[phester]

all I can say is ,of the dozen or so,of the boats i've owned they have always been johnson/evinrude.From 15-200 hp never had any problems...they all were properly used and not abused.I had one Merc., 90hp inline 6,that too ,properly used...however....lower unit,powerpacks,starter,sometimes would start at the touch of the key,next day it would'nt, VERY tempermental carbs. , it was kinda loud at troll,cruise and wot.I think that most of todays large outboards are good,not one clearly stands above another,but for the afore reasons mentioned,I dont think mercury would be my first pick