Honda 225 vs Suzuki 250

[Pierless]

Hello. This is a first post for me here. I am looking at buying a World Cat 290 and there are two boats at the top of my list. One has the Honda 225s and the other has Suzuki 250s. Any comments on Honda or Suzuki would really help me reach a decision. I am not a speed freak so having 2x250 is not a must. But, it would be great if anyone can comment on having 2x225 pushing a heavy boat. Thanks in advance.

[v70catboat]

I would suggest comparing the prop tests

http://www.worldcat.com/boats/dual_cons ... e_prop.php

Another factor is the dealer network/brand close to you.

[sly cat]

I have had both engines and would go with the Suzuki 250's.

Rgds,

Sly Cat

[Bigfoot2]

Check to see which dealers are closest to you, and if you have both, check which one is better.

[Pierless]

Thanks a lot for the advice. I am working on it . . . .

[The BEAST]

Hello. This is a first post for me here. I am looking at buying a World Cat 290 and there are two boats at the top of my list. One has the Honda 225s and the other has Suzuki 250s. Any comments on Honda or Suzuki would really help me reach a decision. I am not a speed freak so having 2x250 is not a must. But, it would be great if anyone can comment on having 2x225 pushing a heavy boat. Thanks in advance.

My 04 had 225 Honda's and with a set of PowerTech 4 blade props it did fine in the 0-4500 rpm ranges.. as strong as the 300 Zukes I have now and very near as equal in cruise speeds (+/- .5 - 1 mph). From 4500- WOT it was a sled compared to the 300's but what can be expected from 150 less HP.

However, since $2000 per month in fuel is not unheard of for me with fuel well over $3 p/gal at the dock once again, the Honda's have a convincing edge as they are exceedingly more fuel efficient. On my normal live bait trips with the older (non lean burn) Honda 225's, I used @ 45 gal per trip where my Zukes use @55 gal for the same trip. That parlays into hundreds of dollars a month difference in fuel costs. I like my Zuke 300's but I wouldn't hesitate to repower with a new set of 225 Hondas even moreso, with the lean burn technology now.

If a modest fuel burn is a plus and 38-43 mph top end, depending on load, is enough for you... then the Honda's would be my recommendation. If you feel the need for speed and don't care about the extra fuel burn... then go with the Zukes!

I know your question was about 250 Zukes vs 225 Hondas and I was relaying info about 300 Zukes. Considering numbers, including real world numbers from Harry, the 250 and 300 Zukes are almost identical except for a slight edge on top end.

Just my 2 cents! Use it if it helps... discard it if it doesn't.

[TowBoatUS]

This may redundant from my other posts, but in my experience there is a parts supply issue with the Suzuki line of motors. I own a Suzuki 250 and it’s a good engine, but parts remain an issue. If you buy one and get in a bind remember that Suzuki made the Evinrude 4 strokes in 2003/4 and the only difference is black vs. white paint. I’m running an Evinrude lower unit for that very reason.

We have had an issue with thrust washers/crank issues on two Hondas in the last three months. Honda has stepped up and done the right thing in standing behind their engines. We currently run six Hondas with good results, but have switch over our repowering to Merc Optimax as a matter of value for money and all around performance.

[Pierless]

I really appreciate these comments! Thanks.

Fuel cost is always an issue but I am a weekend user so engine hours per year are lower than I would prefer. It means I want to save on fuel but getting good local service has become my bigger issue.

I checked the local dealer and they service both but really prefer Suzuki. I had been talking to a dealer out of my area about a used World Cat and called to ask him. He had been super on my other questions when I was a potential buyer. This time he knew I was not a buyer and still took the time to talk - he also favored Suzuki.

Think I am leaning toward the boat with the Suzuki 250s. Will make a decision this weekend after a sea trial.

[The BEAST]

Service is a main concern. Although I have had excellent service out of all of them. 2600hrs on DT200 EFI (2 stroke) Zukes... 2300 hrs on Honda 225's... 1400 hrs now on my 300 Zukes. All were/are flawless, mechanically, for me. The mechanics like the Suzuki's because they are more mechanic friendly. Parts are more easily replaceable. But then again, my Hondas went 2300 hrs on their original platinum spark plugs. Suzuki still uses the old style NGK (250 hr) plugs. Suzuki has more required routine service points than Honda also. As Towboat said... parts availability is the major concern with Suzuki, especially with the DF (4 stroke) models. Being easier to service (mechanic friendly) doesn't mean squat if the parts are not available, today, this week, or this month! I've heard horror stories of people waiting the majority of their fishing season for a part. Of all the Honda owners I know, I've heard of very few mechanical issues and the parts were readily available with GREAT customer service, something that Suzuki is sorely lacking. I tried to call and talk to a Suzuki tech about a problem I'm still having with my digital guages. It didn't turn out well. Impossible is more the word for it, when it comes to speaking to somone outside of their phone base in India.

[BigPineBoy]

Pierless, Please post a report after your seatrial of the 29. I am curious what you think. What you like, what you might not like. I have Yami 250's and would be hard pressed to power down.

Bill
BigPineBoy