New Motor
 

im looking to get a new motor for my 17ft flat boat, center console with 3ft fan tail. i fish the marsh and use this for duck hunting. i have a old 90 on it right now but looking at a new 90 or maybe a 115, 4-stroke. looking for some opinions at what yall thinks best. how much difference will it make. also, i know the 4-strokes are heavier so would you recommend geting 2 pontons put on back the boat to help in shallow water. thanks for yall's help!

my take on 4 strokes....unless you going offshore, it dont really pay.others might disagree but i'd rather a lighter, stronger, cheaper efi 2 stroke and mix my oil rather than a heavier,slower, 4 stroke that you have to take in to get the oil changed...

LOVE my 4 stroke yamaha. If you want a 4 stroke, I would stay with Yamaha. They perform close to a 2 stroke nowdays.

I change my own oil and do most other maintenance.

I have a 50hp yamaha 4 stroke on my 17' and love it. Change my own oil also. VERY EASY

I fish in a bass club with guys with all makes, 2 guys have 4 stroke yamahas that I normally fish with, one had a 18ft with 115 and the other 19ft with 150 both express boats, both never broke down and get used every weekend, one is a 05 other is 08. If I was going to spend the $$$ might as well get the 4 stoke, pay more now and less on the oil.

yeah, but considering the OP's situation, mainly weight, and also cost(becuase OP will be in skinny waters and is considering pontoons)

OP just don't factor out the 2 stroke, (im talking EFI 2 strokes not carbed) my 2 stroke evinrude 175 sips on the gas and oil, i use the VRO(oil tank) so i don't need to mix my oil---even though many people suggest eliminating that VRO and mixing it yourself.

that evinrude is nice. I wouldn't rule that one out, but isn't it a little heavy?

Nissan 2strokes are awesome!! Same tech as the merc but the lower HP models are cheaper......got one on a whaler and love it!! Would buy another today.......can't beat the power and tourgue of a 2 stroke

it isn't the etec..i wish..its the FICHT...(yea yea i know about the fichts--the emm was changed under warranty) its about 400 lbs, i think comparable 4 strokes are just a little bit more heavier..say 475-500 lbs.