Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

[chris in va]

I'm looking to sell my 19' bowrider and get a Bass Tracker, etc with a 9.9 so I can get on some local lakes. What brand should I be looking at for best reliability and least repairs? <br /><br />The only outboard I've ever used was a 75hp Suzuki that worked great while I had it.

 

[phatmanmike]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

ive seen 50 year old 10 hp johnsons still running today, if that sayys anything

 

[chris in va]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

Yup, my dad has a 1957 Johnson that still runs fine. However I'm looking at more like...1990 or so.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

Definetly agree with all of the above... Run good, Reliable, Easy to find parts if need be, Dealers everywhere. I don't know if they are the "Best" small motor made, but they will certainly get the job done...

 

[teamstromer]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

i'd opt for a merc

 

[Forktail]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

There is no finer 9.9 than a Yamaha 4-stroke. They run like a Swiss watch year after year and problems/repairs are practically non-existent.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

IMHO (of course!). Impossible to answer. Yammie, JohnRude, Merc, etc. all have examples of very old engines that work perfectly. I, for instance have a 30+ year old merc 9.8 that is scraped up, but works perfectly, like new.<br /><br />My opinion on any used engine - buy the one that seems to have the best history. You know the "my mother only drove it to church on Sundays for 30 years" type of thing.

 

[Chinewalker]

Re: Most reliable brand of used 9.9?

For parts availability, initial design quality, and overall track record going back to 1974, you would be hard pressed to beat one of the venerable Johnrude 9.9s.<br />When buying ANY used outboard, previous service history and care is key. If the seller looks at you cross-eyed when you ask about how often he changed the gear oil, or guesses he ran oil in the gas "most" of the time, be afraid....<br />- Scott