Who Makes The Best Outboards?

[Chris]

Alright, it's an age old debate. It was once a debate that was more or less Mercury versus Johnson/Evinrude. Now, there are many more choices, Yamaha, Suzuki, Honda, Nissan to name a few.

What brand is your favourite?

I vote for Mercury/Mariner
I vote for Johnson/Evinrude
I vote for Yamaha
I vote for Honda
Nah....someone else. Please specify...

[Chris]

I had to go with Merc. I've had some Johnsons, some Evinrudes and some Mercs. I have had pretty good luck with the Mercs. My old 1969 9.8 runs like a champ and there is something about a big black motor hanging off the back of a boat that is just plain cool. :cool:

So, my vote goes to Merc...

[175checkmate]

I had a 89 135 2.0L, only trouble I had was a switch box go bad. Sold the boat to a buddy, he is still running the motor.

As far as the best outboard. Well thats like asking who makes the best truck or car.

I respect anyone running a boat that is a cut above the normal, getting the most out of a combination is what its all about.

1975 Checkmate Tri-mate 2, 2.4 200+

[JW]

I just love my 15 horse 4-stroke Honda on the back of my 14' Alumacraft T-14V. Has to be the greatest small-boat motor made.
Now, when it comes to big V6's, there's probably better motors made but you can't beat the Mercury Attitude!! :cool: ;) :D :p

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

[checkmate243]

I have owned a Jap motor and only had problems with little or no help.Sometimes I would have to wait up to a month for parts.I sold that motor and smiled as the buyer drove away.In May of 2002 I bought Mercury 225EFI.Merc dealer all over the place.Im hoping I will not need them.Checkmates look better with Black.

[Chris]

Welcome to the board 243. Got some pics of your bad boy? If you do...send 'em over and I'll make you an avatar. :cool:

[Jay R.]

Ever Hear a releaved Exhaust Big Johnson!! an awesome sound with awesome power! may not be as fast as those merc (high rpm jerks!!) but i had to drag my boat over a hundred miles to tow a merc once!! cause everyone else was scared to tow with there merc!! (actually it was a wreck the gearcase blew apart, XR6, and the boat had a huge hole in it, would have sank the actions and STV's that were out there, but not the 20 ft enchanter!!) :eek:

Checkmate Enchanter 225 looper!!
"How Big is Your Johnson??"

[checkmate243]

I will send you some pics JW took this summer @ his lake.Pat

[Chris]

Hey the avatar looks good!

[Chris]

Merc is pulling away! :cool:

[Noodle]

Gotta be Merc Chris, had a 1998 150Johnson on my Thundercraft, crappy idle, sputterd, rough even at high rpm, had the thing torn down, couldn't find anything wrong. Its history now, sold the boat and motor, bought the 1989 checkmate with 1989 XR2 150 merc, love it, smooth at both ends of the scale. :cool:
Noodle

[Chris]

Originally posted by Noodle:
Gotta be Merc Chris, had a 1998 150Johnson on my Thundercraft, crappy idle, sputterd, rough even at high rpm, had the thing torn down, couldn't find anything wrong. Its history now, sold the boat and motor, bought the 1989 checkmate with 1989 XR2 150 merc, love it, smooth at both ends of the scale. :cool:
NoodleI've only ever had luck with the small OMC motors.

[TaySikes]

If having a black motor is all that you want, check out my black Johnson. I have put this motor through hell for three years, and I could not ask for a better engine. I am in the process of getting a looper put together now. I love my Johnson's. I have always heard that the Johnson has the power, but Merc. has the top RPM's.

[Z06]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifMerchttp://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif They are like the ultimate motor company out there. If someone would like to compare the 300X to some other companies motor I would love to see it. Also, they are dominating the racing community... :thumb:

Checkmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!

[Chris]

I would like a shiny, new, red, 21' Pulsare bowrider and one of these parked on the back.


http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Miscellaneous/Opti250xs.gif

[Z06]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gifSo would I but I would probably have a 300X on it. Thats looks oftly familar... Oh wait, its my AVATOR! :thumb: I guess I'm not the only one with good tastes... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

Checkmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!

