Free outboard,what would you choose?

[496 Cubic Inches]

If you were to receive a brand new outboard of your choice,free of charge,what would you pick?

 

[Perfidiajoe]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

I've always had good service with the Mercs, Had a 1964 85 HP on 3 diffrent boats over time,(Which people asked me, Does this engine only have 2 speeds Wide open & canal?) Gave it away running in 1995, When I bought A 225 XRI. Never been inside either of these engines. So I would pick a Merc Again. IMHO, Joe

 

[bossee]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

Hi,<br />Personally I would not hesitate to buy any make of outboards today. Yamaha, Mercury/Mariner, Honda, Suzuki/Johnson, Evinrude, Tohatsu.<br />But I would probably try to find an EFI or DFI as first choice with the hp you wanted.<br />Yamaha had good results in J.D. Power and Associates Customer Satisfaction Survey in recent years, both with 4- and 2-strokes.<br /><br />Link <br /><br />I use Yamaha myself (F115 4-stroke, 2003), had Suzkui 2-stroke before.<br /><br />Personally I rank reliability highest and also that the outboard is quite and of course meet CARB 3-Stars rating if it is new. To have a good service shop nearby is also important. It is not just the outboard itself that must be good.

 

[DJ]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

e-tec.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

Current production:<br /><br />Small - Tohatsu 4-stk 9.8<br /><br />Med - Tohatsu 2-stk DFI/TLDI 90<br /><br />Large - Yamaha 2 -stk DFI/HPDI Any V-6

 

[andy6374]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

If you get a new merc. Go with digital throttle. I haven't felt the difference myself, but my buddy just came back from a Merc school session and he said he will never go back to cables, simply amazing.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

No brainer. E-Tec.

 

[andy6374]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

Dhadley-<br />Not that I'm for one or the other, what's the E-Tec got over optimax and vise versa? Have you ran both? What's your vote based on: Reliability, speed, efficiency?<br /><br />I though that read in bass & walleye that optimax edges in speed and efficiency (don't know weather this is mid-range or WOT).<br /><br />I know the early opti-max's were black anchors but that the newer models are great. Just curious!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

The E-Tec system design is more efficent....in terms of emissions. Each individual model varies as to it's superiority or inferiority in comparison to other brands in the same horsepower class. IE., Some are dogs, some are bats. Up until the last six months there were few reported problems with them. But, as their usage has increased, they seem to have begun to have some failures at about the same rate has everything else. I don't think anyone would be making a mistake if they bought one. But there are better choices in some different horsepowers for different applications.

 

[Dhadley]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

In a technical sense the Opti and HPDI compare to the BRP DI motors, not the E Tec. The tests in B&W allow the hi perf Opti which have a higher recommended top rpm and the sportmaster gearcase. They run the motors only at the published top rpm. Under those rules, the Merc was destined to be faster and quicker. And should be. Actually if the top rpms were allowed to be higher the Yamaha would have fared much better. In fact for 2006 Yamaha is changing their top rpm recommendations even though the motor hasnt changed. <br /><br />Looking at things to come and the technology BRP has devoted to Evinrude, I don't believe you'll find a better built or backed motor. It's already turned the "4 stroke is cleaner & better" myth upside down.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

All makes are good now. Take your choice!! I would make sure you have a local dealer for what ever you pick. Good Luck ,Tim

 

[ob15]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

What the heck, I'll take one of each.

 

[nimmor]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

I agree with Tim Mathis on the choosing local dealer. Around here there are several Evinrude/Johnson and Mercury dealers but only a very few that sell The others. I probaly would choose the Johnson line just because that is all I have ever had and have good luck with them.

 

[surlyjoe]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

90% of the fishermen in mexico run Yamaha even though they have to pay a premium for them.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

If you don't mind me asking. How you going to get a free outboard? You know you don't have to answer that. Just thought I would ask. Tim

 

[Reel Poor]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

While your getting one free get me one too. Ill split the cost with ya.

 

[NBE]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

I think I would take about any of them.....if it was free. Not too choosy if a free one was to come around.

 

[timmathis]

Re: Free outboard,what would you choose?

They are free ones all over the place. Just don't get cought!!!!<br />Ha Ha Ho Ho Just Kidding<br />I have not poked at anyone lately.