Advice re 8-9.9 hp outboard

[Al Kungel]

I am planning on purchasing a new(8 or 9.9, 4 stroke, long shaft) kicker for my boat. I want something that starts easily, idles smoothly and runs quietly. The main power on my boat is a 115 Merc and I would prefer to get another Merc, but any comments, suggestions pro and con are appreciated.<br />---<br />Al

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Advice re 8-9.9 hp outboard

They are all pretty much the same. Regardless of where you buy it from, make sure you have a friendly local dealer.

 

[EFIS]

Re: Advice re 8-9.9 hp outboard

Get advice from as many people as you can, then as Elvin says find a dealer who you can respect and rely upon. Not much use saving money and then having a bad dealer relationship.

 

[Jack Shellac]

Re: Advice re 8-9.9 hp outboard

I've always owned OMC's, but my son recently got a 9.9 Merc and I have to say that I'm very impressed with it. Starts easy, is quiet and runs smoothly. Time will tell whether it will hold up in salt water like OMC's have historically done, but from what I've read Merc has come a long way in this regard.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Advice re 8-9.9 hp outboard

have you ever started a single or small twin cylinder tohatsu. its like silk, every time. even my 1985 ms8a that i had started PERFECTLY, first pull, every single time no fail after almost 20 years. <br /><br />i own mercs, mariners, tohatsu's, evinrudes, johnson's, a suzuki 20hp, and even 2 monkey wards sea kings made by clinton. guess which one starts EVERY time after sitting for over a year....<br /><br />... i really should get paid for this, but i dont, thats right, my tohatsu's

 

[Al Kungel]

Re: Advice re 8-9.9 hp outboard

Keep the info coming. I just sold my 2000, 8hp 4 stroke Evinrude mainly because it did not run very smoothly, both at idle and at trolling speed. It did start very well. I have also had a 9.9hp oil injected suzuki which ran a lot smoother than the Evinrude. Thanks for the tip on the tohatsu.