[cjs89starflite]

I have to admit, I am a merc man but when I bought my starflite, it had a Yamaha v-6 special on it and it's been built to the max at my buddies performance shop. It pushes my 21 foot baby about 77mph and I am still looking for the right prop.I run a 26pitch chopper and a 23pitch rapture(for skiing ect) Although I love my Yamaha, I would love nothing more than to put a new merc 250 on the back. http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Bill]

I was always a Merc fan, but look out, those Johnnyrudes will soon be sending the stock prices downword at Mercury. Now that Bombardier has Johnson/Evinrude and Brunswick has Mercury, need I say more. Brunswick has run EVERY marine company that they buy into the ground. The reason those companies keep selling is because of their predisessors name. Sad but true! When Brunswick learns that you can't hire people to run the companies that come out of the automobile businees, and who have never even been in a boat, then maybe they will get their act together.

[Chris]

Brunswick has been in charge of Merc since the 60's, and they've done pretty well. The Bombardier folks haven't done much with old Johnyrude with the exception of giving Suzuki a call. But I guess time will tell....

[CHECKMATE ZEUS]

LUCKY FOR US THE GUYS TURNING WRENCHES AT MERCURY ARE STILL MOTOR HEADS. BOMBARIER WILL MAKE JOHNSON A BETTER COMPANY AND FIX THE FICHT PROBLEMS. YAMAHA MAKES GREAT MOTORS, HONDA IS GOING TO KICK SOME BUTT SOMEDAY WITH HIGH POWER BIG ENGINES. IT IS A FUN TIME!

I am the one who knows all!

[Z06]

Mercury is the the #1 and always will be unless something very very unexpected happens. Everyone, face it. 300X

[Bill]

Chris, Bombardier has completely revamped that company, other than the colors, it is a completely different company now. Brunswick may have been in with merc for awhile, but they did not take complete reign with their own people until at least the mid 90's. Brunswick needs to stick with bowling balls and pool tables and leave boating to the experts. To me the only reason Merc is still holding their own is because of their work with Yamaha, which makes an excellent motor, they just need to back off on the import taxes some.
Feeling feisty this morning Chris, before you thought Bombardier was the way to go.

[Bill]

Wake up Z, you put down a company that does an aweful lot up there in Canada. All of the breakdowns and buy backs that OMC went through in the Mid 90's, Mercury is now going through, just not as publicized.

[Z06]

you put down a company that does an aweful lot up there in Canada??? Who exactly? I am not here to stick up for Canadian Boat Motor companies. I like Merc, I always have, and I always will and they have never had problems with me.

[Bill]

But Z, you have a force! ANd Bombardier does alot in Canada even though they are headquartered in Sweden, I think.

[Chris]

Originally posted by Bill:
Chris, Bombardier has completely revamped that company, other than the colors, it is a completely different company now. Brunswick may have been in with merc for awhile, but they did not take complete reign with their own people until at least the mid 90's. Brunswick needs to stick with bowling balls and pool tables and leave boating to the experts. To me the only reason Merc is still holding their own is because of their work with Yamaha, which makes an excellent motor, they just need to back off on the import taxes some.
Feeling feisty this morning Chris, before you thought Bombardier was the way to go.I've never been an OMC man. I've had lots of them and lots of problems with them. I own three right now. I'll only own a small one, I gave up on the big ones a long, long, time ago.

[Bill]

Sorry Chris, I am not an OMC man either, I am talking about Bombardier http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif

[Chris]

Originally posted by Bill:
Sorry Chris, I am not an OMC man either, I am talking about Bombardier http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gifThey probably will turn OMC around. And I think Merc will be OK too. I'm actually with JW, I think Honda is the company to watch out for. Those boys know how to make motors. They just haven't mastered the outboard.....yet.

[Z06]

The force I just picked up for the kids to drive. IT cost me 2500 CAD for the whole package, boat motor, trailer, etc.. After lots of work, it worked 1st turn each time and could run 30 MPH for a flat aluminum boat. Pretty good..

[Bill]

Let me restate my opinion incase I was not too clear, I think the new Bombardier motors soon will be the way to go, not OMC or OMC/Penske, or which ever era Johnnyrude prior to about 2002. I still say give Bombardier another year or two to really get things going. Zues is completely right, fortunately for Merc, the engineers and techs are people who love boating and Mercury, my point was that the people running the company need to listen to the engineers and techs more because they understand the boating business and not the car business. Brunswick also bought Sea ray in the late 80's and look what you have now, an over priced bayliner, same with boston Whaler, Baja, ect... Actually the above boat companies are primarily one big company now and all turning out junk. There moto is the dealer is the end of the assembly line and what knowing problems make it out of the factory, warranty will take care of. It doesn't matter if it breaks on the water or not. I learned that after going to 4 Sea ray schools and Factories in Tennessee and Florida.

