[flyingfrizzle]

Originally Posted by rcnight

Been doing some research on used outboards for my 23 refurb. Found this posted on another boating site. Don't have any brand loyalty. Would appreciate your comments. Thanks


Yamaha 250-300hp HPDI----------------ABSOLUTE DISASTER.
The early 300's were known to go pop for sure

Honda 4 Strokes------------Just not enough of them around to really know but to be honest................I have not heard any consistant bad things. I would own one but Lack of used parts may scare me.
The Hondas are used by many commercial fishers in my area with tons of hours and also the coastguard uses them with success. Seen tons of hours on these but not many service centers in my area and in some areas

Evinrude Ficht (first generation ETEC........yes I said that)-------------disaster
So true, but if you can buy them cheep you can part out on ebay and make a killing
Suzuki 4strokes 2000-2007ish-------------great engines but corrosion..............typical Japanese
Seems like there was corrosion issues if used in the salt

Mercury Verado Gen 1------------had issues---Lower Unit failures, Supercharger Failures, etc
Defiantly needs the upgraded HD lower

Mercury optimax 1998-2000------Disaster............Opti BOMB
Early opti can be made to run fine, a computer flash and a newer style air pump and you will be basically the same as the newer ones. A few changes can make them reliable.

Mercury Optimax 2002-2005-------------Much Better
Mercury Optimax From 2006 to today------------Awesome
Mercury Verado Gen 2 (2008ish and up)-----------Awesome. People seem very happy with them.

Yamaha HPDI made in last 5 years or so---------------Fine
Yamaha 4 Strokes Made within the last 7 years or so------------------fine I have not heard much about the corrsion.(time will tell I guess)
The 350s had flywheel issues

Suzukis made within last 5 years...................excellent.

Moral of the story.........................Motors that were made at around 1998-2002 (DFI) were basically the guinney pigs. That was an "experimental" time with all this new technology.
Like most things I don't like to own the first year change of anything, wait till they get it right on the 2nd gen or see how they do first before jumping in on a new style anything

my 2 cent