Outboard motor recommendations?

[fisher_king2004]

If you were going to replace an old 115 hp outboard with something newer between 115 and 130 hp what brand would you recommend and what brands would you avoid? Two or four stroke? Any model years that would be trouble? I would want a motor no more than 10 years old

[bobbymalone]

I'd get a Ford, but I know a lot people like Chevy.

[Capt. H (Ret.)]

Mercury would be my choice but that is probably because the dealer I have dealt with for the past 25 years sells them. I Have a 115 Mercry OptiMax and it has not given me any problems. I couldn't decide if I wanted a 2 stroke or 4 stroke when I bought it and the dealer basically told me six of one, half a dozen of another and he thought either one would be fine.

I have done some reading on other motors and I really think any of the major brands would be fine but for me it's service after the sale and I have a excellent relationship with my Mercury dealer. No need for me to change at this point.

Mike

[delcecchi]

I replaced my 115 merc two stroke with a 140 suzuki. I love it.

I also strongly considered a Merc 115 4 stroke but the dealer said he maybe could get me one in August. He said this in late may (couple years ago) so that made decision easier. The Suzuki was in stock, which it turns out was a little unusual.

My criteria were 4-stroke, and reasonably light. My 115 and kicker seemed like enough weight on my boat, a 1775 provee. I thought about a 150 but most of those were a good amount heavier than the 358 pounds of my 115.

If you want to go used, finding a 4 stroke in your power range might be hard, and could be close to new. I hear all that stuff about how much cheaper used is, but I can never find those deals myself.

I guess it depends on how much you have to spend, and what factors are important to you.

[Kyhl]

If you can get by with the weight then I'd go bigger. Because if you are looking for performance then you might be disappointed going from a 2-stroke 115 to a 4-stroke in a 115. The 4 strokes need to rev up a bit to make the same power for a given displacement. Therefore they have less hole shot while being heavier.

If weight is a concern then you probably want to stick with a 115. 4-strokes are bigger and heavier than their 2-stroke counterpart. The fuel milage will be better but the oil changes will be more expensive.

Suzuki, Honda, Yammaha, Merc. It sounds like they all make sound equipment at the moment.

[magnum mike]

Evinrude E-Tec. 2 stroke performance with 4 stroke economy.

That would be my first choice (and it was). Seriously, all manufacturers make reliable products these day. I would avoid 4 strokes if you are looking for peak performance or cold weather operation.

[leechlake]

I've had and have Yamaha motors, both a 175 HPDI 2 stroke and 3 Yamaha 4 strokes between 25-75 horse. I've had zero problems with any of these motors. Back in the day, I had a few Evinrudes that caused me problems but I think that was mostly technology related based on what it was back then.

I do think there are great motors out there all brands. As goofy as this sounds I'd pick a size and type of motor that I want and then pick the brand that physically looks the best to your eye. Thought being there all excellent machines so why not pick the brand that looks the best.

[Big Bobber]

I was in the market for a new outboard in 2011. I read many of the horror stories about E-Tec engines, but decided to do a little more research. I had a Merc dealer and Evinrude dealer about equal distance from where I live and opted to buy the Evinrude. Best engine I have ever owned. Instant start, great hole shot, relatively quiet and sips gas. Other folks at the resort are amazed at how quick I get on plane with four people in the boat. I traded in a Merc and never did like that engine. Rough shifting, bad exhaust smell, and drank gas. My current motor uses about 50% of the Merc, and zero problems. Just had the 3 year maintenance done and no faults on the ECM. Had the plugs changed and out the door I went. Love the ease of winterizing as well.

[Down2Earth]

Another vote on the E-Tec. All the pluses and none of the minuses. However not a good dealer close to you that sells them I'd go Yamaha.

[CaptainMusky]

When I purchased my current outboard I considered the following brands and really did my research: Yamaha, ETec and Suzuki. I was looking for a motor in the 150 to 175 hp range (so a bit over your intent). I talked to mechanics, owners, read over the specs (weight, bore and stroke, etc), price, warranty, etc.

