Mercury 115 Four-Strokes

[Short Strike]

I am currently shopping for a 115 four-stroke from either Merc or Yami. Have been reading much praise from the Yami owners but am having a harder time finding positive info about Merc four-strokes. Would prefer to buy a Mercury product, but want to purchase the right one. Would really like to hear input about Mercs reliability and performance. Are the four-strokes from Mercury on par with Yamaha?

Hope to not start any product arguments.. just honest comparisons.

Currently own an Optimax, but ready to try a Four.

[Nova Kaw 650]

I'm not brand loyal, so I'll just say "how long has Yamaha been building 4-stroke engines, and how is their quality"?

[ssimpala71]

<table width="90%" cellspacing=0 cellpadding=0 align=center><tr><td>Quote, originally posted by Nova Kaw 650 &raquo;</td></tr><tr><td class="quote">I'm not brand loyal, so I'll just say "how long has Yamaha been building 4-stroke engines, and how is their quality"? </td></tr></table>Yamaha has been building four stroke outboards for a long time and the quality is superb! That being said Mercury has built outboards longer than Yamaha and has a great product as well! If you wish to stay loyal to Merc, your going to have a great product. The new 4s's are great!

[jed37]

Hi,I have a 2010 115 merc 4 stroke on my boat ,its done 90 hrs now.It starts like a car[instantly] no matter how long it's sat, very quiet at idle, just the same on power[noise].It's only 10kgs heavier than the opti, which is only a couple of good fish.Cons, not the grunt of a two stroke,This moter replaced a 100hp mariner that I wore out,and I reckon the performance is the same even though it has 15 more horses.Factor in getting a bigger motor for your boat to get the same performance.Economy very similar,as most of my use his high speed to the spot and then drift fish,trolling they are reported to be great.Servicing is expensive,Honda claim 5 years no dealer service.Overall 7 out of 10.Cheers Jed.

[EuropeanAM]

Both are good engines.... well built, with reliable track records.

Corrosion protection would go to Mercury.... better castings and finishing.

Service cost.... Mercury is going to be a bit less expensive.

Durability... a relative toss (though I can tell you the powerhead on the Merc is as close to "bulletproof" as you're going to get).

Yamaha builds good outboards.... and a lot of other things too. Mercury essentially builds ONLY Marine Propulsion Systems and components.

Parts availability and number of dealers available to service: That one probably tips the scale a bit heavier on the "black" side of the equation.