Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

wespants · Dec 11, 2003

Hello. I'm new to this forum, and am about to purchase my first boat. I am planning to purchase a used late 90's to '02 21ft walkraround. Not sure of the brand, but my considerations are Grady-White, Sea Swirl Striper, Trophy, Key West, Sea Pro, or maybe another. I will be doing a lot of short offshore trips, trolling near the coast, and fishing inland waterways, sounds, etc. on the NC coast. I don't know a lot about boat motors, but I have decided to get a boat equipped w/ an outboard. When considering which boat to purchase, I want to take into account the motor hanging on it. Probably be looking at 125-200hp 2-strokes. Reliability & maintenance cost are my biggest concerns. Looks like the choice will probably come down between OMC, Mercury, and Yamaha because most boats I have looked at have one of these. I don't have any preference towards any of these in particular. I have noticed lots of you own marine repair shops, so I'm hoping to find out things like: This brand breaks more, or, this brand is notorious for a certian problem, and, this brand is very expensive to repair due to parts cost, etc. I know this is a broad topic, and may create a heated discussion among loyal customers of certain brands, and I apologize. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If there is something you want to tell me, but don't want to hurt feelings or start arguments on the board, feel free to e-mail me: wespants@hotmail.com In advance, thank you all very much!

walleyehed · Dec 11, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

I'll throw my 2 cents in for the beating it will take later.......1998 INTRUDER 150HP 60 Deg. Looper.........OK boys, let the punches fly...

rodbolt · Dec 11, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

hello I dont like any DFI motors yet. there is a long and sometimes heated Rope

about this now. I like EFI with no O2 sensors or carbs. carbs work and work very well. they are easy to maintain and dont require any computer diagnostic software. yamaha still makes a 150 with carbs, the merc EFI does not have O2 sensors the bombardier v6 60 degree is a fine motor good luck and keep posting

wespants · Dec 11, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

walleyehed & rodbolt, thanks for the replies. Looks like I should probably look at EFI or carbs huh? That was actually something else I was wondering about before, going EFI or carb. I didn't know you could still get a carb on a new one actually. Thanks again.

walleyehed · Dec 11, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

wespants, I must say I'm surprised about the lack of replies.....To be serious, the only engines to be aware of that you might want to stay clear of would be the early Ficht engines of OMC vintage. I believe the Ficht started in 97', and until 2001, they had plenty of issues. I really like the 60 deg. V-6's of the mid to late 90's like the Fastrike, or Intruder series. The Yammy's of that vintage are known to be very dependable as well, and to be quite honest, so are the Mercs. Dealer support and service would be the most important choice of all when it comes right down to it........Good luck!

Dhadley · Dec 12, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

An interesting question. Anytime I get asked that I ask the buyer who is strong in parts and service in his area. Brand X could be the best motor ever built but if no one in your area works on them and you cannot get parts, thats a concern. Around here two of the "big 3" have very good shops and techs available. And therefore a good availability of parts and expertise. For quality service and reasonable parts availability on the other brand you have to travel about an hour. That may or may not be a concern. Personally I like the fact that if I need something I can take a short ride and get what I need locally. Theres nothing wrong with the other brand at all. Its just the way it is. Ask around. But get more than a couple of opinions. Find out about the dealers in your area. Go talk to them. Theres a reason they have the reputation they do whether its good or bad. Good luck!

Solittle · Dec 12, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

wespants - Spend a few hours banging around this web site as there are many threads that pose pretty much the same question. Also when something comes to mind hop up to the red Search at the top of the page. There are brands and years that have been more troublesome than others (particularly with the V6 motors) so go to the Merc & Yammy section as well. My personal gripe with all of the newer motors is with the technology. Yes the newer motors are quieter, more fuel efficient, start easier and so on - - the big BUTT is - - the industry has pretty much made it difficult if not impossible for the driveway wrench to do much of anything. We have become dependant on sensors out the ying yang, special oils, computer diagnostics, and on and on and on. Many driveway wrenches can take a 30 year old motor down to the last screw, do a rebuild and run the motor for another 20 years. I wonder how many driveway wrenches will be able to do that to a motor bought today 30 years from now. Further I wonder how many of these technical marvels will be running 30 years from now. Many guys will buy a motor today and won't be comfortable unless they buy an extra 2-3 year extended warranty (for big $$$). And it makes sense to buy that extra warranty. I read a post the other day from a guy that bought a V6 with the extended warranty and the factory has already replaced two powerheads and he is facing the third. He is pissed of course due to the down time but he has the warranty to fall back on. Does that mean that the industry is making a statement that we want you to buy an extended wattanty and at the end of the warranty period we expect you to buy another motor (because the ones we are building ain't gonna last). Sorry - - guess I got carried away. Anyway happy research. Howard

