Yamaha vs Mercury

[Francis Brewer]

I was looking at purchasing a yamaha or mercury 4 stroke. This would be 100 to 130. Does anybody have any consumer knowledge relative to these two motors and which one would be better. This is for a 18 Boston Whaler, salt water use.<br /><br />Thanks <br /><br />FGB

 

[JB]

Re: Yamaha vs Mercury

Yamaha makes the powerheads for both Yammy and Merc 4 strokes in that range (115 only).<br /><br />For your Outrage 18 the Suzuki/Johnson DF140 would be much more suitable.

 

[bossee]

Re: Yamaha vs Mercury

Hi,<br /><br />Basically Yamaha and Mercury 4-strokes in that range (Yamaha F100, F115 and Mercury F115 EFI) use same powerheads etc (but diffrent lower units). But Yamaha F100 is phased out in many markets (as the new Yamaha F90 has been released).<br /><br />So one could say it does not matter that much what you choose, Yamaha or Mercury, in for example 115 hp 4-stroke if you only look at the engines alone. <br />Then it is price, warranty, consumer satisfaction, if a service center near you etc etc.<br /><br />You probably want an EFI (Electronic Fuel Injection) 4-stroke since the trend is to go from carburators to EFI.<br /><br />Basically your choice is between:<br />Yamaha F100(carburators) or Yamaha F115 (EFI).<br />Mercury F115 EFI (normal or SaltWater series).<br /><br />Or probably only Yamaha F115 or Mercury 115 EFI then since Yamaha F100 is phased out in many markets, unless you consider 90 hp enough and then Yamaha F90 or Mercury 90 4-strokes be an option also (but then a Suzuki DF90 or Johnson 90 4-stroke maybe is better because of EFI?).<br /><br />I have a Yamaha F115 (2003) myself and I'm sasisfied with it. Easy starting, good power, fuel efficient and quiet (but only reasonably quiet at higher rpm like 4500 and above).<br />One negative thing is that it is only CARB 2006 (2-star) compliant, not the more stringent CARB 2008 (3-star). Mercury 115 EFI is CARB 2008 (3-star) rated.<br /><br />Since You run in salt water maybe a Mercury 115 EFI "SaltWater" 4-stroke is better for you?<br /><br /> http://www.mercurymarine.com/mercury_115_efi_saltwater_fourstroke <br /><br />As for consumer knowledge/reports You can read this:<br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/news/dynamicnews.asp?aID=201&LID=5&LineCode=otb <br /><br /> http://www.jdpa.com/studies_jdpower/pressrelease.asp?StudyID=653&CatID=1 <br /><br />Good luck!<br /><br />/Bo