies and Hondas are expensive, but are they that much better than the Tohatsu (Merc. + Nissan)?
Thanks to all who respond and Tight Lines.

[Happy Fisherman]

Are you going to be fishing by yourself or with someone else? Will you be using this motor just to get from A to B, or do you want to troll with it as well? Will you be using this boat and motor on smaller lakes where you are always close to shore or do you need more power for a safety factor when the weather gets nasty? The answers will dictate what motor you will need.

I think the Yamaha's and Mercury's are about equal and top quality. There are also more dealers and service facilities available for both of these brands as well. I've run both recently and am happy with both. I wouldn't go any smaller than a 9.9HP. The next step up is the 15HP.

If you just want to fish smaller lakes and troll, you could get away with an 8HP.

[Nibbler]

When we bought our outboard a few years ago Yamaha was the top choice hands down. Especially if you are using it in salt water. We went with an 8 horse which is basically a bored out 6 horse. It has been a super motor for our 12' car topper. We went with a Honda 40 horse for our ocean boat which is a 16' light fiberglass ski boat. We chose Honda for the great price we found. Again, a super motor that has run flawlessly. As for horsepower I would answer Happy's questions then go to a reputable dealer and see what they recommend.

[platypus]

--got with one that has a dealer you can access and are happy with.
--I have suzuki motos and am happy with them but no dealer in town so it is a pain to get serviced when required.
--I took them to local dealer and he missed a few things plus has to order in parts if required because not a suzuki dealer.

[coho dr.]

Nibbler, on 24 May 2012 - 06:47 PM, said:

When we bought our outboard a few years ago Yamaha was the top choice hands down. Especially if you are using it in salt water. We went with an 8 horse which is basically a bored out 6 horse. It has been a super motor for our 12' car topper. We went with a Honda 40 horse for our ocean boat which is a 16' light fiberglass ski boat. We chose Honda for the great price we found. Again, a super motor that has run flawlessly. As for horsepower I would answer Happy's questions then go to a reputable dealer and see what they recommend.

Yamaha is crap. Bought a brand new 15hp 4 stroke wouldn't start , wouldn't run properly after I finally got it fired. Took it to 3 certified Yamaha dealers at $100 a pop to try and fix it
no warranty (brain box was a lemon) . This was a brand new motor,that I couldn't even use.

TOHATSU is not the bottom of the barrel motor. They make Merc,Nissan and soon Evinrude. Yamaha has nothing on them for sure.
Honda and Suzuki make great motors,but I can't afford them for sure.

[Odin Grey]

coho dr., on 27 June 2012 - 08:01 PM, said:

TOHATSU is not the bottom of the barrel motor. They make Merc,Nissan and soon Evinrude.

Where do you get your information regarding "soon Evinrude"?

Thanks,

[coho dr.]

Odin Grey, on 28 June 2012 - 10:16 AM, said:

Where do you get your information regarding "soon Evinrude"?

Thanks,

Deal was made last fall, it has leaked to the public. Google it.
Tohatsu is new to Canada, soon will be the new standard for portables.Good cause Yami needs a good kick in the butt.

Go to Tohatsu online ca

Coho

[Odin Grey]

coho dr., on 28 June 2012 - 03:17 PM, said:

Deal was made last fall, it has leaked to the public. Google it.
Tohatsu is new to Canada, soon will be the new standard for portables.Good cause Yami needs a good kick in the butt.

Go to Tohatsu online ca

Coho

Maybe I can finally got a kicker to match my Evinrude E-tec