Which make of outboard?

Northern Tim · 20 March 2015, 21:19

Hi folks,
I'm looking for opinions of different outboard manufacturers. I'm thinking about reliability, longevity, economy, performance and servicing and parts costs.

What are your thoughts/experiences?

Ready....steady.....go!

Bigtalljv · 20 March 2015, 21:57

Any.

Seriously. All the current makes are very similar at the end of the day. The most common advise is to go with the dealer close to you that you like the best.

I have a 2013 Suzuki 4 stroke and love it.

Some people even like the current 2 strokes still.

They also like to point out the few pound difference in weights between manufacturers but I weight 100lbs more than most of you so i never followed that argument.

Jason

A1an · 20 March 2015, 22:41

Horses for courses.

Everybody will have their own opinion for their own reason.

None of them will be wrong.

I was on the hunt for an engine not so long back and I asked one of the trade members (who is an outboard dealer) on here for a recommendation, his advice was that i should choose a manufacturer that had a dealer close to me.

BogMonster · 20 March 2015, 23:36

Let battle commence!

My nearest dealer is 8000 miles away, and I bought an E-TEC. Can't say anything other than it's been flawless for four years. But I'd agree, whatever is nearest to a dealer, in most cases. The E-TEC dealer diagnostic gear and factory workshop manual is available to Joe Public, which was one supporting reason in my case, being remote from any dealer for anything. Not that I've ever needed it, but I have it just in case.

A1an · 20 March 2015, 23:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

My nearest dealer is 8000 miles away

do you live on the moon?

Pikey Dave · 20 March 2015, 23:41

Quote:

Originally Posted by A1an

do you live on the moon?

Nearly, but the neighbours aren't as friendly

.....sh1t happens.......

JamesF · 21 March 2015, 00:57

I think you're getting BogMonster confused with the soup dragon

.

(Apologies the OP for worsening the signal to noise ratio here.)

Northern Tim · 21 March 2015, 08:03

I've been told that suzukis are more expensive on parts due to Suzuki obsoleting old parts and models quickly. Anybody had this experience?

uncle al · 21 March 2015, 08:34

I dont know which is best,but when i used to work the stand at boat shows, if i was on the mariner stand, I sometimes had someone come on the stand and talk to me( well someone had to)They used to say they didnt like the mercury brand, and the other way around. I didnt have the heart to tell them the only differance was the colour of the top cowl. If anyone reconnizes their selfs from this sorry.

spartacus · 21 March 2015, 08:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northern Tim

I've been told that suzukis are more expensive on parts due to Suzuki obsoleting old parts and models quickly. Anybody had this experience?

I doubt that. Try Tohatsu or Honda.

If you buy new, what kind of parts do you think you need to replace? The impeller and gear oil gets done, new sparks, thermostat and gasket every few years, timing belt, oil for sump, etc. Not exactly going to break the bank all things considered.

Phil M · 21 March 2015, 11:23

As said, Dealer location is a major consideration. You also need to look at the specific engine, for example the honda 90 is pretty light compared to other 90s but their 115 is 50 kg heavier than the new mercury But the optimax 75 is very heavy compared to other 75s.

Phil M

jeffstevens763@g · 21 March 2015, 14:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by Northern Tim

Hi folks,
I'm looking for opinions of different outboard manufacturers. I'm thinking about reliability, longevity, economy, performance and servicing and parts costs.

What are your thoughts/experiences?

Ready....steady.....go!

Look at tohatsu on Ron hale marine best price of them all tohatsu ,merc,marina same engine at low hp range
Suzuki
Evinrude
Honda
Yamaha. All good I had no trouble with any
Look after it and it will be ok

mick · 21 March 2015, 18:34

IMO there all pretty good these days I would consider who is the nearest dealer to you and are they any good

BruceB · 21 March 2015, 19:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by BogMonster

My nearest dealer is 8000 miles away,

I thought you would have a fantastic dealer network just a few hundred miles west?

Northern Tim · 24 March 2015, 18:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by spartacus

If you buy new, what kind of parts do you think you need to replace? The impeller and gear oil gets done, new sparks, thermostat and gasket every few years, timing belt, oil for sump, etc. Not exactly going to break the bank all things considered.

It's a used 6 year old, Suzy 50hp 4-stroke, that's done 450 hours, with a training school.......
I'm guessing a gear box might just break the aforementioned bank?!

Maximus · 24 March 2015, 18:40

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pikey Dave

Nearly, but the neighbours aren't as friendly

.....sh1t happens.......

It's the neighbours Mates you gotta watch!

BruceB · 24 March 2015, 19:20

You mentioned longevity, How about a good of Seagull................

Searider · 24 March 2015, 20:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by BruceB

You mentioned longevity, How about a good of Seagull................

They NEED to last a long time in order to get you anywhere!

BruceB · 24 March 2015, 22:56

Good old british engineering, they just don't make it like that any more........thank god!

You just couldn't beat it, but you could use it to beat other things to a pulp without scratching it.................