Who makes a better outboard?

JohnS · #1 02-26-2003, 12:11 PM

Ok guys, here is the question of the day. Seeing that I am getting ready to buy that new boat, what should I power it with? The power will be in the range of either a 200 or 225.

So, which brand would you go with? I know this is based on opinion but I really want to hear what everyone has to say.

John

FELLOW-SHIP · #2 02-26-2003, 12:47 PM

HA JOHN
YA YOU ARE WRIGHT IT DOES HAVE TO DO WITH OPINIONS, BUT OPINIONS SOMETIMES ARE BASED ON GOOD INFO. WHEN I BOUGHT IN APRIL OF LAST YEAR THE NEW 4 STROKES YAMAHA HAD JUST COMING OUT, THE EVENRUDE HAS JUST OPENED THEIR NEW PLANT AND HAD NOT MADE ANY 225 YET. YAMAHA HADN’T COME OUT WITH THEIR NEW 250 HIGH PRESSURE 2 STROKE YET. AND I DIDN’T WANT A MERC. I ENDED UP WITH A YAMAHA 225 EFI AND LOVE IT. TODAY IT’S A DIFFERENT STORY FOR ME EITHER THE 225 YAMAHA 4 STROKE OR THE 250 HIGH PRESSURE 250 OR POSSIBLE THE NEW EVENRUDES E-TEC THAT ARE NOW JUST COMING OUT WITH THEIR EXTENDED WARRANTEE AND NO MAINTAINS FOR WHAT IS IT 3 YRS. MIGHT BE THE THIRD OPTION. I WOULD STILL STAY AWAY FROM MERC. BECAUSE THEY HAVE MORE REPORTS OF BREAKING, I WOULD ALSO STAY AWAY FROM SUZUKI FOR A FEW REASONS AND I WOULD STAY AWAY FROM HONDA AS WELL, NOT THAT THEY DON’T MAKE A GREAT MOTOR BUT THE COST, SERVICE LOCATIONS AND PARTS AVAILABILITY WOULD BE A ISSUE FOR ME. I KNOW OTHERS ON THIS SITE MIGHT HAVE A TOTALLY DIFFERENT OPINION AS ME I GUESS THE REAL QUESTIONS IS “WHICH ONE WILL YOU FEEL COMFORTABLE WITH” I GUESS IT’S LIKE FISHING YOU NEVER KNOW FOR SURE.
FELLOW-SHIP [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Billybob · #3 02-26-2003, 12:51 PM

Strictly opinion - Evinrude Ficht.The bigger E-tec's won't be out for a while.I think Bomb has the problems fixed, and back them with a good warranty.Best power/weight/fuel/ cost combo out there. But, only my opinion.

Ed · #4 02-26-2003, 02:39 PM

John S-

I have a 1998 Suzuki 225hp 2 stroke on my boat and so-far it has been bullet-proof through the first 390 hours of operation. It comes standard with dual ignition (2 plugs per cylinder), dual cooling intakes, a stainless steel water pump housing and a gravity fed oil injection system (the oil reservoir is mounted on the engine under the cowling ...not in the gunwales like most other engines where you have to worry about crimped oil lines or faulty oil pumps). Most engines have single ignitions, single cooling intakes, aluminum water pump housings and electric pump fed oil injection systems.

Suzuki will continue to make the 225 hp 2-stroke for the next 6 months or so, until their new 225 & 250 hp 4-strokes come out and then they will be gradually phased out.

When you're out shopping around...I would definitely take a look at them and see how they compare price wise. I think they're still offering their 7 year extended warranty.

Just a thought. Good luck.

Ed

ocuyler · #5 02-26-2003, 08:39 PM

I don't know if you can beat Yamaha or Honda in the long run, but... If the new Suzuki 225 is as good as the 140's, it would rate a high consideration. I think they're around 480 pounds.

Suzuki Marine Wins 2003 NMMA Innovation Award For New 250 Horsepower V-6 Four-stroke Outboard suzukimarine.com

Otto

Reel Smoker · #6 02-26-2003, 10:03 PM

I'm seriously looking into the new Bombardier Evinrude, Like BB said Bombardier has rectified there motors blowing up like they were a few years back with OMC.I was told that there hole shot is much quicker than the Four strokes , for me thats crucial because at times I need a quick hole shot because of the shallow water. I also like the Yamahas they are a sweet looking motor, but service is another reason that you should be concerned with in your decision.My neighbor is an Evinrude mechanic thats also a reason for me going with Evinrude.The price tag is whats scarry 14,800.00 for a 250 Ficth.

barnacle · #7 03-06-2003, 08:29 PM

Go with a Evinrude DI engine. THey have the problems worked out of these engines. The old company was more worried about who do we borrow money from next to stay going then how do we fix these engines. Bombardier has these figured out and there warry. proves it.

Reel Smoker · #8 03-07-2003, 12:55 AM

Joe, I found out today that of the 7 year warranty first 3 are from factory and the other 4 are after market warranty. Ive heard that warranty is not as good as factory? What do you think? If I get the Bombardier do you think its better to get the 17500.00 rebate or the 4 extra years of warranty.RS.

barnacle · #9 03-07-2003, 08:53 AM

The warry is a aftermarket but it still covers it as good as the factory warry. There is a 25.00 dect. for every visit. I read a story in trailer boat mag. that states its best to take the money. I would take warry over the money if you can.

JohnS · #10 03-07-2003, 10:44 AM

Reel,
I know if a guy who just picked up a brand new 225 Ficht for $12,500 up here in Miami or Ft Lauderdale some place. I will have to see where he got it from and let you know. $14,800 seems a bit high unless you are getting all the controls and rigging in that price........

On another note, I have decided on a motor and really want everyones opinion here before I go sign on the dotted line.....

I have decide to go with the 250 EFI Merc but still have the choice of going with the 225 Opti so, tell me guys........I have heard so much negative news about the Opti I was going to stay with the EFI. I am a diehard Yamaha fan and really like the Ficht but I was going to try out the Merc for a change. Figured if you take care of them, they will all really wind up being just as good as the other at this point in time...

Opinions????

John