Mercury vs Yamaha?

jamesdeanj

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Mar 14, 2008
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17
I just bought a Zodiac Futura Mark2 HD. I found a 40 hp motor in both Mercury and Yamaha within a few hundred dollars of each other. Which would be a better motor?
 

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
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Mar 25, 2001
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45,907
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

That is a Ford or Chebby question around here, James.

Get the one that can be serviced locally by a reputable shop.
 

jamesdeanj

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Mar 14, 2008
Messages
17
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

Would a 30 with power tilt and trim be better than a 40 with manuel? Does being able to adjust it on the fly help compensate for 10 less hp?
 

Silvertip

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Sep 22, 2003
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28,771
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

It's also worth more when you sell it and appeals to a larger market. In other words -- it will be easier to sell.
 

kenmyfam

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Aug 10, 2006
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14,392
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

I just bought a Zodiac Futura Mark2 HD. I found a 40 hp motor in both Mercury and Yamaha within a few hundred dollars of each other. Which would be a better motor?

The Evinrude LOL
 

mickjetblue

Chief Petty Officer
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Aug 23, 2007
Messages
509
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

Purely coincidental that I called and talked with a guy about a Merc 40/30
jet motor last night that he is selling. I thought the $3,000 price was a bit
high for a 1995, but he kept talkng it up for its positive attributes.
Finally, I again asked him why, if it was so great, he was selling it, and he
said, "I'm going to a Yamaha this time". Same size motor.

I've heard the same said about Fords and Chevies, too, but this was just too timely
with your question to not let it out!
 

jamesdeanj

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Mar 14, 2008
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17
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

I like both Ford and Chevy trucks as much as anyone else, but I know that when a Ford breaks down it's harder to get parts and it's almost always more expensive. I've been in the body shop and mechanical business for years so this I know. This was the basis for my question. I'm sure people like both Yamaha and Mercury's and it might be for personal reasons or taste, I was looking for actual pros and cons. :) $3k-$4k is alot of money for me to spend. I can't afford to have to do it twice.
 

rocket1968

Petty Officer 2nd Class
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Feb 18, 2008
Messages
125
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

Actually fords are easier to get parts for, there are alot more of them in the junkyards for parts. (I own a ford explorer and have no problems getting parts from that source).
 

jamesdeanj

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Mar 14, 2008
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Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

Actually fords are easier to get parts for, there are alot more of them in the junkyards for parts. (I own a ford explorer and have no problems getting parts from that source).

This can only mean a few things. :D
  • There were more Fords originally (doubtful)
  • Ford drivers are worse drivers
  • Fords broke down more
  • Chevys were worth more so they were fixed
So based on this theory: Are there more broken down Mercurys or Yamahas?
I'm not trying to be a jerk, I want to know some pros and cons to both before I go and spend $4000.
 

ziemann

Chief Petty Officer
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Apr 28, 2004
Messages
584
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

The reason you aren't getting the answer you want is that these types of questions are asked several times a day here. Are we talking new or used motors? How are you going to use it? Do a search and research your answer.

These guys tried to give you an answer based upon the info that you gave them.

With all things being equal, base the purchasing decision on the dealer that you feel will provide you the best long term service.

Good luck to you.
 

jamesdeanj

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Joined
Mar 14, 2008
Messages
17
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

Sorry I did not provide enough info. I'm talking about new, current model motors. I'm mainly going to be using it in San Carlos, Mexico in the Baja of California. We are going to be using the boat for diving and snorkeling mainly.

My question is, is there a reason to avoid a particular motor (30 - 40hp, Mercury-Yamaha, 4 stroke), or is it a personal preference?

I did some searching but I can't seem to find anything about specific problems that the new motors may have.
 

scoutabout

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Oct 14, 2006
Messages
1,568
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

I'd second the vote for going with the best parts and service network in your boating area. We all like to get up on our hind legs and bleat about our favourite makes but I'd say if you are going from new everything within a certain class is really going to run pretty much the same and last pretty much the same.

Decisions with bigger impact on your boating come when you need to decide things like 2 versus 4 stroke, inboards / versus outboards, jets versus props -- those kinds of things. If you were buying used I'd say past history and care can easily trump make of motor.

None of this applies to you so...stop worrying...and go out and get the Yammy :D
 

fuzzeywiggler

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Feb 17, 2008
Messages
357
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

For me it depends on the dealer and your proximity to the dealer.
Hope that helped...:rolleyes:

Fuzzey
 

Snowdrggn

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Sep 16, 2004
Messages
173
Re: Mercury vs Yamaha?

From personal experience:

60's 50hp Merc, Started 2nd pull cold (yes, manual start), never left me stranded.

1976 Evinrude 4hp weedless, runs a couple hundred hours a season without a sputter.

1988 Yamaha 25hp, Starts 2nd pull cold, still has never let me down.

1989 Evinrude 15hp, Starts 3rd pull cold, still has never let me down.



Best brand:
Any mainstream brand that has been carefully maintained and serviced, that has a good dealer handy. Preventive maintainance and good clean fuel and oils are the key!


Cheers,
Snow.
 
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