For 2009, outboard builders are masterfully playing the ponies, boosting the horsepower of existing, albeit “tweaked” blocks, down-powering others to create fresh ratings, and introducing a few totally new outboards. The result is an increasing number of horsepower choices for bass and walleye boat owners.

With some notable exceptions, most of the new developments are occurring in the four-stroke outboard stables. As we noted last year, four-strokes continue to threaten two-stroke dominance in the performance bass boat corral.

Among the upgrades for 2009, there is a new 350 Verado four-stroke from Mercury Racing, which is based on the 275 hp I-6 block in the Verado line. This stallion’s main rival is the Yamaha 350 V-8 four-stroke introduced last year. However, we’re not sure how relevant these outboards are to bass or walleye fishermen, as we have yet to see either 350 saddled to a freshwater fishing boat.

Elsewhere, there are other new colts, including Honda’s fresh 40 and 50 hp four-stroke models and Suzuki’s new 70, 80 and 90 hp four-stroke outboards, as well as an E-Tec 300 thoroughbred from Evinrude.

Let’s take a closer look at these new outboards for 2009.

EVINRUDE

Wisconsin-based Evinrude — now owned by BRP and the only outboard builder dedicated entirely to two-stroke direct-fuel-injected (DFI) technology — is celebrating its 100th Anniversary this year.

No less exciting for its mid-2008 introduction is the Evinrude 300 E-Tec — the most powerful E-Tec to date. Featuring 3.4L displacement block, this relatively lightweight V-6 has a hydrodynamically designed new SLE Magnum high-performance gearcase. Cooling is improved via secondary water inlets, and strength and durability are increased over previous engines thanks to a new forward gear and bearing design. For bass and walleye boats, it is available with a 20-inch shaft.

Also new from Evinrude are 25 and 30 hp E-Tec models. These are among the lightest engines in their horsepower class and feature the largest displacement at 35.3 cubic inches each. We have found both to be very smooth and quiet.

Although it’s based on an existing V-4 block, extensive revisions have also resulted in a new 115 High Output (H.O.) E-Tec, as well as a new 130 (pictured right). The standard 115 V-4 remains unchanged, but the H.O. version and 130 boast a redesigned two-stage exhaust system that really adds kick in midrange and top-end power.

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HONDA

Dedicated since its inception to four-stroke technology, Georgia-based Honda Outboards has two new engines this year, both based on a 49.3-cubic-inch block. Rated at

40 and 50 hp, these advanced, three-cylinder designs feature electronic fuel injection (EFI) and incorporate many of the innovations Honda uses in its more powerful models.

These mills employ advanced ignition timing for improved holeshot and Honda’s “Lean Burn Control” technology for better midrange economy. In addition to a beefier lower unit, the appearance of this fresh engine family is updated and reflects the styling of Honda’s larger outboards.

In recent testing (BWB January 2009) against competitive outboard brands, we found the Honda 50 (pictured right) to be the fastest in the category.

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MERCURY

For the performance-oriented bass boater who dreams of even more horses, Wisconsin-based Mercury has debuted a 350-horse Verado (pictured right). The I-6 engine features a heavy-duty lower unit with a larger propshaft than other Verados. Hand-built by Mercury Racing, it is available in 20-, 25- and 30-inch shaft lengths. We hope to test it on a bass or walleye boat sometime soon.

Farther down the horsepower ladder, Mercury is offering a 15 Pro Kicker that provides slightly more displacement (21.4 cid) than the stock 15 (19.7 cid). A new engine in the 25 hp four-stroke line is the Flyway, which features a camouflage color scheme for those who hunt backwater streams and marshes.

For the economy-minded, Mercury is still serving up carbureted two-strokes in the 50 and 90 hp range, as well as a 150 EFI model. Due to emissions regulations, these engines are not available for sale in some areas.

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SUZUKI

With a line that is entirely four-stroke, Southern California-based Suzuki Outboards has introduced three fresh engines at 70, 80 and 90 hp (pictured right) for 2009. All are based on the same four-cylinder 91.7 cid block.

What’s more, the 80 hp model is a new horsepower category for Suzuki. These engines are among the lightest and most compact in their class.

Another new size range for the company is a 100 hp engine. This unit is based on last year’s 90 and 115 hp units, and should prove popular with those who favor small to midsize rigs.

Meanwhile, the Suzuki 250 SS — introduced last year — continues to push the envelop of four-stroke performance on bass boats, giving the dominant two-strokes a run for their money.

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NISSAN/TOHATSU

Tohatsu, the Texas company that also offers Nissan, is following a conservative path this year. Although the Nissan and Tohatsu outboards don’t reach quite as high in the horsepower stable as other brands, the advantages of these engines are competitive pricing and rugged reliability. They are more akin to work horses than show horses.

The lineups are largely unchanged this year and top out at 115 hp (pictured right). There are, however, a couple of noteworthy developments. One is the addition of a 25-inch shaft length to the 6 hp units.

The other is the manufacturer’s new MFS15 and 20 hp electric start, remote control power tilt outboards. These small engines let you change the tilt angle with the push of a button, allowing easy transitions between deeper water and the shallows, which is great for fishing marshes, swamps and rivers.

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YAMAHA

Georgia-based Yamaha Outboards makes headlines in 2009 with a 300 hp version (pictured right) of the stunningly powerful F350 V-8 four-stroke that was introduced last year. As with the 350, we will wait to see if this engine will have applications in the freshwater fishing boat market.

In the meantime, we’re still basking in the glow of the Yamaha F225 Sport — one of two four-strokes introduced last year that truly challenge two-stroke performance on bass boats.

Elsewhere, Yamaha’s popular F250 benefits from some important upgrades for 2009 designed to improve both power and reliability. Notably, the intake manifold has been redesigned with a single throttle plate for improved air flow and better economy. In addition, the engine now receives the same “electro-deposited” anticorrosion paint process that coats the interior passages of the engine and improves corrosion resistance.

On the two-stroke side, the Yamaha 40 now features EFI, and is noticeably smoother than the carbureted model it replaces. As you would expect, it delivers excellent low-end torque.

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— BWB