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Hey saltwater guys: Any guidance out there on good (or not so good) motors? I know Mercury and Yahama advertise saltwater lines, and others probably do too. Are there real differences other than maybe tighter seals and sturdier hardware? Any motors you definitely would not put in the salt?

All of the manufacturers have a saltwater line of motors. They usually have a few more stainless parts, to include a stainless tilt/steering tube.

If you're looking to buy this year, look at what's available in carburated motors. My feeling is the simpler the better. I have a carburated 1997 200 hp Mariner(Mercury) that has been bullet proof. I also have a 2004 carburated 115 Yamaha.

I suppose I'm old school. I don't care for the direct injected motors, and I don't want the extra weight of a 4-stroke.

As far as brand, I would lean toward Yamaha.

I've heard nothing but good about Yamahas. And I also keep hearing that carbureted 2-strokes aren't such a bad thing. I know what you mean about simplicity. The last motor I had that I felt like I could work on myself was in a '72 VW Beetle.

I'm looking around for a whole package (boat, motor and trailer). If I know the motor's been in salt and it checks out OK, I guess I won't worry much about it. But so far, it sounds like Yamaha and Mercury are choices one and two.

I had a 90 HP Suzuki that did fine. Evinrudes and Johnsons have been around forever. I don't know much about Force or Mariner. Most of what I've heard about Honda and Nissan is automotive, and all of that is pretty good.

Big difference between one and two.....

I have a 05' 200 Suzuki 4-stroke. I can't tell the difference in weight on my boat but I can definitely tell the difference at the pump. I'm not sure what class boat your looking at but I like the 4-stoke. The maintenance isn't hard like everyone claims.

Hey, a few dollars saved at the pump could make all the difference these days. I like what I hear about 4-strokes burning cleaner, too. It will all depend on what's attached to the boat that I'll know has to be mine when I see it. The size I like is the 17-19-foot range

Will-Fish: Tell me a little more about that Yahama-Mercury difference. I've heard and read some good things about Mercury. They have boats from their test site in Panama City zipping around the bays here all day.

I've owned Johnson, Evinrude (same thing), and Yamaha.
I doubt if I'll ever own other than a Yammie!

I have been really impressed by Evinrude's new E-Tec 2 strokes. I may tell you different after they have been around and you hear some reports. The infomercial they have on them is great.


I cannot knock a Yamaha.....even though mine wouldnt stay cranked last Sat. It is a 1993 85hp and this is the first trouble it has ever given me. The carbs just needed cleaning and kits put in them. I think that is a pretty good track record. If you take care of your outboard, it will take care of you. Any mechanic will tell you on a saltwater motor, you have got to stay on top of preventative maintenance.

The older merc saltwater motors....I have never heard anything good about them. The new Verado's from what I have heard are good...so maybe merc is making some good stuff.

pc

When i was looking to buy an outboard I did my research on http://www.thehulltruth.com and on the FS Boating section first. There is enough to read there for days on Yamaha/Mercury.

Then I asked a couple FWC guys which ones they saw the most problems with. Both said the black ones.

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