I bought a 150 Suzuki. The 150 is the same bore and stroke as a suzuki 175. Weight-wise it is about 25# heavier than a comparable ETec, which is negligible.

I cannot possibly put into words how amazed I am with this motor. Many ETec guys talk about "all the expense of maintenance of 4 strokes" which is hogwash. It costs me less than $80 per year to change all filters and fluids. I have talked to many folks with ETecs and the initial breakin period was a nightmare for them in terms of oil consumption. They spent nearly as much on oil in this timeframe as I spent on my annual maintenance.

So take some of these maintenance claims with a grain of salt.

My motor is so quiet I dont even know its running at idle. I actually loaded the dang boat on the trailer and was almost pulling out of the launch with it running once because I honestly couldnt even hear it.

My buddy has a 90 Yamaha and its a really good motor too. If I didnt get my Suzuki I would have gotten a Yamaha.

Talk to a mechanic who services the motors you intend to consider and get an idea from them of things they see. My mechanic told me when I left after they prepped the motor that is usually the last time they see the Suzukis unless they come back for fluid changes.

It is true, they are all dependable motors and you really cannot go wrong with any of them.

[NAMASafetyDirector]

Another vote for the Suzuki here. Bro bought a brand new boat with the 175 on it last year and absolutly loves that motor mostly for the fuel economy. The thing practically manfuactures fuel while you drive. Additionally the motor is virtually silent at idle and very quiet under operation.

[anchor man]

Go with a Suzuki or Yamaha 4stroke and you won't regret either

[Farley]

i did a lot of research 2 years ago when we needed a new motor, I was between the Etec and Yamaha 4stroke. We went with the ETec.

I love our Etec 150. $50 per gallon oil and you use more for the break in period so a Etec buyer should be prepared to go through some expensive oil out of the gate, I think we are out of the break in period now (we dont use the boat more than a few times a year) and I think we probably spent $200-300 on oil to get through that period, not 100% sure on that but its a good estimate and thats all we've spent on it so far, (3 years no maintence.) I am amazed on the minimal gas usage compared to our old Mariner 150 not to mention the performance. For us, its pretty nice to be able to fill up the boat once at the begining of a trip. Its pretty quiet at wide open for a 2 stroke. Winterizing is a breeze, dont need to even take the hood off.

Probably would have been just as happy with the Yamaha I'm sure, but no regrets thus far on the ETec.

[Down Deep]

I've owned all of the big three. A 93' Honda 4s, then a 2000 Yamaha 150 VMAx-HPDI and now an 09' 115 Merc 4s. All were quality motors and operated basically flawless during the 7 to 8 years I owned each. That being said you can really count on a great motor from these manufactures. Therefore, when I shop for motors I go with price, spiffs (extended warranty, etc). and reputation of the dealer's service Dept.

Incidentally, I know the guys who bought the boats with the Honda and Yamaha and both are still running fine.

[FM_Mike]

I don't think these days that any outboard you get would be a wrong choice.

I have had Mercury's on the back of my boats for over 35 years, I have had one issues in those years and Mercury replaced the problem outboard with a new one. This was when the first 4 strokes came out and they had issues with the carbs plugging.

I will be a Mercury customer for life, because for me, they stand behind their products, and take care of their customers (Me)

Good luck and enjoy your boat and new motor.

Mike

[Northlander]

In that size I would go Yamaha 4 stroke or Suzuki. The e-tech is a good motor in this size but as stated the break in sucks and is expensive. Biggest thing is get a motor that you can get worked on near your home or cabin.

[SkunkedAgain]

Biggest thing is get a motor that you can get worked on near your home or cabin.

Winner.

I've got a 90hp Suzuki and love it, but won't bash the others because I've consistently heard good things about all. Go with the fringe factors: ease of service if needed, how it looks on your boat, color....all the things that you usually don't get to focus on.