rodbolt · Dec 12, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

hello yep I think solittle has it right, the technical term is planned obsolesnce I think

wespants · Dec 13, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

Thanks for the info so far guys. As SoLittle suggested, I have been spending a lot of time on this site so far trying to compare motors, and have found that many of the new ones are capable of some pretty amazing tech tricks, but, probably aren't serviceable when you stuck out on the water. I remember taking a couple of rusty wrenchs and a screwdriver and working on an old Johnson hanging off the back of a boat in the middle of the lake. I got it running, and came on back. (seems like it was a fuel pump or filter thing or something) Anyway, I think the more I look the more confused I get. I would like the simplicity of the old machines, but, considering I'll be boating a lot (hopefully) and taking some trips offshore, I could really use the fuel effeciency of newer ones. Wondering about this site, I have realized that maybe I would rather have a 4-stroke. Problem is, I'm not looking at a brand new boat, so the motor may be 2-5 yrs old. It seems as if those 4-strokes may not be as reliable as the ones today. I'll keep looking and hopefully narrow it down. I just want to have some idea what motors to avoid when shopping used boats. I have been around boats enough to know that every boat (motor included) is constantly going to attack your wallet for one reason or another. I just want to minimize that as much as possible, as well as to try and avoid a call to Sea-Tow

!

bossee · Dec 13, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

Hi, If You are looking for 2-5 years old 4-stroke a Honda might be a thing to look closer at. They have been making 4-strokes for many many years. Not sure when for example the Honda 115 and 130 4-stroke was released first on the market but it was a while ago I'm sure (guessing 1998). Yamaha F115 4-stroke has been on the market since 1999 I belive. Suzuki DF115 came 2001 I belive and their DF140 in 2002 (I could be wrong about exact year). I use Yamaha F115 4-stroke myself, it works fine. Good luck.

ted655 · Dec 13, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

I got all upset in the late 70s about all the smog controls on new cars. I wouldn't buy one. Then came the computer controlled/senser cars. I still had my lip stuck out. Then came the 90s and I found myself driving junk. It's been tough and a little expensive, but I've bought the books and the OBDII and the software. I've added a few tools along the way. I'm baaack! No more crooked service manigers. . At some point, if we are to remain driveway wrenches, we need to bite the bullet and evolve. I am staggered by the shop rates today. What is the cost of the new equipment/software? Are they going to out-distance us anyway? maybe they have and we missed it. I need to repower but can't afford new. I'm trying to avoid buying a lemon also.

rodbolt · Dec 14, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

hello ted655. any idea what it costs me to insure myself with liability and workmans comp? anyidea how much it costs to go to school for a week at a time in kennesaw GA or savannah GA or volvo in chesapeakeVA. I have 2 in atlanta and 1 in chesapeake this jan/feb. the diagnostic tools alone cost over 3K and we add 4 to 600 worth of software every year. mercury now charges for tech training as well as the tech or dealer has to pay motel,eats and transportation. I will pass this cost along. if I dont I will go pump gas or sweep streets. the cost of some of the shop labor rates stuns even me in places but in this bussiness you have to make hay while the sunshines and most Marinas are located in a very High tax district.

now back to the Topic. I would go with dhadley on this. go to the dealers look at what is in the parts room not just on display. are the people friendly? do they greet ya at the door or act like your a bother on their time? is the shop too nasty? is it to clean? I have seen extremes in both. one sign that warns me is a dealer that will badmouth the competiton. anyway in the end you will need a dealer that will assist you throughout your boating experience. good luck and keep posting

nightstalker · Dec 14, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

Do youelf a big favor and stay away from the Mercury Force engines. Some sellers will tell that they are Mercs., but everybody knows that they are really Chryslers and not for anyone who doesn't know how to turn a wrench (often). Stalker

ted655 · Dec 14, 2003

Re: Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

Sorry!

Late 90's-->'02 outboard: All around best choice? Merc, OMC, Yam?

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