around here, the Yamahas are the most popular, thay have the percieved reputation of being more reliable. They generally cost more outright, usually packaged on more upscale boats, and are usually owned by people with more money and less mechanical ability. These people are more likely to have the shop do whatever it takes to make them run right and generally don't argue over price. They are serviced by the book with no skimping.( there are a lot of parraells here that can be referenced to certain brands of cars as well). The fact that these motors are generally serviced better has a lot to do with their reputation. I take nothing away form Yamaha, they build a very good engine. Depending on the hp and application, they usually rank either #1 or #2 in my choice of outboard power with Mercury. But they are not as good as a lot of people think they are, they break just like every other motor out there. Everyone tells me that Yamaha ignitions never give any trouble, you don't know how much time I've wasted diagnosing a rough running engine by ignoring ignition issues by believing they don't give any trouble. Ignitions are expensive!!!! for Yamahas, with virtualy no aftermarket replacement parts. Yamaha engines don't hold up to salt as well as Merc/John Rudes either. The paint they put on them holds up well, its where you cant see that they corrode(like most Japanese outboards). When we tear down a Yamaha lower unit, we allways get the torch out no matter how clean it looks. teh up side is that Yamaha complete new lower units cost about half as much as Mercurys. Every engine has its plus or minuses, consider the application, how its maintained, availabilty of parts and service, reputation, and resale when considering your purchase. Pay a professional thast familiar with that type of engine to check it out for you, its money well spent. If a good deal came up on a Yamaha, i wouldn't hesitate in buying one. Right now, I've got my eye on a 3.0L 225 carb Mercury that may end up on my V
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