american outboards VS Foreign

[sfprovyn]

I was cleaning fish on my dock yesterday and decided to take a count of the amount of foreign outboard motors vis a vis american made as they went by and I was amazed. Out of 50, 26 were Yammies, 17 were zukies, 5 were johonnyrudes and only 2 mercs. These guys were all fishing in the big blue and no wifie and kiddies on board so reliability was probably a big factor in why they run what they do way off shore. I had no idea that the ratio was that high and even though I will never buy another Merc because I had three lemons in a row, I do still like the old and new Johnnyrudes but for what ever reason they are losing ground big time. Everyone makes 4 strokes these days and prices cant be that far off. Are the foreign motors really that good? Am I missing something? I usually get 3,000 hours out of my johnnyrude 2 strokes...Frank

[Skools Out]

the newer suzuki's are made by JohnnyRudes so that helps lol Your count doesn't say much for the other Foreign ones such as Honda and Nissian lol

[TheTinMan]

the newer suzuki's are made by JohnnyRudes

you sure about that??? I know Suzuki was making Johnson 4 strokes.

[phester]

those Yamaha's are tough to beat, carbed or injected they've got the lions share of the outboard market.

[Airslot]

THe Johnson 4 strokes were/are made by Zuki. That Zuki 175 would look real nice on my Welly.

Airslot

[Stinky_Hooker]

Yammiehammers are definitely the majority around here too. Regardless off the stroke or aspiration they are hard to beat.

When our club has a weigh in all you see is dozens of four banger yammies on bay boats, with the occasional zuki mized in.

Cept for the Hooker if she is in tow....im the only broke bastages runnin a Force. ;D

[TheTinMan]

That Zuki 175 would look real nice on my Welly.

Airslot

That's the engine I'd repower a V20 with.

[Stinky_Hooker]

That's the engine I'd repower a V20 with.




Roger that!!! I want a 150 for my 18 baaaaad!!!

When my buddys boat broke down and SeaTow pulled us in he was runnin twin Zuki 225s. I asked him how he liked em and he said "I have only had them 6 months and they have over 1000 hours on em. I havent had the first problem in that time. I have run all brands and these are without a doubt THE best outboards on the market IMO bar-none."


This man makes his living off his motors and literally puts his life and others' in their hands. Id say he should know. *8)


EDIT: BOTH of those 225s were quieter than my buddys 70 Johnson two stroke. ::)

[TheTinMan]

THe Johnson 4 strokes were/are made by Zuki.
Airslot

Not possitive, but I think Johnson is no longer selling the Johnzuki's. Their website only lists 25 and 30hp 4 strokes and carburated 2 strokes. Is their smaller 4 strokes made by Suzuki?

[TheTinMan]

Stinky, for your 18 I'd consider the small block 140, less weight than the 150 big block.

edit: just checked weights:

140 small block: 420 lbs.
150 big block: 474 lbs.

Both 25 inch shafts

There's probably more than a 10 hp difference too. The 140 is said to be a little overated, probably closer to the low 130's hp.

[Stinky_Hooker]

you make a good point...you are probably right.

No worries on having to make that decision anytime soon though. LOL ::)

[willy]

From what I've seen it comes down to price and availabilty of service in your home area between Yammi, Zuki and Honda.
Also warranty wise I think the Zuki's had the edge big time but I have heard that Yammi and Honda are making or have made changes because Zuki has taken some significant market share in the areas in which they have major sales locations.

[macojoe]

In started out with Johnsons and liked them fine.

Then moved to Mercury and even though it was always dependable, I just never like the way they started and stuff?

Then I got the Yamaha, I will tell you I think I liked that motor more then any other I have ever had!!

But Yamaha is way up there in price and they will not let you install them on your own or you viod the warr!!
For this reason I think they are for the person with lots of money!!

I repowered a friends boat 2 years ago with a new Johnson and he has bee very happy so far with no problems. And wasn't to bad priced, 115 hp for $6500

For me if I had the cash it would be Johnson or Yamaha, don't no much about the rest out there?

But for now what ever I can afford will be what gets put on there? But no Merc I can tell you that!

[labii]

I have owned Evinrude , Johnnson , Merc. , and Yamaha . I have found that with each newer model they all get a little better . I have a new yamaha 150 now because it was the cheapest way to repower from a Yamaha . However , I would have loved to been able to put a new Evinrude E-Tec on the transom . I just could not see spending twice the $ . The new Yamaha / carb motor has been flawless ! I do beleive the new stuff comming out of the American factories are just a good if not better . In fact , if I ever have the $ I will be the proud new owner of a 23' SeaCraft powerd by a 250hp Evinrude . Strike up one for the Stars and Stripes !

[reelapeelin]

I have a new yamaha 150 now because it was the cheapest way to repower from a Yamaha .

Whoa there Brudda!!...we both know why you got another Yamaha...uh-huh...

[TheTinMan]

Strike up one for the Stars and Stripes !

...and Maple Leafs too! :)
;)

[regidog]

What about the Evinrude E-TEC? I heard this motor is extremely reliable, and is becoming pretty popular.

[reelapeelin]

If Evinrude had 150/175/200 E-Tecs out when I got my Honda, there would probably be a 200 E-Tec hangin' off my transom right now ;) ...

[willy]

If they were smart they would bring that etec in 10% less across the board price wise from the Jap 4strokes and extend their warranty. They would have to build another factory.
Especially since they are having production issues now getting engines to dealers when they are supposed to.

[Hammerhead]

I've had'm all. Mercs were trouble. Johnsons were OK. an Evinrude 115 I had for almost 20 years was the best.
I've had a Yammi 90 on my lil'Bonita for a year now. No problems...not even a hiccup. When I repower it'll prolly be a 'Rude 150 o a bracket.