90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

[ShawnQ]

I am trying to decide between 2 different boats. One is a 'FishMaster', and one is a Kenner. They are both 18' (17'6"), and both are very comparable everywhere. The kenner has a 90hp merc 2 stroke, the fish master has a 90hp suzuki 4stroke.<br /><br />One thing I liked about the merc was the 'saltwater' package, which had the freshwater flush hookup, stainless tilt tube, etc. I also like the low end on the 2 strokes, they get you out of the whole quick.<br />I didn't like the 1 yr warranty.<br /><br />One thing I liked about the suzuki was the fact that it was 4stroke, and gets better fuel economy. It's also quiet and clean. <br />However, it weighs more, and the package costs more (15k vs. 14k)<br /><br />So, should I go with the Kenner boat with the MERC or the Fishmaster with the Zuki?<br /><br />If I can sell my current boat pretty soon (1968 chrysler commando 151 w/1995 90hp nissan), I will have a brand new boat in my driveway!<br /><br />Thanks!<br />Shawn

 

[JB]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

For my preferences it is a no-brainer. Fishmaster/Suzi.<br /><br />I've had a Merc 90 2s and don't want another.

 

[ShawnQ]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

I was thinking the same thing...<br /><br />I also forgot to mention that for a little more then the zuki/fishmaster, I can get the kenner/yamaha.<br /><br />Would you still take the zuki/fishmaster?<br /><br />Is there a better bay boat that I can get for a similar cost? I am not really familiar with bayboats. I haven't heard of Fishmaster until the last 2 or 3 years...but I know Kenner has been around. I am kind of weary of the fishmaster because of this to be honest with you..<br /><br />If only the zuki came std. on the kenner...doh!<br /><br />Shawn

 

[lakensea]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

The 90 Suzuki has a fresh water flush port and a stainless steel tilt tube - and you will get the 6 year warranty if purchased by 9/30/03.

 

[bryanredfish]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

JB - just out of curiousity, what's your beef with the Merc 90 2 stroke? They have proven time and time again that they are among the most reliable 2-strokes out there. Granted, they're noisy and idle like a 3-legged horse, but they are surprisingly efficient, reliable, powerful, and simple in design. Just curious.

 

[JB]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

You said it, Bryan.<br /><br />Noisy, idles (and trolls) like a three-legged horse and smokes and drinks like a carbed 2 stroke.<br /><br />Reliable and performs well at cruise and WOT. Yes, but that isn't enough for me.

 

[UpstNYer]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

JB: What's your opinion of the Yamaha 90hp 2-stroke? Any better than the 90 Merc? It's a lot lighter.<br />Bob

 

[JB]

Re: 90 saltwater MERC 2stroke -OR- 90 Suzuki 4stroke?

I see the Yammy 90 2s as a sweet running, light and dependable engine.<br /><br />It is, however, only 70 cubic inches so it's real world performance is more like a 70 than, say, a 105 cubic inch Johnson 90 2s.