On the other hand, it will also be the most expensive engine to run, having both the worst fuel economy and two-stroke oil injection. They're also the quietest, which we think is a big plus. Dale Kenner sells a boat similar to ours with twin Evinrude 115s, capable of over 70 mph. The theory is that delivering pressurized, more finely atomized fuel into the cylinders results in a cleaner burn for more power. The Boat: Kenner 21 V-150 We needed a test hull that was perfectly balanced, easy to rig, easy to handle, quick to plane, fast, adaptable to five different engines with shaft lengths of either 20 or 25 in. The boat came out at 1209 pounds, ready to run. We invited representatives of all five major outboard motor manufacturers to join us for five days of back-to-back testing at Lake Lanier, northeast of Atlanta, Ga.
On the water, Honda has seen acceleration and top-speeds virtually line-ball with a 2-stroke competitor 2-stroke outboards being the traditional high-performance leaders. The resulting boost in available torque at low rpm contributes to a strong holeshot off the line acceleration to get the boat up on plane quickly. For this test, Dale replaced the usual 36-gal. However - from a typical consumer's point of view - it's likely the biggest advantage of the 4-stroke design is the absence of oil deposited in the exhaust system. Together with a lightweight, compact design, these technologies combine to offer outstanding performance and fuel efficiency. Evinrude E115 If Mercury's 115 is a detuned 135, you can think of Evinrude's two-stroke 115 as a hot-rodded 90.
It's a detuned version of Suzuki's 140-hp outboard, but it weighs only 21 pounds more than the lightweight Evinrude. This exceptional fuel economy also translates proportionately if you are running a larger center console in the 27- to 31-foot range and require twin powerplants. Developed on the base of the 1. The primary circuit draws air into the front and around critical engine components and a top-mounted cooling fan draws cooling air over the alternator. Lift the engine cowl, and the Optimax seems to have more add-on bits and pieces than the Yamaha or Honda, which means more potential trouble spots. Each manufacturer's engineers had a whole day to rig and test their motor, trying different props and mounting positions until they were satisfied this was the best their engine could do on that hull on that water on that day.
All five outboards were noticeably better than conventional two-stroke outboards—quieter, smoother, more powerful and more economical. All tests were performed several times over an identical course to ensure accuracy and repeatability. A unique dual-stage intake plenum and complex fuel and ignition system also serve to improve its efficiency. At 442 pounds, the 2. Unlike the others, Suzuki's 115 comes complete with your choice of stainless steel prop. Compared to the blue smoke generators of even two years ago, all these 2000 model outboards are the very models of decorum. The technology provides a broad, flat torque curve and smooth power delivery throughout the engine's entire operating range, allowing the operator to enjoy both outstanding performance and impressive fuel economy.
Manufacturers are scrambling to develop clean-burning engines that meet the impending rules. Engine Manual: Information on this page has come from multiple third parties and can not be guaranteed to be accurate. A Fresh Water Flushport functions to flush debris and salt water out of the engine, extending the life of the outboard, and a Built-In Pitot Tube in the gear case eliminates the need to drill holes in the boat for installation. Cousins Bill and Dale Kenner enthusiastically agreed to make a stripped version of their center-console 21 V-150, 21 ft. It's obviously working harder at high speeds.
This saved us literally days when switching from one outboard to another. Such accurate fuel control serves to benefit maximum power, response, emissions and smoothness - in addition to reducing the chance of spark plug foul-up while trolling for extended periods. Each engine also contains a crankshaft-driven, automotive-style Trochoid Pump to ensure critical engine component long-term durability. A 2-Pass Cooling System maintains an even temperature on all cylinders, resulting in increased cooling efficiency and long-term durability. The Suzuki is a very straightforward outboard: a 1. At 349 pounds plus a small external oil tank, it weighs nearly 150 pounds less than Honda's 115. The smaller Evinrude used significantly less fuel than the Mercury at midrange cruise, but consumed the same amount at full throttle.
Its sleek design also improves on-water aerodynamics. Be sure to do your testing under your normal boating conditions and with a good propeller not bent, cracked, or excessively chipped. It significantly outperformed the other 115 outboards at all speeds, while burning about 22 percent more gasoline than the four-strokes at wide-open throttle. He can do that because two Evinrudes weigh only 200 pounds more than one Honda. Which motor you choose depends primarily on the size and weight of your hull, which performance characteristics are most important to you and, truthfully, the best local dealer. After trying three-blade props, the engineers from Honda and Mercury opted to use four-blade props, which seemed to give quicker acceleration and noticeably better bite in high-speed corners. Even if this information is the same as the original factory specs, boats are sometimes modified.
This allowed us to test engines with either a 20- or 25-in. Where the Suzuki falls down is in fuel consumption. A large-sized splash plate helps reduce water splash while a longer anti-ventilation plate helps reduce cavitation around the propeller. It is also said to improve fuel efficiency and emissions. The engine management computer also serves to protect the engine; whenever there's low oil pressure, over-temperature, over-revving or an excessive amount of water detected in the fuel, a helmsman alert is activated and revs are automatically cut. As with Mercury's Optimax, the result is a clean-running two-stroke with no visible smoke and no plug fouling even at prolonged idle.
The engine is available in Long, Extra Long and Extra Extra Long shafts measuring 508, 635 and 764mm respectively. On both models, the Engine Alert System works to monitor vital engine functions, alerting the operator of any problems. On the other hand, the Honda outboard is significantly quieter than its competition, significantly more economical on fuel and, thanks to its long-stroke design, it has a fat midrange torque curve that makes it easy to tow a skier or push a heavy boat. Battery charging capacity has been more than doubled to a class-leading 35 amperes. The iboats can likely help you find a lot of outboard information as it is arranged by subject. Furthermore, it was the noisiest engine at high speeds.
It's hand-laid fiberglass, 100 percent foam-filled and covered by a five-year warranty. . All motors were tested on consecutive days in a sheltered cove at the southeast end of Lake Lanier, near Lanier Islands. Below 4000 rpm these valves are closed, reducing the plenum volume and increasing air velocity. What remains are a center console with 15-in.