Reliable Outboards

[ct9amr]

I am looking for a reliable outboard period. I recently picked up a 23ft contender while I was on the hunt for a 23ft seacraft.
It has a Single 225 EFI Merc on it now but I would like to Repower it sometime this year. The current motor is rebuilt with 3 hours on it. it has not given me any issues but I was looking at 4 strokes.
Since I want to stay single due to weight and cost what do you guys recommend. It can handle up to 400hp but the max I would go is a 300 single.

[Rainmaker]

If properly maintained most of the current outboards are pretty good. You will get a lot of opinion on this subject but most of it is just that and based on what people have run on thier own boats. I for one have an eTEC on my 23 and love it. I have put over 1000 hours on it in the last 3 years and have not had any issues to speak of. I would call that reliable but since it is the only one I run I can't speak to much else.

When you are looking at motors, make sure to look at service shops in your area and match them up. Don't get a BRP motor if no one in your area is set up to work on them...

[htillman]

I have heard Yamaha is getting ready to introduce lighter 4 strokes, weigh about the same as 4 stroke Suzuki's. Would not buy one of the first ones out but since you have a recently rebuilt engine maybe worth the wait to see these new Yami's

[DonV]

I have a 2003 225 EFI Merc on my SeaCraft.......NO problems. I bought it used, one year old (502 hours) from Eckerd College in St. Pete for 50% of a new one. Might check and see if they have any available for sale. They trade them in every year for new ones. Not sure what type of Merc they are running now on their boats. Opti or Verado.

[natchalkley]

I absolutely LOVE my Suzuki 250hp. I would like the 300 but the zuke has been super reliable and is quiet, clean and has plenty plenty of power.

[McGillicuddy]

Since I want to stay single due to weight and cost what do you guys recommend.

Good idea, stay single...

[Bushwacker]

My local dealer sells Yahama's and Honda's as well as E-Tec's. For what it's worth, the service manager says he's had fewer "come back's" on the E-Tec's than either of the other two. I've had zero problems with mine in 4 years. If you do go with the E-Tec, go with the digital gages. The analog-style I-Command gages look great but both the tach and spedo failed, so I switched to digital gages which provide more info and have been trouble free.

[ct9amr]

Thanks for all the feedback guys.
I may pull the trigger once my Shamrock is sold and then sell the 2005 Merc EFI thats on it now.

I have plenty of dealers/service departments in my area for every make so it should not be a problem finding a reputable shop.

[Blue197320]

how much are you going to sell the EFI for? im between engines right now and may be interested in yours.