Merc OB's

[JeffN]

Here's a possibly ignorant sounding topic: on another sailing site, there's lots of discussion regarding 5-100hp new outboards. Not one reply in any thread did I hear Mercury mentioned as if it wasn't even worth discussing.

Are Mercs in that size so far behind Evinrude, Tohatsu, Suzi, & Honda? Come to think of it, Yamaha wasn't mentioned either? Are Optimax's any good? And are the Merc 4 strokes rebadged Suzukis?

 

[Radioactive]

RE: Optimax

I loved mine ( 150 hp ). The only problem I had was serious lack of qualified mechanics in the area ( including dealerships and independents ).

 

[gaineso]

Merc 4 strokes under 100 hp were Yams. I haven't checked lately. Johnson's are rebadged Zukes. Opti's are now the best motors on the market in the hp ranges they build. They go from 75 to 300 hp. They had early problems like the Erudes, but they are all long since worked out. Yam actually had huge problems in Gen2 HPDIs but I think they are about worked out. In the small, kicker motors, Merc is all 4 stroke and I think some others still make small 2 strokes. The 2 strokes are lighter than 4 strokes.

In the bigger motors, Merc Opti 2 strokes are the performance and fuel mileage kings. Despite Bombs infomercials, the ETecs are close to the Optis, but they still have a way to go in power, fuel consumption and reliability. And the Yams are riding on "percieved" quality and rep.

For heavier boats and 4 strokes the higher power line of the Verados are some incredible engines and the Yams are also pretty good. The big Zukes are great too. Honda is way bringing up the rear. And Yam has announced a 350 hp 4 stroke but based on Yams history it'll be about 10 hp more than the Verado 275. And a 4 stroke V8 400 that'll sink most boats at almost 900 lbs.