[Bill]

Honda is a great motor, but like all four strokes, they need to lighten them up a little bit.

[Z06]

My next choice would have to be Honda, or Yamaha... They are pretty good next to Merc.

[xsvspeed]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Bill:
Sorry Chris, I am not an OMC man either, I am talking about Bombardier http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>They probably will turn OMC around. And I think Merc will be OK too. I'm actually with JW, I think Honda is the company to watch out for. Those boys know how to make motors. They just haven't mastered the outboard.....yet.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Webmaster
Checkmate-Boats.com-The Fanatics Home!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

I could not agree more! Although my preference is Merc, I think Honda will perfect the outboard market...just like everything else they do.

As for weight, all four strokes are pigs so far. I am sure that will improve.

I feel the need for speed!

[Z06]

What does everyone think is the worst? I'm not to sure but Force is up there except for my 50! LOL

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[xsvspeed]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chris:
I would like a shiny, new, red, 21' Pulsare bowrider and one of these parked on the back.


http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Miscellaneous/Opti250xs.gif

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Webmaster
Checkmate-Boats.com-The Fanatics Home!<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Chris, you and I seem to be on the same page alot of the time. I do not know about anyone else but my Pulsare is rated for 250HP MAX. As cool, insane and all out nuts a 300X would be on the transom, I chalenge someone to find insurance for that package, let alone try to get the insurance company to pay out when some unfortunate accident occurs! Good luck!

All I can say is, if I was to buy new, the 250XS would most likely be my choice on the back of a Pulsare. However, it is brain numbing to look at all the engine options available in the marketplace...what a selection!

I feel the need for speed!

[Z06]

Didn't JW's friend with the red Pulsare have the 300X? How did he get away with it. What was it again, mid 80's? That 250 XS is a great motor, I'd love to have a brand new Pulsare with that too. Any other motor other then a Merc on that hull is just weird...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bill]

I don't know about Canada, but here in the states, if the boat is over 20 feet, any hp V-6 can be hung on the back of the boat which means the 300. The 250 is what is recommended, but the 300 is legal, check your local laws in Canada. When it comes down to it, is the extra 23 hp woth the astronomical price increase over the 225, I would say no, but is it worth it for the 75 hp for the 300, I would say yes.

[Z06]

I think the 300X would be for people who really want to push the hull for the top speed. I don't think that motor would be good for water sports and it likes the RPMs up higher then 3000 or whatever you guys use. The ProMax I use likes to scream, not pur but I like that sound...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[JW]

Don't forget the 10% rule. The 225 Merc standard fishing EFI 3.0 is really around 240 propshaft horse at a certain rpm. The 225 Promax (my style) was approx. 240 hp at 6500 rpm. The new 225X Promax is about 245-250 horse. The 300X is 330 hp. The 250XS is approx 275 hp.
Manufacturing tolerances of course change on every motor, so ever motor is slightly different. But on all those motors, Mercury is hedging it's bet and tuning them to the high side of the 'law'.
The 250XS is probably the best all-around motor, with the high pressure DI fuel delivery. The 300X still has the old style XRi injection like my motor, so it'll burn much more gas than the 250XS. I'll bet the 300X will turn into a 300XS before very long...........

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

[Z06]

A 300XS? That would be pretty sweet. I think I saw some new Mercury motors over at S&F. Am I right JW? You might have seen them but I have for sure...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bill]

Last I have heard from the inside at merc is that the DI still has bugs, and that is what all of the dealers in my area tell me also. I have not dynoed and outboard for a couple of years, 3 to be exact, but our pshp was never over that much, if over at all. It was generally -2% to +2%. But, three years is a long time in the boating business.

[Chris]

Didn't Rick say the XS was toast? I thought he said something in the Milwaukee thread about that motor being expensive and discontinued.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Webmaster
Checkmate-Boats.com-The Fanatics Home!

[Bill]

In going along with JW's 10% thoery, I would still say that 25 hp gain is not worth the astronomical price increase over the 225', but the 75hp gain would be worth it.

[Bill]

Yes Chris, you are right!

