[phester]

I've got a Johnson 150 ocean runner,maybe the 10th outboard in a boating career that spans about 20-25 yrs. I, personally, have never had any problems w/ any of my OMCs that have ranged 35-200 hp.They always start always ran and never let me down. I did have one Merc, a 90 hp in line six cyl. and "most" of the time it ran well...however,it was kinda loud or "tinny" sounding,had to have the carbs rebuilt,replace the power packs,lower unit redone,starter replaced, and it was always tempermental when starting...it was, more often than not, harder to start when it was already warm. I do think Merc. makes a good outboard,I cannot bastardize their entire line of motors based on my personal experience but it did sorta make an impression on me. Prefference toward a brand of outboard gets in your blood and most people stay where they are comfortable, and that for me is an OMC. I don't think anybody is here to piss off people with this brand of motor or that brand of motor...it's not what this board is all about.Back to the original post reply...I have recently put on a stock 3blade aluminium 15x17...cruise about 30 at 3850 RPM top speed is about 38-39 at 5200RPM...have'nt got it to redline yet[5500]