Re: Which Outboard Engine Brand do you own?
My general preference has always been the mid to late 80's Evinrude/Johnson motors but I've had many motors over the years, and probably have one of every make in the garage now, but my main motors are OMC products with a few Mercury motors, a few Force motors and a Honda 10hp.
Currently on my boats now, are the following:
1989 Duranautic 12' (Aluminum, w' 1980 Johson 15hp)
1967 Starcraft Starchief 18' (Aluminum, w/1995 Mercury 115hp)
1966 MFG Niagara 14' (Fiberglass w/1970 40hp Mercury 400)
1965 Sports Craft Ski-King 16' (Fiberglass w/1978 Johnson 55HP)
1965 MFG Edinboro 16' 6" (Fiberglass w/1969 Johnson 65hp)
1963 Starcraft Jupiter 16'(Aluminum w/1985 Johnson 70hp)
I have several motors that I keep as spares or just those that were on boats which ran great but either got sold or scrapped over the years. I've kept them around in the event I find a hull in need of a motor.
I generally stay away from all but the Evinrude/Johnson and Mercury motors, but I've kept a few super clean Force and other brands motors too.
This isn't counting the real old motors and motors I've deemed as parts only.
It would take the whole page if I itemized every one in the garage, but the majority are OMC, with Mercury being second. I find the OMC motors to be easier to trouble shoot and cheaper to maintain and repair. I only own one Honda, I only have that since it was near new and came on a boat with a trailer for cheap. It's an OK motor, I like the 4 stroke part but it's heavy for the HP rating. It's as heavy as my Johnson 25HP 2 stroke. Its a good reliable motor for a larger boat which needs a smaller motor to comply with hp limit on some lakes or as a kicker on a sail boat.