Re: 2002 Merc 90hp 4 stroke
radsrh,<br /><br />From a service perspective, I haven't seen hardly any issues with these, but then again, they are fairly new, and we sell far more 2 strokes than 4 strokes, so it is hard to comment on. Most 4-strokes idle smoother, are quieter, and are good for pontoon or low noise applications.<br /><br />As for what you read on these boards, take everything with a grain of salt. Every comment on here is everyones opinion, and everyone brings their own biases, opinions and loves to the board with them, and that is reflected in their comments. I have been to many forums about PC's, and after reading some of the posts, would draw to the conclusion that some of the best equipment I have ever owned was worthless - 500 posters just agreed. But then I began finding a few "rogue" threads that expressed my same sentiments, and I realized that the vocal majority was in fact the actual minority.<br /><br />No offense to anyone here, but this board swings predominately to OMC/BMC, and there is nothing wrong with that. Around the area where I live, that is a foreign concept, most people "know" that inland bay, inlets and less than 10 miles offshore is done with a Mercury, far offshore is either Optimax or Yamaha twins, and the only use for an OMC on is an aluminum jon boat. Suzuki's are "them rice-burning crotch-rocket things - they don't make boat engines...", and "why would you put a Honda generator motor on a boat????" I am learning a lot to the contrary about Hondas and Suzukis from this board, but you see that certain biases are prevalent everywhere.<br /><br />The common montra on this board is find a local dealer that supports what you are looking to buy - it makes all the difference.<br /><br />One last thing, I don't think there is a "bad" new motor, from any manufacturer, they all have certain differences and advantages. Find the one you like, find a local reputable dealer that carries that brand, and go fishing, or skiing, or pontooning, or whatever else you do....