Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

[tneker]

I have researched countless hours for my pending purchase of a new outboard to power my 16' AL bass boat rated for 70 hp. I came into the decision with a bias for Honda through experiences with Honda cars. I have been swayed from Honda 50 to Merc 60 EFI based on power to weight ratio and fuel injection. <br /><br />Now when it is getting close to pulling the trigger, my heart races and I wonder, do I have it all figured out.<br /><br />Help push me one way or another. I bought my boat on e-bay, which was previously stripped of a Honda motor so it is set up for any easy Honda install. The best price differential is $1,000 more for the Merc.<br /><br />Push me over the edge...<br /><br />By the way, I have been told that a Merc 60 EFI should bolt right up to the current transom bolt mounts that came from a Honda (I assume the 40/50 model, maybe smaller?) Can anyone confirm this?<br /><br />I got to get this figured out, it is warming up here in WI.<br /><br />Thanks, Tneker

 

[MajBach]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

Just a little input. I am a loyal Honda customer, both cars and outboards and in all those years and products, I can honestly say I have absolutely nothing to complain about to them. <br />I don't know anything about Merc warranties or customer service nor do I have prices, weights, warranties etc. between the two motors you have narrowed it down to. All I can say is I wish my 90 Honda was EFI. Combine that with the extra 20% more power all for $1000 and I would go for the Merc. ALthough, if memory serves, the Honda 50 is the lightest on the market, so that extra ten ponies might not even be noticeable on the Merc.

 

[cggcpa1]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

honda stands behind thier products.......

 

[JB]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

Hondas are good engines, but there is no way to make a carbed engine as user friendly or reliable as an EFI engine.<br /><br />The merc EFI 60 is a very good engine, but I would look at the EFI Johnson/Suzuki 50 before I committed.

 

[BillP]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

I would buy a carbed Honda over any Merc.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

Once you have EFI, you won't go back to carbs. They just start and run Have fun with whatever you decide on.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

the new mecr 4 strokes are actually yamahas rebadged, so check if you can get the yamaha cheeper. and like said above, also check the efi johnsons, which are actually suzukis..... any of these will have EFI and that is a day and night difference than carb motors....<br />is your car that you drive carbed or efi, i bet its efi, so why shouldnt your outboard be, your spending just about as much money !!!!!!!!!

 

[manitoba1]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

Tneker:<br />At the lake where I spend most of my summer there are a bunch of us with boats with newer 4 strokes on our boats. I've got the only one with EFI (Suzuki DF70). The other guys have had the chance to drive my boat and likewise I've driven all of there's and verdict was all of us like the Suzuki 70 EFI better. Some of the other 4 stroke engines were a Honda 90, Yamaha 80, Merc 90 (carbed)and Honda 40. My engine with EFI starts better in all weather conditions and has better throttle response/more linear acceleration than the others. If you live in an place like where I live and the summers can be hot but you might be also running in the spring and fall at or below freezing temperature then you'll definately appreciate that EFI (no choke). You live in WI (is that Wisconsin?) My engine runs consistantly smooth under all conditions. I honestly have not driven EFI powered outboards from the other manufacturers but if your boat can handle a 70hp a Suzuki/Johnson on the back will make you one happy boater. All of the newer 4 strokes are good but the EFI engines are just a notch above.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

I'd get the EFI. Honda makes a fine product, but Mercury is just fine as well, plus you have the better driveability of the EFI.<br /><br />As far as I know, all the new outboards have the same bolt pattern, have been for some time now.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

i have to say hoo-ah. jason knows!

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

How reliable are the EFI's over the long haul? Carbs are real easy to work on if you are a weekend mechanic...

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

carbs are real easy to work on because they have to be, carbs ahve cause many a man to become "weekend mechanics"...how many people have said"i have to rebuild my efi, it s all gummed up" ... 0<br /><br />i have a 1999 suzuki 2.5L v6 with efi, which requires almost no maitenece, i can leave it sit for a month and start it up and it fires instantly with no priming or pumping. you cant do that with a carb motor... just my 2 cents

 

[BillP]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

I suggest anyone considering carbs vs EFI also get input from unbiased professionals in the trade to get the pros and cons of each.<br /><br />Here's what I've been told recently when asking...<br /><br />Ob mechanics tell me the EFI systems are overly sensitive to voltage fluctuations. It makes trouble shooting difficult.<br /><br />I spoke with a Marine Mechanics Institute rep yesterday and was told exactly the same thing. Voltage variations are more than a small problem with EFI systems on boat motors. By the way, they are looking hard for qualified marine motor instructors at the Orlando, FL facility. They currently have 92 instructors if that means anything for credibility.<br /><br />A rep from Royal Battery Mfg (a couple miles down the road from me) ALSO told me the same thing. The marine dealers they support are telling them about it. According to the rep, that's why marine batteries are suddenly being made with huge amp hrs compared to a few years ago. It has nothing to do with motor size or additional radios, etc. It's all about the computer electronics and shows up with the EFI systems. Royal started making a new battery line specifically for efi...thicker plates and larger amps. <br /><br />I'm not slamming the efi systems so you efi lover guys don't get your defensive hackles up. I'm just posting something that seems important and I never see it mentioned by the efi enthusists here. Maybe I'm the only one hearing this stuff but I really doubt it.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

The only problems I've heard of were on one battery rigs. Have two batteries and take care of them.

 

[TELMANMN]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

Both my engines use carbs but the neighbor at the lake has a 50 honda on his pontoon while the neighbor on the other side has a merc. with efi on his boat. Both run well. The only observation I can make is the honda doesn't like to start as easily when cold.

 

[tneker]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

Thanks everyone for your inputs. For me the influencing is over, I pulled the trigger on the Merc EFI today. I hope to have it installed and my boat back together within two weeks. I will post my observations as soon as I can. <br /><br />Don't stop debating this on my account, I think the discussion is a healthy one, as I bet engine manufactures monitor these types of forums for market research.<br /><br />Tneker

 

[jmorleyk]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

JRJ noted that sometimes boats with an EFI engine and only one battery can run into problems. In my case I'm looking at a new 40hp EFI to put on my 15' inflatable. I really don't want two batteries as space is already at a premium. Is it reasonable to only have one battery with these EFI motors? I don't plan on powering anything other then my motor with the battery.

 

[JRJ]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

jmorleyk, some motors charge more than others and it depends on electrical usage for sure. You don't have to have 2 bats just because you run efi, just don't waste electricty and let the battery get low.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

If you want to be safe, buy the biggest battery with the largest reserve and amps that will fit.

 

[JasonJ]

Re: Fresh thoughts on Honda versus Merc

I think the charging issues with efi are being overstated. An outboard that has a sophisticated efi setup will also have a sophisticated charging system. I somehow doubt a modern efi outboard has an outmoded charging system with no regulation like the old motors that had wildly varying voltage numbers based on rpm. Not to go back to the automotive comparo again, but an automotive charging system has a heck of a lot more load than the average boat does, with all the various electronic widgets found in cars nowadays, the one battery and charging system seems to do a fair job. There is no reason to expect less from the charging system in the modern outboard. If they did not do the R&D at the drawing table to ensure a good steady supply of voltage for the ecm, the product has no business on the market. As long as the battery is healthy, all connections are maintained properly, I think it is probably a non-issue.