Re: higher hp engine dependability
I think that two issues have been brought up here - first, that of older engines v. newer ones and, second, that of lower hp engines v. higher hp engines.
I don't buy new motors. To me, they seem to be ridiculously expensive and, for the most part, of no more practical value than the older motors that I own. I also believe that the older motors are more easily maintained and kept in a reliable state. They are simple in design and devoid of complex ignition and fuel/oil injection systems. The older motors also tend to be the product of years of adherence to a basic engine design. In these motors, it seems like the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" theory of life applies.
On the hp side of things, it seems like an awful lot is being asked of relatively small displacement engines. One motor in particular that seems to me, to be a candidate for a very short lifespan, is the Mercury Verado. These are very small displacement engines for the power they put out, and are very complex. So far, they seem to have a pretty good reputation in terms of reliability, but they are very new motors, so "school is still out" on that issue. I haven't researched the full spectrum of currently available outboards, but there does seem to be some commonality in the high output, low displacement issue. In particular, what I notice is that a given block will be used for several models/hp offerings produced by a given manufacturer. Where a specific model is lower in hp for that block, the ratio of hp to displacement may not be all that big a deal, but at the higher end of the spectrum, it seems like reliability is bound to suffer.
One area in which I have to admit that do like the newer motors is in environmental friendliness. I love my old motors but there is no doubt that they pollute much more than the new motors do. Who knows, if I win the "big lottery," I might spend a stupid amount of money on a new ETec to make myself feel better about this issue. Then again, maybe not!
