Hi All: I'm in the market for a Eastern 24' Cuddy Cabin boat. The
boat's dry weight is appx. 3000-3100 lbs. If you live in the New
England area this boat looks exactly like a lobster boat & is.
Although, this will be used for pleasure boating.

Here's my scenario. Eastern is a Honda outboard dealer & they are
pushing the Honda 130. Most the boats I have seen in the water are
using the Honda 130. I have my concerns & I'll give you my thoughts on
the pros & cons. Please note: I can purchase a 2003 (brand new in box)
130 for $9,900.00 but the boat will be a 2004.

Honda 130:

Pros: The Honda name & the 130 has been very, very durable. Decent
amount of service centers. The engine will be installed @ the factory
vs. sending the boat to a Suzuki dealership.

Cons: Price ($10,990.00 rigged 2004 model). Weight=508 lbs.

Suzuki: 140

Pros: Cost ($9,000.00 rigged) 10 more HP. Better gas consumption.
Light=421 lbs. A little quieter in db. Possible 6 year warranty (vs.
standard 3 year) coming January 1st, 2004.

Cons: Dealer network (not a problem were we live. Gloucester, MA.)
Suzuki endurance on the 140???

I took a 24' Eastern center console (not the Cuddy I'm looking at) on
a sea trail w/ the Honda 130 & it pushed the boat fine. Not great, but
I must understand this is not a fast boat to begin with. Do you think
the 87 lbs. & the 10 less HP on the Honda 130 makes that much of a
difference? I'm on the ropes here. Need to make a decision within 2-3
weeks.

I understand that Honda is coming out with a new 2004 135 & 150 HP
engines that weight in @ 478 lbs. Only problem? They cost (appx.)
$12,990.00 for the 150 & $11,990.00 for the 135. This is too much
money! I want to keep the cost on my outboard to around $10,000.00
(max).

My preference would be to have everything done @ Eastern @ turn the
key & go. But I'm leaning towards the Suzuki 140. I would appreciate
any & all insight if you could help me make my decision. Thanks for
your time!

Regards,

Alex Moore

Here is my advise. Shop the internet and get the best price delivered on
the two engines and boat. Take the information to the dealers and talk the
same engines model number, year, hp, warranty. Your dealer should then be
able to offer you a better deal on a boat engine combo. Here is a good link
to start on engine price.
http://www.marineengine.com/
You may have to email some to get their price or call the 1-800 toll free
number. Remember to include delivery charge.

Jack
DF140TLK3 140 Remote 20" Electric $8059.00
DF140TXLK3 140 Remote 25" Electric $8108.00
DF140TXGK3 140 Remote 25" Electric $8352.00

"Alex Moore" wrote in message
om...
Hi All: I'm in the market for a Eastern 24' Cuddy Cabin boat. The
boat's dry weight is appx. 3000-3100 lbs. If you live in the New
England area this boat looks exactly like a lobster boat & is.
Although, this will be used for pleasure boating.

Here's my scenario. Eastern is a Honda outboard dealer & they are
pushing the Honda 130. Most the boats I have seen in the water are
using the Honda 130. I have my concerns & I'll give you my thoughts on
the pros & cons. Please note: I can purchase a 2003 (brand new in box)
130 for $9,900.00 but the boat will be a 2004.

Honda 130:

Pros: The Honda name & the 130 has been very, very durable. Decent
amount of service centers. The engine will be installed @ the factory
vs. sending the boat to a Suzuki dealership.

Cons: Price ($10,990.00 rigged 2004 model). Weight=508 lbs.

Suzuki: 140

Pros: Cost ($9,000.00 rigged) 10 more HP. Better gas consumption.
Light=421 lbs. A little quieter in db. Possible 6 year warranty (vs.
standard 3 year) coming January 1st, 2004.

Cons: Dealer network (not a problem were we live. Gloucester, MA.)
Suzuki endurance on the 140???

I took a 24' Eastern center console (not the Cuddy I'm looking at) on
a sea trail w/ the Honda 130 & it pushed the boat fine. Not great, but
I must understand this is not a fast boat to begin with. Do you think
the 87 lbs. & the 10 less HP on the Honda 130 makes that much of a
difference? I'm on the ropes here. Need to make a decision within 2-3
weeks.

I understand that Honda is coming out with a new 2004 135 & 150 HP
engines that weight in @ 478 lbs. Only problem? They cost (appx.)
$12,990.00 for the 150 & $11,990.00 for the 135. This is too much
money! I want to keep the cost on my outboard to around $10,000.00
(max).

My preference would be to have everything done @ Eastern @ turn the
key & go. But I'm leaning towards the Suzuki 140. I would appreciate
any & all insight if you could help me make my decision. Thanks for
your time!

Regards,

Alex Moore