What is the best outboard boat motor, rated for horse power and fuel efficiency?

Question

What is the best outboard boat motor, rated for horse power and fuel efficiency?

Answer 1

Yamaha HPDI or 4-strokes are by far the most common around here. Suzuki is certainly making a big dent in the market too, with their new 4-strokes.  Both are extremely reliable, quiet, and fuel efficient.

Evinrude's new ETEC line is really making waves and is really revolutionizing the market, with a two-stroke engine that runs stronger, cleaner, and more efficient than any other 4-stroke.

Honda is barely a glimpse on the radar, as the 4-strokes have been plagued by their reputation for excessive weight, size, and low torque.

Mercurys are the other engine barely seen around here either. The most common thing I hear is "I wouldn't have a [racial epithet] on the back of my boat".

Answer 2

Evinrude-Johnson which come out of the same factory.

Answer 3

suzuki, no question

Answer 4

4-stroke outboards usually provide superior fuel economy to 2-strokes and are available in most hp ratings these days.  

The "best" depends on reliability and the warranty.  I have two Merc 4-strokes, 115hp + 9hp and love them (and the factory support).  Yamaha and Suzuki are real popular here in the NW on rivers, lakes and in the salt as well as on the go-fast bass boats.  Honda is probalby next in popularity.  As for Johnson/Evinrude, it been so long since I've seen a new one, I might not recognize it.  But years ago we had an Evinrude that was extremely reliable.

A lot might depend on the price you have to pay and how you'll be using them.

Answer 5

like most have stated they stopped rating at the powerhead in the late 80's, a while ago i woudl say mercury, however when i repower my boat or get a new one i will go with e tec, also i am not a big fan of the four strokes.... but hey thats my opinion..yamaha is not bad..if you do want a 4-stroke

Answer 6

20 yrs ago Id say mercury, but now days its hard to say, susuki makes a real strong dependable engine, but thats just my experience with them, plus they rate h/p at the prop rather than the power head like US manufactures

Answer 7

Mercury Verado

Answer 8

They haven't rated hp at the crank in a long time. Every manufacturer measures hp at the prop shaft, sorry tom. I would want to know what style and size boat before recommending two or four stroke but Yamaha is excellent, especially in four strokes. The only other brand i would consider would be the E-TEC evinrude, but only up to 150 hp. They have had major issues with the bigger ones.

Hondas SUCK!!

Cranknbank-You have what we call Yamamercs or Mercaha 4-strokes. They are Yamaha engines under Merc cowlings. The only Merc made 4-stroke is the POS Verado