Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

[Jayb123]

I was wondering what motor you all would prefer -or- would rather buy used. Say all the motors are the same year (~early 70's), size (~say 80hp) and elec ignition. Im using the numbers as an example. Keeping all the same specs.... and motor costing ~$500 used. Which of the outboards would you prefer based on durability of much older outboard, repair and replacement of parts if needed.

Thanks again .... I have been doing some homework so I will be prepared for an outboard purchase

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

Kinda a silly poll. Johnsons and Evinrudes are the same motors. I would prefer a J/E due to better parts support. Stay '73 or newer to avoid an electric shift model.

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

OMC for that time span. The old mercs were like performance motors while the OMC's were the work horses. They are also easier to work on and get parts for; Mercury seemed to keep theirs complicated on purpose. There are a lot of mechanics who can work on old OMC's but hard to find one for an old Merc.

Of course, some of this is regional. I remember, growing up, an area where the watermen all used Merc's in the toughest conditions.

Ansd as EZ said, you want to avoid the odd-balls, or the last year of a major design change, if you can. Realisitically, you can't shop for old motors that way. Inventory is thin!

 

[Jayb123]

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

Kinda a silly poll. Johnsons and Evinrudes are the same motors. I would prefer a J/E due to better parts support. Stay '73 or newer to avoid an electric shift model.

Oops.. I didnt know that EZ. Learn something new everyday
(Are they made by the same company.. or essentially the same motor in design and parts?)


AS you said avoid the odd-ball motors... you are correct I learned that the hard way with a tohatsu that needed some parts... which seemed to cost 2x as much. Again ...live and learn

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

(Are they made by the same company.. or essentially the same motor in design and parts?)

For the time period you're considering, the difference is literally paint and decals. Both produced by Outboard Marine Corp (OMC).

 

[5150abf]

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

Yup, the J/Es from the 80s to about 95 were the best engines built, after that and until they went bankrupt in 2001 they got a little sketchy with build quality and plastic parts but the 80s ones are bullit proof and you can still easily buy almost every part you need for them.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

WHy not examine this previous poll?????http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=270095&page=8

 

[Jayb123]

Re: Evinrude, Johnson or Merc (poll):

WHy not examine this previous poll?????http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=270095&page=8

Didnt see that one (was from 2008). gonna read it over though.