50Hp Mercury 4/ST

[cajunnsw]

Just hoping I can get some opinions of Mercury 4 strokes from people. I am about to repower my runabout with a new 50 horse 4 stroke and atm Mercury seem to be cheaper than most. Are people out there happy with the Mercs?

There seems to be a bit of a perception that they aren't as reliable (the old black anchor comments). And are the 4 strokes as quiet as, say, the Yamaha 4 stroke?

I have read the poll a few posts down, and while a lot of people are saying "they are all good" the Merc still lags in the poll.

Appreciate any or all comments.

Thanks in advance.

[Fallen angel]

Hi cajunnsw

I stand to be corrected but i believe the mercury and yamaha are the same motor apart from the gearbox. But in saying that the props are interchangeable.

Before I bought a 4 stroke again i would be asking myself how much boating I do and compare the costs between a 2ST and 4ST. The only way that i could justify the extra cost was when I was a professional and I did alot of servicing my self.

But if money was not an issue I would probably go 4ST.

Cheers and good luck with your decision.

[Noelm]

Mercury 4 strokes are the equal of anything else on the market, make no mistake about that! they are as quiet as a (say) Yamaha as good as any other brand going around today. In any outboard poll, Yamaha will win the popularity stakes every time, but it does not make them better, they are just popular/common, they still break down like the rest of them, they still have a few bad points that have been discovered down the track.

[cajunnsw]

Thanks for the quick replies gentlemen. Very much appreciated.

[Tim_N]

My last outbaord was a Yamaha F50 4 stroke, excellent piece of gear, 2000 hours on it.
My latest outboard is a Merc 60 hp 4 stroke. Also excellent. Nearly 100 hours on it so far.
The powerheads are identicle on these size outboards (Merc/Yammie), gearboxes and power trim and tilt differ.
Would I buy another 60 hp Merc 4 stroke, you bet, as Noelm has said, they're all good.
Tim

[Muddy Toes]

Hi Cajunnsw
A few weeks back going down the logan river in my mates seajay 485 sc which has a 60 yamaha 4 stoke on it
a fellow fisherman came past and left me behind in nearly the same size and style boat and left me wondering what motor was on his boat
only to arrive at the ramp to find a brand new 50 4 stroke merc!
i was very impressed how well it went and so was he (and yes i was trying )

Dave

[Richo1]

I've got a new 40 4stroke Merc, only done 20hrs on it so early days yet. So far I love it; quiet, quick and uses less fuel than my 20 2stroke used to. Bigger boat, bigger motor and less fuel used. 20hr service was scary tho $$

[themerlin]

I've got a new 40 4stroke Merc, only done 20hrs on it so early days yet. So far I love it; quiet, quick and uses less fuel than my 20 2stroke used to. Bigger boat, bigger motor and less fuel used. 20hr service was scary tho $$

Depends where you get it done.

[themerlin]

My last outbaord was a Yamaha F50 4 stroke, excellent piece of gear, 2000 hours on it.
My latest outboard is a Merc 60 hp 4 stroke. Also excellent. Nearly 100 hours on it so far.
The powerheads are identicle on these size outboards (Merc/Yammie), gearboxes and power trim and tilt differ.
Would I buy another 60 hp Merc 4 stroke, you bet, as Noelm has said, they're all good.
Tim

How long did it take to clock up 2000 hours

[Muddy Toes]

How long did it take to clock up 2000 hours


Ummmmmmm.....about 2000 hours?;D

Sorry....had to do it.

[JB]

Had a 4 stroke merc 60. Was a fantastic motor for the first 5 years then about year 6-7 started spending $ on corrosion issues in the leg (approx 700 hours) . Had get a new flywheel as it disintegrated. It was quiet and very effecient, the parts were pretty expensive in general . Great motor in the first instance, i'd probably turn it over after 500 hours if i bought 1 again. I went honda this time as garry (spainyard king on here) looks after me with great servicing and support. The honda is a much smoother motor at mid range / top end and has a bit more power. Id say the honda is a touch quieter too. The etec was pretty dam noisy at speed and i generally wasn't impressed with them at all. Why would you buy a motor that requires constant oil.. and they do still smell a touch at idle (a lot more than the honda which you would hardly know was there at idle)

Bit of a ramble but if you can afford it, honda.

[davo]

The old two stroke four stoke debate. I have both types of motors. I actually run the 60HP 4 stroke Yamaha and a 25 Hp and 2 HP 2 stroke Yamaha. Sub 30HP go 2 stroke except if you predominately troll, 4 strokes for all others. My 4 stroke is outstanding and I think it was only about $1000 more to buy anyway. Service costs are not much different, nor weight. I love the no smoke low noise. Mine will be ten years old this October and it hasn't missed a beat. As far as looking at a Merc. Look at who will be doing the service. I have run several Merc and had a lot of service issues and even warranty issues. We have 16 Yamaha's in my family and no one has any problems and I have a great Yamaha dealer. I couldn't buy a different brand.

[unchainedjenner]

between me and my father we have had 6 suzuki's, and never had a a break down once.

[cajunnsw]

Many thanks again to all that have replied, both in the thread and via PM. I will take it all into consideration, and continue my research.

Davo, there was never an intention for this to be a 2st / 4st debate. I am totally sold on the 4 bangers. ;D

[Tim_N]

It took about 10 or 11 years to rack up 2000 hours.
Also, the new Hondas are very very nice, the next generation, it you will, in 4 stroke technology, hence there will be a decent price variation between the 2 engines. The new Suzuki is also new and excellent, but more expensive.
The old tried and proven Merc/Yammie 60 4 banger still provides plenty of bang for the buck.
In the end, you will still end up with 60 hp at the prop.
Tim