[bdusted440]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gifHey guys who made the best 150hp say over the last 10 yrs? As now that mike at checkmate has given me the correct hp rating on my boat i'm in the market http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Z06]

I'd still say Mercury.

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Chris]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by bdusted440:
http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gifHey guys who made the best 150hp say over the last 10 yrs? As now that mike at checkmate has given me the correct hp rating on my boat i'm in the market http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>Mercury XR4 or 6 Just my .02 cents.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Webmaster
Checkmate-Boats.com-The Fanatics Home!

[JW]

No guys, not the XS being toast. It's the Pro XB motor that Rick said is toast. That's the same fuel injection as the 300. That's why I figure the 300X will be turned into a 300XS soon. The old style XRi injection has to go bye-bye with the new EPA rules.

Best 150? It was the original 2.5 92 - ? 150 XR6 carb, that had the XR6 small gear case with 1.78:1 gears. That or the Johnson 150 Fast Strike. Both companies 150's were faster than any 150 that came before..........

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

[xsvspeed]

My Sportfire had a 1988 XR4 150HP. A great motor. My only complaint, carburation flooding at idle and low speeds. It took me a long time to figure out that the trim at it's lowest point (closest to the transom), would overload the engine with fuel. My recommendation, at low speeds, keep the the engine trimed high and away from the transom. Happy shopping!

I feel the need for speed!

[Z06]

Are you looking new or used for the motor?

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Z06]

How fast was your sportfire XSV? I have seen one with the 150 do 70

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[xsvspeed]

My Sportfire could go about 65 to 70MPH (speedo). It was crazy and dangerous after about 62MPH. The chine walk was scary. I never was able to max out my speed with that boat.

I feel the need for speed!

[Z06]

The 70 was with the same guy who had the Pulsare. I have a video and you can see him strug at the end so say it wasn't bad. You can see him struggle in this video... It was great..

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bill]

I like the Merc ProMax 150 or the XR6

[Z06]

150 ProMax? What? Sweet...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bill]

I did not see alot of them, I rigged a few on Some Gambler bass boats. At the time (early 90's) Pro max's did not like to idle or run in the mid range, only wide open, so it was not a good "salesman" motor. The only selling point that we were given to use was it ran like a bat out of hell at wot.

[Z06]

I think its the same now. They like to scream, not pur. Either way, I love the way they sound...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bill]

Nothing sounds better for a stock motor although I can't wait to hear my V-8 rumble with the exhaust open!!! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/Eyecrazy.gif

[Z06]

I still like the sound of a ProMax but I can believe yours will sound great!!!!

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[JW]

Gosh Bill, you're right. I forgot all about the 150 Promax. Basically a regular 2.5 150 with solid mounts, higher rev limit, better porting, better lower unit, and that cool light weight cowl...

1995 2100BR/1995 225 Promax/23" Tempest

[Z06]

I like the 225 one, never seen a 150? You got an image Bill?

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Bill]

No, I don,t, I wish I had saved all of my old stuff!

[Z06]

Ok... Should be around here anyways...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[bdusted440]

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/lol.gifThe motor will have to be a used one in good shape. I just can't justify a brand new motor for it right now Z. a good used one would be ok though http://www.checkmate-boats.com/6/ws/,s,8626072361/Graemlins/thumb.gif

[Z06]

A 150 shouldn't be too hard to find. If you are a member of S&F, just post over there or look over some other boat sites...

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[cjs89starflite]

A buddy of mine has a 20'6"checkmate with an older johnson GT300 on it and he needs to put weight in the bow to compensate for the motor. This thing is HUGE! He thinks it looks so impressive back there, and it does but It's so unsafe if you ask me. How much does the new 300 Merc weigh in comparison?

[Z06]

Any idea on the speeds this boat has. I am pretty sure they wouldn't be that high... 70' Maybe?&gt;

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[cjs89starflite]

The hole thing is,once he gets going and hits a wake the front end comes up you"d think he was in the ocean.

[Z06]

Ouch... That had ought to hurt!!!!

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifZ06http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gifCheckmates may not be the fastest boats on the water, but they are the nicest looking!http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_cool.gif

[Chris]

Well, Bombardier have put Johnson & Evinrude on the selling block once again. It looks like the Bombardier family are talking about attempting to buy the division, but if they don't me thinks OMC is done.

