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If you were going to buy a new motor (225) for your boat, what would you get and why? I know there are pros and cons to everything but in your opinion whats the best. What motor would you buy for your boat?

I think to me it would be all about what engine you could get the best service on in your area. I would personally look at either the E-Tec or the Opti-Max, which many test have the Opti a little faster and better on fuel, (but for some reason I like the E-Tec), and throw in the Yammie which is a great engine and would probably be a few $$$ less. Bottom line I think with any motor some issues are going to arise and good dealer support would be high on my list if I was buying a motor in that range.

Stumpy, What is your boat rated for? I was thinkin' it was only like a 186? :scratch:

Well I have been a Yamaha man for the last 15 years and I love them and I have done a lot of research into that New Yamaha Series II they introduced in 2008 and it has a complete new program system in it and a new oiling system in it and they have extended the warranties on them so that is what I probably would get but that is a given that I like Yamaha's. Now if I was not already a Yami owner I would surely look at the E-Tech. I rode in boats the last two years that have them on the rear and they are a very awesome motor for sure. Very low maintainence, very smooth idling and quiet when running down lake and they get really good fuel milage.

Growing up my dad was always a Mercury man and so that was passed down to me... that was until about 6 years ago when I bought my first Yamaha HPDI (now the Series II). These motors are awesome! I've owned 3 in the past 6 years (just because I sale my boat every year or two) and they have all performed great! I've even converted my dad over to a Yamaha motor and he loves it. It's true... Mercury makes a good fast motor but when it comes to dependability, Yamaha is hard to beat! Back in 2006 I hit a submerged rock hump on Cherokee lake doing about 25-30 MPH while practicing for a tournament. I trimmed it up and noticed the prop was damaged and the scag was damaged as well. I finished out the day running close to full speed (65MPH). When I got back to the house that evening, I sanded down the scag, switched props and fished the next day. I continued to run that motor up until it was time to sale with out a single issue. I even took it in for an extra service or two just to make sure it was ok and each time it passed inspection with flying colors. Needless to say, I'll be a Yamaha guy for a long time.

Stumpy, Are you going to have to get e new motor?

Bubba, it is rated for a 225, thats what is on it now!

MT, no I have been thinking about it for the past year. I have a 99 Merc 225 EFI. It runs great and I have been really pleased with it. The newer motors are getting better fuel mileage than mine and there have been vast improvements in them. I have out-dated-technology, but love it anyways, and was just thinking about an upgrade. :D

Oh... :unsure: Show's how much I pay attention. :lol:


Edit* Nevermind. :lol:

Bubba, FISHING LINE was the problem. I got some wrapped around the the prop and it cut the seal. I didn't notice anything and there was maybe a drop or two of water in it. It must have just happened and I was lucky to have notice it. Other than that, everything else on the motor is in good shape. Now I just have to go fishing... :P

I have always been an E-tech man until this year.A guy in our bass club got a new 225 and in 3 months it went down before the year was up he had went though 4 E Techs.but they have good warranties.but after fishing with my new partner I have changed my mind and like the Optimax because they have a little more power and better fuel mileage.and as far as the Yamaha I have never used one very much so I have no opinion on them.

Well I'm going to go to the boat show this weekend (I-75 Expo) and look and see. I have been interested in the Pro XS model that Merc makes. I will look and see what I can't find down there. Thanks for opinions, it's just made things that much harder to try and make up my mind....... :wacko: :scratch: :wacko:

Check with the dealers,you might find a good deal.That is how my dad found his boat and motor.

Stumpy, when compared to each other all the major brands have their advantages and disadvantages.
IMHO, the Dealer is more important than the brand.
A good dealer can make your life a lot easier. A bad dealer can make small problems into a nightmare.
Good luck.
Frank

same thing here CountryBoy, we may be talking about the same guy(worm) he bought a new boat with an E-Tec and had several issues within the first couple months. it may be the same guy. but he never had any trouble with the boat dealer(Minor's Marine) they were on it as soon as he had trouble and they have even called several times to make sure the motor is OK as well as the boat.

FrankD, you are right. That is one thing I'm keeping in mind and there are several dealers around and I will just take my time and gather some info.

Merc, E-Tec or Yamaha. I think all of them are good engines. Personally, if I were to buy one now, I would get the one with the longest warranty, providing the initial cost was relatively the same. I think E-Tec has the longest warranty, or I think they did.

I believe Yamaha has a 5yr warranty special going on right now don't they? :scratch:

i would prolly get a mercury.. thats my opinion but its what you wont.... i like a mercury bcause they have been around and thats what i had and i loved it no problems at all :scratch:

As far as warranty I think Suzuki has got the market covered. 6 years with the option to upgrade to 10 years. If it wasn't for the typical 4-stroke problems, weight and performance, and the lack of dealer network, Suzuki would be the way to go.