Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

[chrisg]

OK, I?m down to two motors:
?99 60HP Bigfoot $1.7k
?02 90HP Yamaha $3.4k

Is going on a 24-footer.

Both will need new prop. With Bigfoot, I can re-use my existing cables and control box. But it?s from an individual and can?t run it (would need to take it to a marina to inspect).

Yamaha comes with cables and harness, not sure if my control box is universal (single lever) coming from a dealer, provided 90-day warranty, has inspection report. Wants $100.00 to install.

I heard good things about both. Comments?

 

[rrhodes]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

Yamaha, always get the most HP you can afford. Also the 90 day warranty could save you in the long run.

 

[triumphrick]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

I bought my first Yammy in 1986 and it was the three cyl. 90. I used that motor hard for the next ten years. Every other season it got new plugs and a new impeller, along with lower unit lube.
It got washed and sprayed with a coat of wd-40 for those ten years and that motor never saw a shop or broke.
Hopefully the previous owner treated that Yamaha well.

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

Same question: Mercury Bigfoot 4 stroke 40 hp vs Yamaha 4 stroke with similar horse power (40 horse) ?

Which brand is more reliable and save me in the long run ?

Also, I saw threads in this forum and noticed boardies seem to have questions on Mercury, noise from Mercury, "issue" of noise at certain rpm etc etc etc ?

Some one told me his friend who has a shop and has a number of Mercury for repairs, mostly on the lower units. He told me not to touch Mercury even if it is a newer model, even if it is a 4 stroke !

Any comment is appreciated !

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

I wouldn't put a lot of weight on what others indicated about Mercs "in general"

Look at this poll:

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=270095

What you see is that the majority of respondents have Mercs/Johnson/Evinrude OBs. So, it stands to reason that you'll here more questions, problems and repair horror stories on the engines that are the most prevalent in the market.

Go to a scrap yard. I bet you'll see more Dodge/Chrysler minivans than others simply because there are more sold than other brands.

If a motor was properly maintained, it'll provide you many good years of service (I just sold a '65 Merc in excellent mechanical shape) and have seen a few that are a couple of years old I'd never put on my boat.

I'd still recommend the Yamaha 90 with warranty for piece of mind if the $$$ will allow it.

 

[Bigbobcat]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

Hi,
I am still sitting on the fence
Don't know which one to buy: 2006 Mercury Bigfoot 4 stroke 40 hp or 2006 Yamaha 4 stroke 40 hp ?
Any input is appreciated !

 

[NelsonQ]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

Sorry, looks like I responded to two separate posts.

To BigBobCat, the reference to Merc was for you. However, please don't hijack threads as it's buried in the wrong place as Chris was looking for input on his selection of motors. Price will certainly have something to do with what you've mentioned but where I have my boat there is a ton more Merc 4 strokes than Yamaha but that may be a representation on the fact that most dealers around here sell Merc and Evinrude. My other comments still apply.

To Chris, I'm with the suggestions of the rest of the posters and getting the more HP you can get for the $$$. But, depending on what you're req's are, perhaps a 40 HP will push your boat along as much as you need, but a 90 HP will do it with a lot less effort plus you'd have to spend $$ to have a marina check the motor on the Merc whereas the Yahama has the warranty

 

[chrisg]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

Sorry, looks like I responded to two separate posts.

To BigBobCat, the reference to Merc was for you. However, please don't hijack threads as it's buried in the wrong place as Chris was looking for input on his selection of motors. Price will certainly have something to do with what you've mentioned but where I have my boat there is a ton more Merc 4 strokes than Yamaha but that may be a representation on the fact that most dealers around here sell Merc and Evinrude. My other comments still apply.

To Chris, I'm with the suggestions of the rest of the posters and getting the more HP you can get for the $$$. But, depending on what you're req's are, perhaps a 40 HP will push your boat along as much as you need, but a 90 HP will do it with a lot less effort plus you'd have to spend $$ to have a marina check the motor on the Merc whereas the Yahama has the warranty

Thanks all, looks like someone messed up my question: I have a 60HP bigfoot Vs a 90 Yamaha. But after looking a finances, I am having the Merc taken to a marina to have them check it out, and tell me the verdict on it. They already told me that all my connections will fit ( some re-wiring for the trim, but that's it). So the swap over would be simple ( not so with the Yamaha, and I will have to buy a new control box, and perhaps new wire harness - even more cost!)

Even my old prop will Physically fit the merc. ( I noticed these 'prop wizards' are all over the place even with the same info, once said 14/21, another said 14/11, and another had a bigfoot pontoon prop setting at 14/10). And the Merc marina will take my prop as a trade in on another used prop. The Yamaha, I'm on my own to find a prop.)

So, the Merc showed no signs of damage on the lower unit, So I'll wait to see what the marina has to say..

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

You can see the motors -- we can't. They are both good motors. My preference is the Merc because of the much larger displacement (995 cc) vs the yamaha 747 cc. The Merc is also EFI (turn key starting) while the Yamaha is carbed. For pontoon service, I prefer engine displacement so I can twist a bigger prop.

 

[chrisg]

Re: Dilemma: Yamaha or Merc ??.

well, I went with the Merc.

Need new (longer) battery cables, and a prop. Other then that, all fit. ( need to see about the low oil warning system, but thats in another thread and I have not got a responce yet). I talked the guy down to compensate for the additional costs, so still ahead.

I was told by the marina who checked it out said it runs good. Once they re do the battery cables, and put new prop on it, I can take it out. Hopfully this weekend. (Before it gets too cold)...

Well, we can go out and see the fall colors!