Here is a link to a Canadian newspaper article if you want to read up on it.

Globe & Mail Article (http://www.globeandmail.com/servlet/ArticleNews/TPStory/LAC/20030405/RHERI//?query=Bombardier)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Webmaster
Checkmate-Boats.com-The Fanatics Home!

[Hooper]

It is amazing how OMC never was able to get its act together. I guess we have to hope that the Japanese can apply enough presure on Mercury so that Mercury continues to develope new products.

[Z06]

I like Mercury thank you very much... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif
My favourite motor is the 300X that would look good on the PULSARE! http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_wink.gif
Johnson is my # 2 after that... http://www.checkmate-boats.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
http://www.gamers-forums.com/smilies/contrib/drowned/iroc-front-red.gif
Chevy Corvette Z06
Z06
Chris E.
Checkmate Fanatic
Chris.Ellard9@sympatico.ca
2003CorvetteZ06@addr.com
http://pub37.ezboard.com/bchevycorvettez06personalforum
http://www.screamandfly.com/images/screamandfly_web_logo_5.gif

[cooperider]

Why does this thread keep popping up to the top?

[Chris]

Why does this thread keep popping up to the top?When someone casts a vote, it returns to the top. ;)

By the way, Merc is still the best! :D

HA!

[Adam L.]

When someone casts a vote, it returns to the top. ;)

By the way, Merc is still the best! :D

HA!

Ya it is!!!
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b202/aaleland/Boat%20Stuff/merc.jpg

[Riley7]

I'm a bit biased here, as I do rep for BRP-Evinrude, but I think anyone that is in the market for a new outboard owes it to themselves to take a look at the new E-Tec engines from Evinrude. These things are the real deal! They are quiet, fuel efficient, lightweight, and put out an amazing amount of power per displacement. They are also dead-on reliable.

For what it's worth, the computer and injector system are good for up to 80 hp per cylinder at over 10,000 rpm. Look for some very cool things out of this company over the next few years..........:thumb:

[Blizz]

Good for 80 hp per cylinder at over 10000rpm but with a 5500 limiter on it. A very strong motor yes but has along way to go to be proven dead on reliable..

[Riley7]

Obviously the 10K limit has been in research and development, not for consumer use lol. I'm not going to bash other brands as they all have their pluses and minuses, ours included. That being said, with Bombardier now owning the brand I stand by the point that there will be some very cool things coming from Evinrude in the very near future, in regards to performance boating.

Like them or not, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, and BRP ATV's are hugely successful in their respective markets, and I look for the same success for Evinrude.

[Blizz]

I'm not bashing the E-tec at all i think it's a great engine and long live the 2-stroke. I'm just saying that with less than 2 years running it's a little early to say that thier reliability is 2nd to none. And BRP is number one in every other market thier in. The reason they bought OMC was for thier fuel injection technology so it could put Ski-Doo back on top. At this point they say they have no interest of adventuring into the Hi-Po market but only time will tell..

[Riley7]

I'd agree that it's too early to say the reliability is second to none, but they have had pretty good success with the E-Tec across the board. Time will tell.

In regards to the Hi-Po market, from what I saw and heard this weekend, it's only a matter of time before you see some serious E-Tec horsepower in dealerships......and this came from both the R and D and marketing people. There will be a serious offering in the big h.p. market, and it quite possibly will fall on the high side of the 300 h.p. mark.....while still retaining the E-Tec's fuel efficiency, emissions standards, and db levels.

[Blizz]

That would be awesome to see cuz the market for that kinda HP is growing very fast. I know the power is there somebody took 2 E-tec modded them somewhat and took 1st and 3rd at the Rouen24 But BRP said they knew nothing of it..

[Riley7]

Blizz, funny you brought that up! For BRP not knowing anything about the guys at Rouen, the winning boat somehow showed up as the centerpiece of the Evinrude corporate display this past weekend at Nashville. BTW, it's amazing a boat that small could run that hard, for that long! The action shots from the race were very impressive.

Listen, I'm the first to admit that BRP-Evinrude is behind in the HiPo outboard wars. That being said, I think that what they are doing with "out of the box" turn-key outboards it pretty cool. Did you know that there is zero break in period on the E-Tec's? I was at the factory one day when the line was building 200 H.O.'s, and each motor comes off the line and goes into a test tank, where they are fired up and run at WOT immediately upon starting up. It was pretty cool to see and hear!

