2003 Merc or Johnson???

[tygh]

I cannot make up my mind. Looking at getting a 15hp motor from here, either the used 2003 Merc 15hp or the new 2003 Johnson 15hp. Anything I should know that would push me towards one or the other?<br /><br />I would get the extended warranty on the Merc. Price difference is $500 between the used merc and new Johnson.

 

[smokeyjoe 2]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Go with the Merc!! I had a 1996 30hp Merc(2000 - 2004) on a Jon boat and didn't have any trouble with it!!pump the primer 2 times and pull the rope one time and it started every time!

 

[JB]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Go with the Johnny.<br /><br />It is new, with new warranty. By the time you buy an extended warranty the price difference would be negligible.<br /><br />SmokyJoe has had good luck with a Merc. I have had good luck with about a dozen Johnnys in that range.<br /><br />Disclaimer: This poster has been a JohnnyRude fan and user for 50 years. He is prejudiced.

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

JB, I have been a Merc fan and user since I was 3, a 1967 Merc 650, A 1969 Merc 1250 that sucked a reed valve in 93 (Still had the warrentee seal on it), now I have a 1979 Merc 140.<br /><br />If it were me, I would go for the Merc, if nothing else, because the throttle and shift are on the tiller handle.<br /><br />Just my opinion.<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/showphoto.php?photo=13004&sort=7&thecat=500&password= <br /><br />Craig

 

[teamstromer]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

tygh, get the merc, that is my preference. also don't get extended warranty, a good dealer will tell you to wait til there is a sale on warranties, this does happen. also if it is new wait til year manufactures warranty is almost up.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Another vote for the Johnson! <br /><br />You'll get to "break it in" yourself, can't beat a new motor!

 

[Old Jarhead]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Originally posted by Tygh:<br /> I would get the extended warranty on the Merc. Price difference is $500 between the used merc and new Johnson.

Here's the break down the way I see it.<br /><br />Johnson- One year warranty $2,000<br /><br />Mercury- Three year extended warranty $1660<br /><br />With the Mercury you get two years added warranty protection @ a savings of $340. <br /><br />$340 pays for shipping and a few fishing trips to boot. And don't forget. The first time you pull the rope on the Johnson it's used. <br /><br />For me, being the tightwad that I am, the Mercury would be my choice.<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy whichever you choose.<br />

 

[red10]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

go with the johnny, i have a 71 9.5 horse that hasn't seen anything and it's bulletproof

 

[tygh]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Old Jarhead,<br />You think like I do. Since I am not familiar with Johnsons, I wanted to see if there was anything that justified the higher price.<br /><br />Since I am ok with having a "used" motor, I will be going with the Merc. I can buy some other toys for the boat with the money I save.

 

[quantumleap]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Plus have two extra years of peace of mind.

 

[FlyBoyMark]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

The little Merc can have factory Power Trim an Tilt installed. The Merc has all-in-one shift and throttle in grip. You can order with or add later 15 amp charging electric start. Merc is a proven older design with updates to make it more reliable over the years. Power head sits a little higher on the transom, this could be a plus if you get swamped in a small boat. Johnrudes in this class are good motors too...but I would tend to buy American and plus the Merc can be bought for a real good price if you shop around. The new Johnrudes need to be on the market for awhile before I would buy one. If I were a Canadian, I would probably by the Johnrude...

 

[roscoe]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Both are good.<br />I would go for the new one and then you can make sure it is broken in correctly.<br /><br />Like I said, both would be good, so <br />compare the little features and controls, like shallow water drive, shifter position, how you stop the motor( do you have to pull the kill cord or is there a convenient button), fuel line connector, size and shape of the gas tank, tilt lever position.<br /><br />Which is going to be more convenient for you.<br /><br />I hate the fact that I have to pull the safety kill switch to stop one of my motors. Then I have to reinstall the lanyard clip.

 

[Mercathode]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Hi Tygh<br />The merc has been "TOUCHED" go with the Johnson.......It is new MANNNN!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: 2003 Merc or Johnson???

Why was the Merc only used a year? Who used the Merc? Is it an outfitter's motor used by a whole seasons worth of different boaters?...