Mercury 4 stroke vs Yamaha SHO

[KYKTB]

Just wondering how many hours have you put on each. I know the SHO has been around a lot longer & probably have all the bugs worked out. Merc had a few problems but I think those have been solved as well. I’m looking at a new boat & I have good techs for both of them close if the need arise. I’m just wondering about longevity. This may be the last boat I ever buy

[Dave A]

Flip a coin, heads Merc tails SHO, IMO you can't wrong with either one. Good luck with your choice.

[PSM207]

What boat and horsepower?

[mactlman]

get the best deal with the longest warranty--can't go wrong with either or a suzuki also

[KYKTB]

Phoenix 721, 920 or 921 with a 250. Still deciding. Nobody close to me services Suzuki so that isn’t an option

[fishnfireman]

Over 600 hours on my Merc 250R-------- no issues.

[bass.man65]

Mercury pro xs 4 stroke pros have been running for 7 years now I think it is a well proven engine. I would buy the Merc all day every day over a SHO

[2dwoods]

Repowered mine with a 23 250 pro xs run it all the time 270 hrs no problems at all

[catdude28]

get the best deal with the longest warranty

Good advice here.
Still waiting for Patriot though

[PSM207]

Either choice should serve you well. I suggest the one that is offering the best price and warranty, along with a dealer that is qualified in providing service.

Regardless of choice, I highly recommend frequent oil changes with high quality lubricants.
I spent 10 years in the marine manufacturing industry and have been running 4 strokes on my last 2 rigs for 25 years.

Clean quality lubrication is essential!

[Burt]

Three sho power heads none have made it 300 hours. Maintenance followed to the letter. Yamaha did fix one out of warrant, out 9000$ for the last one.

[apdriver]

Three sho power heads none have made it 300 hours. Maintenance followed to the letter. Yamaha did fix one out of warrant, out 9000$ for the last one.

Dang. Thats a kick in the unders!!!

[PatriotAW4]

Depends on what HP motor you want. 150-250 hp go with a Yamaha SHO. Over 250 I would go with a 300R, less than 150 the Mercury 4 strokes do pretty well. I had the opertunity of testing a Yamaha 200 SHO and Mercury 200 4 stroke on the same boat and the SHO performed better by far. Also keep in mind you can get 230 HP out of a 150-175 SHO and 330 hp out of a 200-250 SHO with just a tune. With Mercury you can't although that may be changing soon.

[duncankopprichardson]

Everyone wants to say they are both reliable. I have a 23 sho that just had the trim motor replaced, the trim bolt retaining mechanism replaced, and the trim sensor replaced. Apparently the trim on the SHO's are problematic. However, the motor itself is very good.

Mercs have problems with lower units, trim bolts, shifters, and even some powerheads at very low hours. The people i know with blown heads on mercs blew them under 100 hours.

Thats a long way of saying either pick what issues you might want to deal with or flip a coin. I wont own either brand without a warranty.

[Jaredn]

Depends on what HP motor you want. 150-250 hp go with a Yamaha SHO. Over 250 I would go with a 300R, less than 150 the Mercury 4 strokes do pretty well. I had the opertunity of testing a Yamaha 200 SHO and Mercury 200 4 stroke on the same boat and the SHO performed better by far. Also keep in mind you can get 230 HP out of a 150-175 SHO and 330 hp out of a 200-250 SHO with just a tune. With Mercury you can't although that may be changing soon.

Groundbreaking, game changing information. Which one do you own?

[av]

Mercury pro xs 4 stroke pros have been running for 7 years now I think it is a well proven engine. I would buy the Merc all day every day over a SHO

What was your experience with your sho? I like to hear comparisons.

[1ranger487vs]

Will Never own another merc. Had 3 Yamaha’s. Loved every one. Love my sho

[catdude28]

I love my Merc, I will never own another Merc, I love my SHO, I will never own another SHO, my Merc lower unit failed, my SHO had a powerhead failure, my brother’s SHO is still going strong after 10 years, my uncles's cousin’s boyfriend’s father’s Merc blew a powerhead at 30 hours, etc., etc. Most opinions are based on personal experience or hearsay and are biased. Not objective at all. The OP says he has good mechanics for both close by. Get the best deal and warranty. If longevity is a concern, Suzuki or Honda may be a better choice than either of these.

[dwtaylor]

I think both are going to give you similar longevity and likely performance.

The Mercury is going to be cheaper on the front end through Phoenix (on the build your boat feature). I am not sure what kinds of warranties are available as most manufacturers are offering extended warranties right now it seems.

I would go Mercury myself as it is an American company and supports American jobs, but that is me.

[paulrodbender]

Depends on what HP motor you want. 150-250 hp go with a Yamaha SHO. Over 250 I would go with a 300R, less than 150 the Mercury 4 strokes do pretty well. I had the opertunity of testing a Yamaha 200 SHO and Mercury 200 4 stroke on the same boat and the SHO performed better by far. Also keep in mind you can get 230 HP out of a 150-175 SHO and 330 hp out of a 200-250 SHO with just a tune. With Mercury you can't although that may be changing soon.

No need to "keep in mind", we get reminded every other day on here......... Thanks.