Quesion about Yamaha outboards

[THEFERMANATOR]

As far as YAMAHA electronics, they aree probably the best in the business and hardly ever fail on the old school carbed outboards. You just don't here of many problems with YAMAHA's and the electrical or ignition system. As for the head gaskets, I'm not sure. I know the high HP engines went to O-rings as head gaskets would blow out often under high compression.

EDIT: I went and looked at some of the last 2 stroke YAMAHA's on there parts website and it still shows head gaskets on them. Sounds like you found somebody with a distatste for YAMAHA's. I personally prefer made in the USA, but theres nothing wrong with the imports. Look at boats used in far off places and third world nations, most of them will have YAMAHA ENDUROS and such on them that have been in service for 20 or more years. That in and of itself should tell you something about the YAMAHAS.