OT (sort of) outboards

[Judson1]

Just out of curiosity I’d like to know what some of you consider the best outboards in relation to longevity and reliability? Maybe a time frame where a certain model like a Vmax or Evinrude EFI really performed well. I posted here instead of a motor forum because quite simply a mercury forum is unlikely to say “an early 2000’s Yamaha” and vice versa.
Sometime in the future I’m looking to sell my Triton tin and look for a used boat a little larger. So the info is of some benefit. And if I’m being honest anything from the early 2000’s up is an option. So an EFI motor is in play here too.
Thanks ahead of time!

[Bill Reynolds]

Based on my experience, I would stay away from Optimax’s. I would look for a well maintained Yamaha VMax.

[slonezp]

I've had 2 mercs on 2 boats since 2004 and aside from impellers, they have been worry free

[Jeff Hahn]

Yamaha F Series

[jeffblanton]

Mercury XR6 - I think 2005 was last year
I have a 2001 90 HP Honda that has been bulletproof, bought new, 1000 hours and barely broken in

[unknown angler]

My brother is still running my 93 XR 6 Merc. Impellers and plugs is all that's been done to it.

[06 SB]

Personally I stay away from pre 2001 Optimax motors, any Yamaha HPDI although 150s are pretty good, any Evinrude Ficht. I wont even consider a boat with any of those. Later Merc Oopti and ProXS are good.

[PolarKraft195]

if talking 10 yrs old or older,.............anything Yamaha

[Mechanic Bob]

Talking about motors older than 10 years.
I would stay away from any DI motor of any brand.
Stay away from the 97 - 01 OMC's (All of them.)

[Fx20 2011]

I have to keep my fingers crossed because I have really had good luck.

1983 Mariner 50 hp works never one problem - original owner
1983 Mariner 9.9 hp works never one problem recarbed or what ever to 15hp - original owner
1990 (unsure of actual age) Yamaha 15 hp works great - not original owner
2011 Yamaha 250 SHO owned for 2 yrs never one problem has under 300 hrs.

Other then putting in new water impellers I have not put a dime in any of them. I will be listing everything but the 250 SHO for sale someday.

[n2ratfishin]

All those old Little Mariners had Yamaha power heads. Today Merc farms them out to China or Tohatsu.

My old Yamaha’s were darn near bulletproof. Then again so we’re my old Johnson’s. It wasn’t until my 2003 Johnson and their infamous heat soak issues that I left them.

Find one one you’re interested in and do a little googlefu. There is a ton of info out there on reliability. The old Merc XR series we’re pretty darn good as were the EFI’s. Of course the owner had to do their part.

[GeauxTide]

I've had 2 Opti ProXS since 2012. The second one had an issue that was warranty repaired. I have been extremely pleased with them; however, I don't normally run more than 5000rpm. I will run WOT for a few minutes every trip. My warranty runs through 2023, so I'll replace with a 4s then.

[BOATS]

Yamaha.... the grey ones....bulletproof.

[TritonTRXV8]

Personally I stay away from pre 2001 Optimax motors, any Yamaha HPDI although 150s are pretty good, any Evinrude Ficht. I wont even consider a boat with any of those. Later Merc Oopti and ProXS are good.

Have to agree with this. I had my opti just shy of 10 years and put 279 trouble free hours on it other than a broken dipstick in the oul tank which warranty covered. Other than that never seen the shop except to put carbon fiber reeds in upon my request. I maintained it to a t and it rewarded me for it. Like anything you get out of it what you out into it. My cousin had 700 trouble free hours on a 2004 200 opti. If you buy used get it checked out computer printouts and compression checked. I checked mine 120-122 psi all 3 cylinders. Still nice and healthy. Was confident it will run alot longer.