Mercury vs. Yamaha engines?

**Kirk** · 03-02-2012, 03:07 PM

Hey guys i've allways had i/o so I no very little about outboard engine's. I'm just looking for some opinions on what you think about Yamaha engine's this one in particular (http://www.screamandfly.com/showthre...-with-Warranty) compared to say a Optimax 250 XS. Is one more reliable,better on fuel Etc? Any input would be appreciated.

Thanks Kirk

**THE HOGG** · 03-02-2012, 05:45 PM

They are gonna want to know your intentions. Cruising, racing, etc. what hull and weight? Pretty much just as many specifics as possible.

**Kirk** · 03-02-2012, 10:00 PM

It just seems that a lot of boats that come up for sale have no power. So I was curious what people thought of Yamaha power. I just want to cruise around and occasionally pull a skier or a tube, and have it be as maintenance free as possible

Thanks

**Superbender** · 03-02-2012, 10:12 PM

They are both good choices for your application,both have there pros and cons.

**johnboy 88 vegas** · 03-02-2012, 11:32 PM

If I had to buy a brand new one: Merc to go fast....Yamaha for any kind of reliable recreation boating. If your buying used (without a warranty) get whatever you want in your price range. Both are good motors when taken care of but just remember they are man made and everything has the possibility to tear up. Seen brand new motors last a couple hours and some of em 5,000 hours+. Let the brand fight begin....

**njj502** · 03-03-2012, 04:18 PM

Do yourself a favor and buy the motor built in the states!!!

**Forkin' Crazy** · 03-03-2012, 05:32 PM

Originally Posted by njj502

Do yourself a favor and buy the motor built in the states!!!

+1. Everyone I talk to loves their Yami until they have to have it repaired. Then they aren't so in love with it.

**johnboy 88 vegas** · 03-03-2012, 06:04 PM

Mercury has manufacturing plants in Japan, China, Belgium, and Mexico so they aren't all made in the US. My last 200 long block had the assembled in Mexico sticker on it.

**ActivatedSludge** · 03-03-2012, 06:46 PM

I can personally attest to Yamaha's reliability. I have owned 2, still have one. One is a 1986 175, sold to my brother and is still in service with little to any work ever done to it. The other is a 2000 50hp that is dead reliable. I have owned several mercs, still have one(225x). They are also great motors, however if its just cruising around I would go with the Yamaha, especially if you are considering a Optimax merc. (Know of several failed powerheads)

**MDevrow** · 03-03-2012, 06:47 PM

Not familiar with yamaha products, but with a little research you can find a low hour 2.5 Merc, or OMC product in the 200HP range that should give years of trouble free boating with the required maintainence. Run top quality oil,I always run fresh Quality 93 octane gas nothing else no mom and pop stuff, Found out the hard way these motors don't run on Water! Water seperator and fresh fuel has worked for me GOOD LUCK.