PHP Warning: Use of undefined constant VBA_SCRIPT - assumed 'VBA_SCRIPT' (this will throw an Error in a future version of PHP) in ..../includes/functions_navigation.php(802) : eval()'d code on line 1 Whats the best brand in outboards
Go the black anchors
Had two now and both were good considering their age.The blue band 50 had not been started in 4 years when I got it,pull and clean the plugs ,spray the bores with some wd40 and away it goes after 5 secs of cranking
Now I've got a 115 grey band and it goes like a rocket,after the blue band gotta love the trim tilt
cheers jon
Mate, it is pretty difficult to get a straight answer to this question. Everyone talks from their own experiences, and with the rate that outboards are advancing these days it is difficult to get an opinion that is really relevant to the model that you are looking at.
Boatpoint have some reviews where they actually tested outboards of various ranges and sizes and give their specs against the direct competition.
I have had good experiences with Yamaha 2-strokes, as have most other people that I talk to about them. I would definately recommend them, however they are more expensive than most. Mercury have not had the best of reputation in the past, but their "black anchor" tag seems to be a thing of the past from the reviews that I have heard recently. Also the new direct injection range of 2-strokes out-perform the older style 2-stroke models.
Many people talk-up the virtues of e-tec's but they have not been tested for long enough for my money. I also hate their American adds on my TV, which for no other reason would turn me off buying one.
Suzuki has been making EFI 4-strokes for longer than the competition, and I think have them in a larger range than other manufacturers. EFI seems to be the way of the future with 4-stroke technology, so I bought a Suzi for my new boat. They are also very quiet.
As far as reliability goes, it is difficult not to see one type of outboard breakdown and label it a dud. I don't really think that this is valid though. Repeated breakdowns from numerous outboards of the same brand would be a more telling story.
Above all, we tend to like what we have spent our hard-earned on and dislike other brands. We all like to think that we made the right choice.
I vote to not consider Osprey!! I don't trust things not sold in shops. Where do you take it back to so you can jam it up somebodies nose when it's no good??
I'd add that nowadays, all of the major brands appear reliable, and this probably wasn't the case in the past (See "black anchor" reference).
As far as a personal (and probably popular) opinion goes though, I'd agree with your original comments on Yamaha and Suzuki. Not sure about the E-Tec's yet.
2iar, How dare you.
I have a 90hp tower of power black anchor and wouldn't part with it..
Dealer servicing is also a consideration. No use having the best outboard in the world if nobody close by can service it well so it doesn't play up like a second hand motorbike
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