Engine Preferences

[rocket88]

Hey guys,

Reaching out to the community for objective opinions regarding engine choices. Here is my scenario and point of view:
- 1973 222 rebuild in process, conversion from an I/O to a bracket-mounted outboard
- Budget constraints dictate a used engine, probably one that is out-of-warranty
- the engine will be in the 150 - 200 hp range, preferably a four-stroke
- Current inclination is to go with a Suzuki DF175.

What are your recommendations; Yamaha, Suzuki, Mercury or Evinrude? 2-stroke or 4 -stroke? Objective pros and cons?

Thanks in advance to all of you who take the time to respond!

[Capt. Bob]

Can't speak for all but one.

2018 Yamaha 4 stroker 150hp.

No problems so far since install. Low hours though. Very popular worldwide so EZ to find parts if needed. Would have got the 200hp but scarcer than hens teeth during that time. Got lucky with finding a 150 so I bought it. Kinda loud but on muffs has a V8 idle sound. Cool.

No regrets and the performance on my 210 is just what I had hoped to get with the 200.

Good luck.

[rocket88]

Tks for your input Bob. I am leaning towards a Suzuki. Spoke to a boat service guy yesterday who gave it a very negative review, not in terms of reliability but in terms of parts availability. I need a engine that is both reliable and well supported. Other forums are very positive on Zukes. Looking for real-word owner experience, if I can get it!

[Tampa Bay Mike]

I've got a 2015 zuke 140a on my 77 22-2 and it's been flawless.

Pros: Runs great with two or three people on board. Cruises around 30 mph getting about 4.5 mph and tops out just under 40. Almost 100lbs lighter than the 150 which helps if you don't raise the floor. Got it for a steal before the recent price hikes.

Cons: it will leave you wanting a little more torque if you run heavy loads in rough stuff. I've had nine people on board before and it handled it fine but it was a nice day. Could be a different story if i was trying to get out of trouble.. Some people say zukes are a little more prone to corrosion but I'm anal with the maintenance and cleaning so I haven't seen that issue.

If you can get ahold of a late model four stroke I think you'd be happy. I don't think anyone makes a "bad" motor nowadays. It all comes down to what you can find that's not ridiculously overpriced and how you plan to use the boat.

[rocket88]

Mike,

Thanks for the input... I recall reading about the dilemma of the 140 vs a 150 or a 175. I'm not inclined to try to make a 222 a "speedboat", but I like the idea of having power on tap when needed or wanted. The hull is after all rated for a 200.

First things first though... doing the transom/knees now. Will need to find the engine before engine first before mounting the Porta-bracket. BTW, what is the preferred lower unit length, 20" or 25"? Will help me narrow down the choice of engine.

Bob, same question for you; 20" or 25" foot?

[Tampa Bay Mike]

Not as big of a deal with a porta bracket. 25" shaft is probably preferred but mine is a 20". Having 21" of setback and 12" gives you a lot more flexibility.

[rocket88]

Tks for your reply, Mike. My guess would have been that the 25" is preferred, if only to get the engine higher above the water. It is good to know that 20" will work, though. My full-height enclosed transom is 36" high, which makes the 20" height seem really low. Certainly wouldn't want a 20" open transom on a 222!

I will be asking a bunch of questions on the determination of the mounting height for the Porta-bracket when the time comes.