Yamaha HPDI vs 4 stroke

[Capt Ag]

Looking for input/opinion on this topic from the good folks on this board.

I have been considering purchase of a 30 Marlin and looking for the right boat the last couple months since selling my last boat - 29 Fountain CC - Mercury 250 EFIs (insert fuel sucking sound here)

My requirement has been to have 4 strokes and it seems most 03-06 models of the 30 Marlin come with the Yamaha F225s, some with F250s.
I have found what I consider to be a good value, but this boat has Yamaha 300 HPDIs.

What are the comparisons/pros & cons here between these 2 types of engines? Should I stick to my original 4 stroke requirement?

Thanks!

 

[BobP]

Welcome, good comment! You're in like flint now (with me)!

More importantly than modern 2 stroke (HPDI) vs. 4 stroke, both similar fuel efficiency, is the reputation of the big block HPDIs, there have been issues, don't know if they have been resolved. Your Yamaha dealer is the best resource for that. Others may comment on the big block 250/300HP HPDIs.

To me, it would depend on how good the deal is, be it for so caled reputation.

The 300 HPDIs are way more powerful in every way than F225 or F250s. If speed and acceleration matters.

The Yamaha F200 and F225 were on the market first, then when the F250 appeared later, a different design, Grady installed those instead. That's why there are two diffrent Fs on those year models. Same for other models of same years.

You can alternately go back a few more years and find one with 250 OX66s and repower upon purchase with F250s, and get the 5 yr warranty, for same total investment as going newer for F225s with no warranty remaining.

 

[striped bass]

Find out how far away your authorized Yamaha dealership is from you. New F series Yamahas will require certified Yamaha mechanics to service the engine and maintain the warranty. The 2 stroke engines can be supported by most qualified outboard mechanics so you are not tied to a Yamaha dealership. I can take my Yamaha 225 to my local marine mechanic (who has the troubleshooting Yamaha book) and get just about any servicing I need. It is a great convenience to be able to go to a garden variety outboard mechanic and get good service (at a reasonable price, too). My 225 OX66 has substantial get up and go as well.
BTW, since you are looking at the F series have you considered an F350?

 

[BirdRock]

Google 300hpdi and you'll find more bad press than you ever wanted to read. Enough to make you reconsider. Keep in mind most of what you'll find bashing the engine was writtein 2005 when Yamaha still had their head up their @$$ and kept denying anything was wrong with these engines. There are a lot of people that hate these engines and I can't argue with them but there are also plenty of users with a considerable amount of troublefree hours.

I've got one and it's been great. Bought it used with the YES warranty, stuck it on our gulfstream and haven't looked back. 90 hours so far with no problems. Make sure all of the updates have been done (water intrusion kits, oil pump replacement) and call Yamaha customer service with the serial numbers. They will tell you what they know about those specific engines in regards to warranty claims, etc. They were very helpful to me.

The HPDI is close if not as good as the 4 strokes on gas mileage at cruise. I think they burn a bit more at trolling speeds. They are also a bit louder from what I've noticed. Definitely stronger than the F250.

If everything checks out and you buy the boat with HPDIs don't plan on selling them anytime soon. You'll probably have to give them away. I plan on running ours until it dies. The boat will have a lot less resale potential with those engines compared to 4strokes.

Good luck. I'd love a bigger boat with twins!

 

[BobP]

Striped bass, info on 4 stroke service doesn't make sense(?)

Anyone including yourself can service engine like change oil and filter, warranty service only by Yamaha dealer mechanic since they get reimbursed for parts and labor you don't pay.

Whoever services motor is responsible it is done correctly, otherwise Yamaha can void warranty should a problem occur because of it.

Same applies to 2 strokes.

Not much to service in these motors anyway, other than filters, and oil changes for 4 strokers
Gear case lube, water pump.

 

[Legend]

I heard nothing but bad news on the HPDI 300. The 200 is a different story - a great engine. I have heard that Yamaha has fixed the issues with the 300 although I believe it was discontinued last year. The bad rep would make it difficult to sell if you were so inclined