[Fr. Frank]

Outclaws, avoid the XR Mercs as they use the gearcase from the inline 6 motors and are designed to be used on very lightweight bass boats. They're not strong enough to push a heavy boat. FICHT motors are okay, but nuthin' to write home about. Avoid the early ones, though.
Go with fuel injection if you can. Despite all the eTec press, I still think the Merc Optimax system has a better reputation for reliability. All in all, both the Opti and the eTec are very good motors. It boils down to what you want to spend.

Here are what I find to be the best current prices.

New Merc Optimax 150 25" is $10K at Ed's Marine
New Merc 150 EFI 25" is $9.3K at Ed's Marine
New Merc Verado 150 25" is $12.8K at Marinemax
New Evinrude eTec 150 25" is $11K at Ed's.
New Johnson EFI 150 25" is $8K at Ed's Marine
New Suzuki 150 4stroke 25" is $9K at Ed's Marine
New Yamaha 150 25" $7.5K at Ed's Marine
New Yamaha V-MAX 150 20" HPDI is $9.3K at Ed's Marine
New Yamaha 150 HP 4-STROKE EFI 25" is $10K at Ed's Marine

Note: You can get a new 2005 250hp Verado leftover at Pro-Line boats for mfg. cost + 5%, or about $10.8K. Last I heard, they still had about 6 or 7 of them. I got my '06 90 Optimax from Pro Line for over $1k LESS than Ed's, and $3K below list, and they got rid of old excess inventory. It's a win-win deal.