Which one would you choose?

[mulv80]

I value the opinion of the members of this forum and would appreciate your help in making this decision. I will be purchasing a new 25hp motor to power my 14ft fiberglass gamefisher.<br /><br />Johnson 25hp 2 stroke 117lbs - $2197<br />Yamaha 25hp 2 stroke 107lbs - $2143<br />Mercury 25hp 2 stroke 114lbs - $2100<br /><br />I use the boat for fishing and just running around the bay and inland waterway. I'm looking for the most durable not necessarily the fastest.<br /><br />I'm leaning toward the Johnson because its based on a larger motor. Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences with these models? Thanks

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: Which one would you choose?

Yamaha. Hands down.

 

[Mercury140-I6]

Re: Which one would you choose?

I could be wrong, but I think the Yamaha and Merc are the same engine (Made by Yamaha) and just the packaging is different. Personally, I would go for the Merc, but it's more of a owner loyalty thing than anything else. I would also go with Merc for the price.<br /><br /> http://www.myfishingpictures.com/showphoto.php?photo=13003&sort=7&thecat=500&password= <br /><br />Craig

 

[Cboat]

Re: Which one would you choose?

I own a 25 h.p. 2-stroke Johnson (brand new this year) and it's the best. Bombardier has built a new, fully-retooled, state-of-the-art plant in Wisconsin and has begun to restore Johnson and Evinrude's heritage of dependability. The 25's may not be the most technically advanced powerheads out there, but they rate high in dependability and ease of service.

 

[mulv80]

Re: Which one would you choose?

Cboat, What size and type of boat are you running? Why did you go with the Johnson?

 

[Cboat]

Re: Which one would you choose?

This is the third Johnson I've owned, starting with a 1967 9.5 Sea Horse that always started on the first pull. Then, I moved up to a 2001 15 h.p. Johnson to get a little more speed. Now I just bought a brand new Lund 1440V (bigger and heavier than the little boat I had) so I had to go to a 25 h.p. Johnson long shaft. Oh, and the '67 Sea Horse that I sold off is still running. Check around: When you see old outboards still running out on the water, most of them will be Johnsons and Evinrudes.

 

[Luna Sea]

Re: Which one would you choose?

They're all quality motors. But to repeat something I've read on here repeatedly, "Find out what they sell/service more of in your area". That way there will be more new parts kicking around if needed. And more mechanics familiar with your particular model.<br /><br />I ended up with a new 8 horse Johnson this year. I've read plenty of good stuff about that new plant. And I'm under the impression I bought a quality product made in the gool ole U S of A!

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: Which one would you choose?

To me the price is a wash. All three brands have their loyalists but all three are good. I'd go with the dealer I liked best and/or see which one will throw in a few trinkets to sweeten the deal.

 

[Mercathode]

Re: Which one would you choose?

If the Johnson is a 3cyl go with it!

 

[DJ]

Re: Which one would you choose?

Forget the brand, go with a dealer you like-AND TRUST.