Honda or no Honda?

[v70cat]

A Honda 225 is much stronger than a Yamaha 225. The HP on the Yamaha is over stated and is really a 208 not a 225. The HP on the Honda is understated.

[oyvind]

Just my 2 cents:

I am in the boat design business and have tried most marine engines on the market, both inboards, 2s and 4s outboards. I used to do 1.3l and 2.0l racing (90 Yam and later Merc XR2), and I currently own a 32 CC w/ 2xHonda 225 on CMC lifts and Hydromotives which tops out at approx 68-70 mph (Always use Royal Purple oil on gears and engines).

The engine sound was mentioned earlier: my boat can be seen and heard here (approx 6200 rpm):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCj9I3wweFU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeB-r...eature=related

I do have some setup issues, and most of the problems revolve around steering; I have a Seastar, but need a proper steering system with a tie bar; Latham are unable to help...

Anyway; I really like the engines overall, but find them a bit sluggish, however very silent and fuel efficient! Not the fatest on top end, but I have come across a company where I live that is able to reprogram my ECUs to give me around 250+ hp per engine.

If I were to choose the "best" engine for my application today, I'd go for the E-tec 300 (noice, maintenance etc) OR the new Yamaha V-max engines just released. The Hondas are good quality engines, but just not fast enough compared to the rest, even though they modified the gearhouse for 2009. I had to modify mine...

[stevell]

Hello where did you send your ecu to be reprogramed?
what mods did yiu do to your lower unit.
stevell

[msm]

Looks like you've got it set up just right.

[helios2001ve]

honda engine is good..... gearcase is super bad.....

[AlaskaStreamin]

I've seen several Suzuki 4-strokes on the "bone pile" up here at the dealer. I pump their used oil and see them all lined up. The 115, 200 & 225's had bad castings and got water in the oil. A couple charter boats (28' cats) had water spray getting in the intake on the cowl and somehow getting into the valve cover breather tubes. I saw boxes of computers where they were having problems with backfiring as the motor was shut off.
We have a very large charter fleet. Everyone is switching over to Mercury because of the no valve adjustment. As a dealer, you might like the extra $$ in adjusting the valves.

[publius]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but aren't the Hondas also heavy compared to all the other makers of equal hp?

[v70cat]

Just my 2 cents:

I am in the boat design business and have tried most marine engines on the market, both inboards, 2s and 4s outboards. I used to do 1.3l and 2.0l racing (90 Yam and later Merc XR2), and I currently own a 32 CC w/ 2xHonda 225 on CMC lifts and Hydromotives which tops out at approx 68-70 mph (Always use Royal Purple oil on gears and engines).

The engine sound was mentioned earlier: my boat can be seen and heard here (approx 6200 rpm):
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCj9I3wweFU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CeB-r...eature=related

I do have some setup issues, and most of the problems revolve around steering; I have a Seastar, but need a proper steering system with a tie bar; Latham are unable to help...

Anyway; I really like the engines overall, but find them a bit sluggish, however very silent and fuel efficient! Not the fatest on top end, but I have come across a company where I live that is able to reprogram my ECUs to give me around 250+ hp per engine.

If I were to choose the "best" engine for my application today, I'd go for the E-tec 300 (noice, maintenance etc) OR the new Yamaha V-max engines just released. The Hondas are good quality engines, but just not fast enough compared to the rest, even though they modified the gearhouse for 2009. I had to modify mine...

What was the modification?

[mcyama]

For 2010 production Honda has introduced an all new gearcase. The new case has a 5" diameter to house much larger gears. The ratio has remained the same. The case is also much longer and has streamline water intakes. Hopefully this will resolve a long overdue issue. Thanks Martin

[v70cat]

So what do you do if have a older 225?

[mcyama]

How much older? Has anything failed? Do you have an oem digitial Tach what does the hour meter say. PM ME!!

[VELOCITY 3.6GT]

My honda pressure washer works great. Would stick with yamaha or suzuki in the four stroke market though. Hondas alway seemed sluggish.