What outboard manufacturer do you think is the best for JET drives?
Merc
Yamaha
OMC - johnson/evinrude
honda
etc...
U think 4 strokes are bad choice for JET conversion/ river fishing?

Would like to guage the forum to help develope an idea of what to stay away from and what is better than the rest.
I guess it will all come down to this:
USED:how well was it maintained ?
NEW: is it a dog model or really a good match for JET drives?
Is one manufacturer better than the others?

I'd suggest a visit with the folks at Wooldridge or North River. They use a lot of Yamahas and Hondas. If you can live with the extra weight, I'd sure go for the 4 stroke.

Yami & Merc.Good luck,
STRIKE ZONE

My Evinrude Factory Jet hasnt given me a problem except for normal maintenance and a carb rebuild. The first mechanic who did the maintenance on it said it sounded and ran like it was just broke in, it is also a 1991.

Yamaha is the best I have used, and I've used a few different brands over the years.

Like Bushbear said, 4 strokes are heavier than 2 strokes. Also 4 strokes don't turn the high RPM's that 2 Strokes do. This makes them slower getting out of the hole. We had a 16' alumaweld at work with a 80 honda jet (115 hp motor, 80 hp at the jet). No matter what we tried we could not get the boat to get up on step. Moved the motor up and down, but finally had to go to the same size two stroke. If you can get the 4 stroke to work for you, it will sure pay off in gas savings in the long run. Also 4 strokes last longer than 2 strokes. I would be carefull with OMC, Johnson, and Evinrude. A few years back they were bought by another company (Bombardier I think), and basically quit making parts. We had a 225 hp Johnson that broke down, and it took 9 months to get the part. The only way we got the part was a Fish and Game boat that sank. We took their old motor and savaged any parts we could.

If you plan on running your boat in high mountain lakes you will want to get a four stroke. My understanding is that all high mountain lakes, and probably all others eventually, will require cleaner burning 4 strokes in the near future.

I run a Yamaha kicker and love it, however the Hondas I see on the rivers sure sound like they run nice.......SMOOTH!

yamaha is by far the best outboard jet. If you buy a 4stroke make sure your boat is big enough to handle the extra weight. The only problem i have had with them is the 30s and 40s are pull start and they are a little tough to get going. definetly suggest electric start for the 4strokes. honda four strokes are a close 2nd

I have a 40 Yamaha 4stroke on a 16 Duroboat and it is great. It puts out 30 @ the pump. Plains out fast w/2 in boat and travels @ 22 mph.