Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

[silverblade]

The dealership where I am purchasing a boat has two brands of engines to choose from.(Mercury and Yamaha)..The engine will be a 115hp 2-stroke either way...Anyone got any opinions as to which one might be the better runner or most reliable?<br /><br />Thank you<br /><br />Michael

 

[skier]

Re: Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

silverblade:<br /><br />I am partial to Merc's, but I have never had one of the (2+2 four bangers). I have heard that they are good motors. I just don't like the idea of having to wait for two cylinders to kick in. I have no experiance with Yamaha at all.<br /><br />Good luck with your choicce

 

[MIKE F]

Re: Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

I have a 1996 115HP Merc, that I bought, in Aug. 1996. It's been a good engine. That being said, I believe Yamaha is just as good,(many will say they're better). I don't think, you can go wrong, with either engine, although you might want to look to alternatives to a carb'ed engine whether it's EFI,DFI or 4stroke.

 

[Walter]

Re: Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

If you haven't already, you might want to post this topic on the boat engines forum. This very question comes up quite often over there...many folks have personal experience on this subject who could be of great help.<br /><br />As was mentioned, both Merc and Yamaha make excellent products. I'm very partial to Mercury, although if the price was right...I could be persuaded otherwise. I want maximum quality @ minimum cost.<br /><br />Good luck...Walt

 

[davidroddy]

Re: Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

I live in south texas and fish salt water all the time. Many of my friend are local fishing guides. I to had the same question a couple of years ago so, I went to the local guys. I got the same answere time after time YAMAHA. I bought a 1999 Yamaha 150TRP. Shamefully I admit that I have neglected it in many ways but it has never let me down. My friend put obsurd amounts of hours on their motors and swere shat yamaha is the most reliable. I have heard that Mercs. are the fastest motors around. Maybe there is something to be said for that. My 150 is on a 23.8 ft carolina skiff and it runs just over 50mph. Who nows. I do suggest that you buy whatever warranties are available. Marine engine work is VERY expensive and will eventually happen no matter how well you maintain your equipment.

 

[davidroddy]

Re: Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

Silverblade,<br /> As I was browsing through the engines and motors section I remembered your delima. If you have a minute look at the engines and motors section. What you will notice is that there are very few Yamaha questions? Coincidence?

 

[fishfin]

Re: Mercury or Yamaha Outboard?

I understand that the Yamaha's are fine engines, but many of us have grown up on Mercs and it's hard to break away. I only know that my favorite guide in Florida has over 2000 hours on his 2001 Merc and has never had a problem. I also have Mercs on all 3 of our boats.