What is the best outboard, Honda, Yamaha, Mercury?

[Outclaws]

Evinrude Ficht Ram Injection 150hp two Stroke Any good? Someone told me to stay away from the ficht motors. ????
Thanks

[Bushwacker]

An engineer co-worker/friend of mine worked at the OMC test center in Stuart in the mid-late 90's. He said from about 2000 on, after BRP took over, they were good motors. BRP fixed the quality problems, scrapped a bunch of parts that were not up to spec, and also fixed some injector and computer problems. If you search the Hulltruth web site you'll find some threads on the Fichts.

[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.

[askipper3]

MERCURY BABY

[Ikan Besar]

MERCURY BABY

well that's good and scientific!.... Engines are looked at in different ways dependent upon where you are. Yami's are king in the Carolinas, OMC seems more popular up North than other places, Etc. Bottom line: most any engine will serve you well if you use it within the parameters it was designed for. I've had OMC, Yami, Tohatsu, Suzy, etc. Haven't had a single problem with any of them.

[Outclaws]

Well thanks to everyone. I got a 2003, 115 Johnson, with less then 100 hrs on it. Runs like new.
WOT is 32 knots @54k, or around 37 mph. cruise in the mid to hi 20's 30 mph @43k Seems to fit the boat. Not a screamer but respectable. I think Potter would be happy. It's time to go fishing. Thanks again. Love this site, ClassicSeaCraft.com