Damn this is hard... Speaking for myself, I have a 1991 200hp Merc on my Cruisers, and a 1991 200hp Johnson on my V. With the exception of the heat censor problem on the Merc that I mentioned in a different post I've really never had any problem with either engine. Both are strong, reliable units. I've never had a Yamaha except as a motorcycle, so I really can't comment on them other then to say that everyone I know that has one swears they are the best thing since striped bass. My point being that IMHO there are good and bad in every brand of motor. If you don't abuse your motor and you make sure it's well maintained it should last you for a long, long time.
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1987 V20 w/1987 150HP Yamaha on a Shoreland'r Trailer
1978 16.5 Airslot w/1996 120HP Force on a Four Winns trailer
1996 V21 w/1993 200HP Mercury on a Shoreline Trailer
All towed by a 5.7L Hemi Durango.
If God didn't have a purpose for us we wouldn't be here, so
Live simply, Love generously, Care deeply, Speak kindly.
(Leave the rest to God) 
Silence, in the face of evil, is itself evil. Not to speak is to speak, not to act is to act. God will not hold us guiltless.
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