I’m looking at two different skiffs, each approximately 12yrs old, each 18ft. One has a Yamaha 90 4 Stroke and the other a Yamaha 115.
I understand the weight difference between the 90 and 115 is only ~10lbs. And I recognize the significant weight advantage of the Yamaha 70 over both the 115 and the 90. But although I will regularly fish solo or with just one or two of my young boys, I will on occasion have four adults (or equivalent) on board.
So my question is, “Why would someone choose to outfit with the 90 over the 115?” Is it simply about cost? Or is there an advantage to the 90 that I’m overlooking? I’ve been out of the market for a while and just trying to make sense of the options.
For my needs, the 115 seems to make more sense, but I prefer the skiff that’s equipped with the 90. I appreciate any advice, thanks in advance!
if both engines are out of warranty, you can probably have the 90 turned into a 115 or better with a chip and some parts. i dont know of any advantage of the 90hp over the 115, maybe gas consumption. . possible that in some instances a boat may only be rated to a 90hp.
How many hrs on each motor? That would be the main factor to me,while i believe in maxing out the horse power on any boat ,a well equipped boat would sway me to the 90 vrs a boat not as well equipped with the 115…i also look at how many days ive been able to use all that power which in the afternoon isnt many,but its nice to know its there for those slick mornings👍i also learned not to buy a boat with plans to cater to others as it never works out that way,only your main family should be considered IMHO
As Brandon Beers says the 90 may be able to be Re-Flashed closer to 115hp ? Something to check on, but run it as 90 to start with you may like it stock and the motor will run longer with less stress…being more reliable as yamaha’s are noted for
Are the two boats under consideration the same length and weight?
I’m a firm believer in more power, not enough. Always better to have reserve when you need it vs. constantly pushing one with less horsepower hard all the time.
With engine weight nearly equal and your plans for more passengers on a regular basis, I’d opt for the 115 if it were me.
115 is a dual overhead camshaft design and the 90 is a single camshaft. While both the 90 and 115 have the same displacement that’s where their similarities end. I believe the 115 has a different ECU, heads, camshaft, valves etc. That’s where the weight difference comes from. Some say the 115 is a smoother engine because of the dual cam. The 90 is cheaper and during covid the 90 was available at times that the 115 wasn’t.
Thanks Zika, happy to be here. And I’m with you, the 115 seems like the better fit for my current needs. I’d love to have a skiff with a 70 or less, because that would make my poling life easier at least half the time. But with young kids that love to fish, but also want to carry gear to camp on islands, cruise around with their friends, etc. having more power seems like the way to go for now.
Ideally, the 115 would be on the Marquesa and I’d choose that one. But, I think both of those boats would be better off with the 115 than the 90. Hours, maintenance history are also important considerations.
I’m not experienced with either, but from a very simplistic view..More power is Mo better. I’d rather have some extra power on tap, than not. Assuming of course all other things are equal.
I’d take a good look at the weight of those boats as well…I think in both cases you are at the low end of the hp range. And with kids that means skiing and tubing which means more power give her some gas!!
I think the lower unit on the 90 is slightly smaller and thats where the weight savings comes from. The people I know that have them were because “it was a good deal on one that the dealer needed to get rid of”
