Which make of outboard is the most reliable ?

Question

2 or 4-stroke

Answer 1

I've owned Mercurys , Mariners , Evinrudes, a Seagull, a Hanimex, a Chrysler and a Yamaha and I've done a lot less rowing with my Evinrudes.

Answer 2

The 2 stroke has more power and torque - it is smokier when idling - the 4 stroke is easier to use - the carbureator may not have as many problems with winter storage - and it is quieter and almost all the smoke is gone at idle. One other point is the 4 cycle motors are generally heavier requiring more motor to get the same output per pounds of your rig.

Answer 3

It doesn't make much difference any more. There are only a couple of outboard manufacturers, and they re brand all of their models with the other brands stickers.

Example: Tohatsu makes all Tohatsu, Nissan and Mercury outboards under 40 hp. The exact same engines with different brand stickers on them and a different price.

Suzuki makes Mercury and Nissan over 40 hp. Same engine, different sticker and price.

Also when looking for a particular Horse Power be aware they come in sets, and the only difference is the low end and high end idle is set higher and the price is higher.

Example: Tohatsu / Mercury 4, 5, 6 hp. engines are the same. The difference is horse power is achieved by setting the low end idle and high end idle higher for each hp. rating, and charging more for the idle adjustment.

So if you want a 6 hp engine, buy a 4 hp and adjust the idle screws yourself. Save a couple of hundred dollars.

Answer 4

The 1 with the longest warranty> 4 strokes are heavy but quiet & less fuel & oil to run> If the larger 300 hp range Suzuki is not belt driven there chain> & 5 to 9 Yrs warranty>