Whaler Central - Boston Whaler Boat Information and Photos

Posted by Cliffran on 03/24/10 - 12:49 PM

I have an 88 or 89 Whaler (can't remember which year) that has the original 2 stroke Yamaha 200 on her. The motor runs ok, but for various reasons, I'm seriously considering a repower along with some cosmetic work. The more I study, the more confused I get.

I've talked to Yamaha directly and the service guy advised me to go with the 200 HDPI two stroke. Weight of course is a concern and this particular engine is only 50lbs. heavier than the one that's on there now. I have heard from local dealers that there have been problems with the 3.3 liter engines and the Yamaha rep acknowledged this and said I should stick to the 2.6. This engine is considerably cheaper then the F200 four stroke and less heavy. Plus, I don't have to spend as much money on re-wiring, harness kits, etc. if I stay with the Yamaha brand.

So a couple of questions: Does anyone on this board have experience with the 200 HPDI, either 2.6 ltr or 3.3 ltr? And does anyone recommend another brand engine that they feel is superior to the Yamaha? I'm basically looking for advice as this is not a simple undertaking and I want to make the right decision since I'm spending what is not an insignificant amount of money.

Thanks for your input!

Edited by Joe Kriz on 03/29/10 - 12:20 PM

Posted by joninnj on 03/24/10 - 4:13 PM

Cliffran,

I would do research on the HPDI. At the Yamaha booth at the NY boat show last January the Yamaha representative told me that no more 2 stroke to be made by Yamaha... This was a Yamaha rep not a dealer sales guy. We asked because there was not a 2 stroke in sight.

He said 4 stroke only, not even the direct injection models. This was a surprise to my buddy and I as we both have 2 strokes. The rep also mentioned that there many 2 stoke and HPDI in dealer hands. The new 4 stroke are to be lighter in design and higher performance, but i have not seen one.

Something to think about...

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/24/10 - 4:27 PM

John,

If you look on the Yamaha website, they still list the 150 and 175 V Max HPDI.
All other 2 stroke models are no longer listed.
http://www.yamaha-motor.com/outboard/...specs.aspx

The 6hp, 8hp, 9.9hp, all the way up to the 150 are no longer available in 2 stroke models.

Posted by joninnj on 03/24/10 - 7:21 PM

Yup I have seen the site... First thing I looked at after the boat show... and several times since... Last Time I looked i did the smaller 2 stokes listed... go figure...

The only thing I can think of that makes sense is that Yamaha does not want to screw their dealer network by announcing the end of 2 strokes... I am also sure they have many parts to support these outboards. As mentioned dealers have inventory on hand and need to sell it.

Also interesting that Yamaha stopped dating their models. Can't tell one year from another...

If I were sink $15K into an outboard that was about be phased out I would think about it ... Hard...

Again this is what I was told by a Yamaha representative after not seeing a single 2 stroke at a one of the biggest shows in the country...

Just something watch...

Edited by joninnj on 03/24/10 - 7:26 PM

Posted by Joe Kriz on 03/24/10 - 7:50 PM

John,

I agree. The days of the old dirty 2 stroke technology seems to be just about gone. Yamaha was one of the last that seemed to be holding onto that old technology....
I say, good for the environment...

However, there are still good clean CARB 3 rated 2 strokes available today. Just doesn't seem to be in the Yamaha lineup...

Looks like almost all the manufacturers have gone to clean 4 strokes except Evinrude which is now making some of the only clean CARB 3 rated 2 strokes. There are a few other models from other manufacturers so check them out on the Current Engine Choices in the articles section.

Personally, I would not buy a new engine today that did not meet the current CARB 3 rating for clean technology. This includes both clean 2 stroke and 4 stroke technologies of today.
That definitely leaves out the older technology that Yamaha just stopped making available here in the U.S...

As far as this website and my viewing of the older technologies, I'm glad I almost don't have to compare anything that is being made today with the old technology... I have been getting tired of people comparing apples to oranges.... Today we need to look at the CARB rating and the cleanest today is the CARB 3 rating..... In my mind, any engine that is CARB 3 rated now, is good to go for the near future....