No yamaha’s

[BOATS]

The Yamaha F series (gray) is generally bullet proof and longer lasting.

[Highcentered]

Since this is a fairly open topic at this point I’m gonna ask a couple questions. None of these are loaded, just curiosity and wondering. I don’t disagree with you, but do you think it’s because many brands only sell boats with the Mercury? If not do you think Mercury is just kind of like Ford where well my dad had one, my dads dad had one, so I’ll get one? Don’t get me wrong, I know they have made a good product for a long time, they like Yamaha have had some ups and downs, made a dud here and there so to speak. Personally I would pick a boat brand and take whatever motor it comes with, but it would be nice to have a motor choice.

These are my thoughts too. When I bought my Tracker of course I had to get a Mercury too. When I bought my Xpress I had to get a Yamaha. I did like how much quieter my Mercury was compared to the SHO I have now. They're all pretty good though and don't care what's on a boat when I buy it as long as there's a GOOD service center a reasonable distance from the house. I have blown up one Yamaha and one Mercury over the years. The Yamaha was just plain wore out and the typical pin failure happened on #6 and the Mercury had issues from old parts too even though it was a fresh rebuild I bought when the Yamaha blew.

[Highcentered]

Go to the salt, pontoon, pleasure boat world and you are hard pressed to find a Mercury. I'd bet there are way more pontoons, center consoles and pleasure boats sold than bass. A bass boat dealer told me a few years ago that they sold 10-1 Pro XS two strokes to a SHO because at the time the price difference. Said for some that 2-3k difference meant getting approved for a loan or not. I don't know what the money difference is now between the merc 4 stroke and SHO. And merc offers dealer incentives and puts everybody and they're brother on the Pro Team.

This is why I said BASS BOAT MARKET​I should have included that I know the salt market is completely reversed from the looks of it.

[Highcentered]

The Yamaha F series (gray) is generally bullet proof and longer lasting.

I wish my boat had the gray Yamaha but most dealers around here seem to rig the SHO on boats with 90hp and above.

[Mark Perry]

I've owned several SHOs abd several Mercury's. To date I have yet to have to take a SHO in to a shop. They both have been great motors but the SHO just seems more reliable for me.

[DaveBrabec]

Back when the ol optipop came out you couldn't give away a boat with a mercury on it until the Pro XS model. Crazy how it shifts.

I’ve had 3 Optimax. Never popped one. My 07 runs as good as it did new.

[dean c]

The Yamaha F series (gray) is generally bullet proof and longer lasting.

The F300 on the bay boat I owned was a beast! Loved that motor.

[Dixie-Raven]

To me it seems they all have issues and it's a roll of the dice. However, if was repowering or looking to buy new I would strongly look into the Suzuki motors. They seem pretty reliable I have heard. Problem is finding someone to support them when needed.

[Mcjenson]

To me it seems they all have issues and it's a roll of the dice. However, if was repowering or looking to buy new I would strongly look into the Suzuki motors. They seem pretty reliable I have heard. Problem is finding someone to support them when needed.

Propping seems to be a pain with their gearcase ratios too.

[BOATS]

The F300 on the bay boat I owned was a beast! Loved that motor.

[Dixie-Raven]

Propping seems to be a pain with their gearcase ratios too.

Maybe but it can be done with the correct person involved. Worth the pain to me if more reliable.

[Smalliehunter91]

At my work, we sell wayy more yahamas than Mercury's and seem to have more parts for yahamas than mercs in stock. I have serviced alot more yahamas since I've been there as well .

[Wackyjig]

The Yamaha F series (gray) is generally bullet proof and longer lasting.

The engine itself is the same in both Sho and F series. The differences are the lower units, tilt/trim, and ecu tuning.

The reason F series run for thousands upon thousands of hours is because of how they're ran, not because of how they're built. Salt guys will run them for hours at a time at 4-5k.
Bass guys run them for minutes at 6k with no warmup or cool down.

[BOATS]

The engine itself is the same in both Sho and F series. The differences are the lower units, tilt/trim, and ecu tuning.

The reason F series run for thousands upon thousands of hours is because of how they're ran, not because of how they're built. Salt guys will run them for hours at a time at 4-5k.
Bass guys run them for minutes at 6k with no warmup or cool down.

I run mine at 6200 on my xpress. But I do warm up before hammerdown time.

[Highcentered]

I run mine at 6200 on my xpress. But I do warm up before hammerdown time.

Same when conditions allow...well about 6000-6100 but who's countingAlso come off pad ahead of time to let the engine cool down while idling up to my spot/area. My logic is my body wants to throw a temper tantrum if I'm doing cardio then suddenly stop without proper cooldown so maybe an engine has similar feeling in its own way?

[99R93S]

I always warm up and at least a little cool down as well. I’m very happy with my Yamaha. I was hoping this winter although I doubt I’ll have the funds, so next winter let Hydrotec have mine and get it refurbed. I plan to keep it as long as I’m breathing. I don’t need no stinkin 4 stroke

[Highcentered]

I always warm up and at least a little cool down as well. I’m very happy with my Yamaha. I was hoping this winter although I doubt I’ll have the funds, so next winter let Hydrotec have mine and get it refurbed. I plan to keep it as long as I’m breathing. I don’t need no stinkin 4 stroke

You couldn't pay me to have another 2-stroke but 2-stroke smell also gives me a headache. Now if the smell of 2-stroke makes you horny that's a whole other matter in itself

[javjoe]

Mercury owns the freshwater market
Yamaha owns saltwater market

In the NE there are a lot of Yamaha's in the salt but Suzuki's are closing the gap!

[KandKKustomz]

Mercury owns the freshwater market
Yamaha owns saltwater market

kinda a toss up in the saltwater market I believe between yamaha and suzuki

[happykamper]

I have owned over 20 boats with Mercury engines, zero, zilch, nada problems with any of them, did have a compressor go out on one but it was covered by warranty. Nothing against a Yammy dam good engines, they are just not near as sexy as a Mercury.