Mercury Outboards

Carl · #1 02-08-2005, 01:14 PM

Any experience here with Mercury outboards? The current engine is blown and I am going to repower with a new engine. The mercury controls are still good so I am planning on staying with a Mercury. I've noticed that Mercury has a saltwater series of enignes - basically the same as the regualr engines just with "corrosion inhibiting" components. My question is are these really all they say they are, or can a regular 150 EFI engine - non saltwater rated" engine perform just as well? It doesn't seem like the warrenties are any different.

Thanks

Carl

macojoe · #2 02-08-2005, 01:55 PM

Well My 72 Johnson wasn't saltwater series and it was still going 2 years ago! My 1989 Yamaha doesn't say saltwater series and it is just fine!!

Pipe_Dream · #3 02-08-2005, 03:11 PM

Nothing specific to Mercury, but when I was searching for a new engine, the price quoted always included new controls. How old are your current controls? Might be a good time to get all new -- just my $0.02 worth.

CT_V-20 · #4 02-10-2005, 12:30 AM

I promise you my 20 year old Sea Drive ain't technologically advanced and that old dog won't quit! If the warranties are the same, spend less. Specific to Mercury motors, I lost a 20' Sea Ox walkaround :o with a 1999 135 Merc, non Optimax. Once the boat was salvaged we immediately pulled the plugs and treated the motor. The motor recovered nicely and I was told by my mechanic that an Optimax would have been toast given its electronics. Long story short, sometimes the simpler the better.

Vic · #5 02-11-2005, 12:28 PM

I have a 94 Mariner 175EFI two stroke. She starts quick and has been reliable. Kinda freaked me out when the water did'nt come out of the back right away though. But seems easy to maintenance. Plugs,thermostats,and water pump. So far. No biggie.

Carl · #6 02-11-2005, 06:50 PM

Thanks folks,

I kinda thought the same thing. I did call a Mercury dealer and he said it was more in the marketing than anything else. He said a flushing connection may be in a different spot, but all mercury engines are designed to be run in saltwater with no adverse effects. I am going to stop by the marina and ask the mechanic there this weekend. Thanks for the input.

#7 02-21-2005, 09:37 AM

look at http://1outboard.coor a cheaper than new way to go m/Over150.html They have rebuilt Mercury 175 EFI for $5900. and a 150 XR6 for $5300. if you are looking for a cheaper than new way to go.

shicks007 · #8 02-22-2005, 12:59 AM

I don't know if this is fact or not but...I was looking into new a motor a year ago and checked out Yamaha. I ask what the difference between the salt water series and the other Yami's was. The sales guy said that it was the same with a 25" shaft. Most saltwater boats needing 25" shaft motors.

#9 03-22-2005, 11:14 AM

I have a 135 HP Marina on my V-20 that is an efi, Opti Max and it does a great job. Six gallons an hour at 27 MPH. Starts fast and has been flawless for three seasons. My first experince with the Mercury line and I am perfectly satisfied.

Carl · #10 03-22-2005, 12:38 PM

Thanks for the input. I am looking at new and used motors right now. Mostly 150's and 175's, but it's good to know that the 135 works too.