Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

[OCSportsman]

Are they like Chevy Vs. GMC?

I am looking at a 25 hp Mariner and want to know your thoughts.

Thanks,
OC

25hp Mariner (Mercury) Longshaft (20")
1999 model
2 stroke, tiller steering
shifter is built in to the throttle
electric start and generator
includes troll plate
includes 6.6 gallon plastic gas tank & new fuel line
Runs Great! Just checked impeller and replaced the thermostat (have receipt and old parts to prove it)
Carb cleaned, and plugs and lower unit oil replaced last year

They are asking $1500

 

[Shane7]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

Look on the serial number plate on the mounting bracket if it says made in Japan it's a Yamaha later mariners were identical to mercs

 

[OCSportsman]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

I haven't seen the motor in person yet, just the ad. Based on your info though i'd assume it is made by Yamaha, my '99 Merc 8 horse was made in Japan. I had now idea Yamaha made motors for Merc.

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

Merc.has been buying a LOT of things from Yam.I heard the 3.0 block is jap.
The Mariner is a colaboration between Yam and Merc.
The good ole "Made in America" slogan is a Japanese add mans pipe dream.J

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

That motor you posted pic of is a Merc and the 3.0 block is not jap. The only motors "imported" for the Mariner line was in the 80's and very early 90's models in the following hp's: 6/8/9.9/15/25/28/30/40/48/55/60. The Merc's of the same year are Merc made and in 01-04 Yamaha supplied the larger 4 strokes(75-225hp). Mercury/BRP and Honda all worked together in the middle 00's as Merc supplied the Hondas with lower units,Yamaha supplied Merc some 4 strokes,Suzuki supplied BRP with 4 strokes and now Tohatsu supplies Merc and BRP with the smaller 4 strokes. It sad that the only motor made from start to finish in one place is the Yamaha and it shows in quality and performance.

 

[OCSportsman]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

Good info, I had no idea so many players are involved most manufacturers. With that said would you recommend this motor? It does have some nice perks, but they are asking $1500 which seems too steep.

OC

 

[jerryjerry05]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

From the looks of the pic it's had a LOT of idle/trolling time.The bracket on the back tells a lot.
Outboard weren't really made to idle a lot.Do a compression test.
Know anyone with a bore cam? Check the end of the piston for carbon.
Your right $1500 is a lot. Check the prices on a new one.

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

That motor in my area will bring $1000-1500 depending on time of year

 

[OCSportsman]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

Trolling with motors 25hp and under is the standard out west, especially in PacNW. Most of the smaller motors have more hours than big motors. That motor new is $4300.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

New 25 hp motors are available online @ $3899-4,000. They're not cheap. Prices on good used motors are also high.

An interesting read is Wikipedia.com for "Mercury Marine." All Company history from day one to the present is detailed. I never realized that Yamaha Marine came out of the Mariner nameplate, and that they were in cahoots with Mercury so much.

Now, the outboard engine business is truly an international business--with so many engines coming out of Japan and China. I will certainly try to buy American, even if I have to go up in horsepower slightly to get an engine built in North America.

Mercury, Johnson and Evinrude were resting on their duffs in 1985, when Yamaha came into the U.S. boating market. Few engineering changes had been made in outboards for many years, even though they were needed. Yamaha franchises went into many Mercury stores, and in short time were outselling Mercury across the board. Mercury had to make major changes to get their engines quieter and more reliable--to meet competition. Yamaha has never looked back.

 

[cr2k]

Re: Is there a difference between Merc and Mariner?

Mariner is also a test bed for innovation that may or may not make it's way to a Merc engine.