My only intent in joining this discussion was to encourage more high-performance outboarders to investigate the new E-Tec technology and finished product. Check out the DVD at your dealership, and if possible, get a lake test. If you do, post your thoughts here afterwards.....:bigthumb:

[Blizz]

I really hope they get into the market as well competition among brands is a great thing. The Rouen boats were put together by BRP Europe i believe almost a complete different identity. I'm supposed to go over to BRP headquarters next month maybe they'll have one around that we can swing a ride in. They're still pretty scarce up here in Canada Their network is still small Taking longer than they thought to build it back up after OMC killed itself. And again i think the motor and the technology inside of it are amazing i hope to see big things out of BRP soon.

[Riley7]

Blizz, where are you located in Canada? And when you say you are going to BRP headquarters, are you referring to Valcourt or Wisconsin? Maybe I can get you hooked up to check out the E-Tec first hand.

[Blizz]

I'm an hour from Valcourt. They had some up hear in the spring need to find out if thier still there. I used to work for Bombardier before Dfense Dept (where i work) and Recreation Now BRP were sold off a couple years ago..

[WILDMAN]

I have a few motors. I guess I'm biased

[Asolek]

Merc all the way!!!:cheers

[USAFaggie]

Like them or not, Ski-Doo, Sea-Doo, and BRP ATV's are hugely successful in their respective markets, and I look for the same success for Evinrude.

I don't mean to step on any toes, but aw geez I sure hope that the Evinrudes don't take after Sea-Poo's. You want to talk about unreliable? Go hang out in a PWC message board...... Yeah they sell, only because of Bombardier's excellent marketing, and they are the Escalades of the PWC world. Big, heavy, and flashy.

[machone]

Ok, I see alot of OLD posts on this, but I have to reply. I work for an American auto company, and I'm pro-buy-american, but I've had Yamaha everything. From bikes to outboards to sleds etc. and I've never had a major problem. But I gotta tell ya, I have a 10 ft. Starcraft pram with a 1972 50th anniversary 4hp Johnson, and it keeps going...and going...and going.......I gotta go with Johnson.
Mach

[winter]

I've never had a Merc give me bad trouble. My last boat (Stream) had a well worked 235 Rude and it too was a good motor. I chalk it up to taking care of the engines, using good oil and flushing them constantly. But my next boat will have a Merc.

[CMK]

I have a '58 18hp Evinrude, '60 10hp Johnson, '87 9.8 merc and the '03 225EFI on the Checkmate. Use em all and no problems. Not changing to Jap now.

[Blizz]

Be careful about the jap comment in the next few years if your buying merc fishing motors they will be made in China.

[83PREDICTOR]

I'm a Rude' guy, I even like Merc's

But, has anyone rana Nissan O/B ? Light weight, compact, Fuel Injected

[Blizz]

Their small motors are pretty good nothing to big though.

[JUPITER PULSARE]

If it ain't black......take it back!!! Join the Dark Side...Mercury!!!!

[HONDAM]

I do think Honda makes the best motors out there but wouldnt put one on a checkmate, cant beet the 2 strokes when looking for speed, would have to go with the ETEC.

The reason i think the Hondas are by far the best one out there is from my epxerience with the USCG. My shop does most of the major warrenty concerns for the USCG in the Great Lakes and some other areas. They generally put about 1000 hours on a motor in 5 months and so far the record is over 6500 hours on a motor and still 4 months left under a 3 year unlimited hour warrenty. On the 3000 motors we over look, its about a 1% (mostly for maintence) downtime and never had more then 8 in at once. I dont think any other engine can come close to that.

I have always been an Evinrude fan though, and my father being a US steel worker believe in buying american but these japanese are kickin some but with these four strokes.

[MERC 225]

I bought my 1979 CHeckmate "Entertainer" new and rigged it with a 1978 Merc 200 that I paid $3100 for and ran this motor until 2003 when I replaced it with a new 200HP Merc. I sold my old 200 for $1000 after 25 years of dependable service.

The only problems I ever had with this motor was the tilt switch and I tore out a lower unit when I hit a log.

[msmile]

I'm torn between West Bend and Muncie.

[Chris]

I'm torn between West Bend and Muncie.Get with the times man! It's all about Scott-Attwater with the patented "Bail-O-Matic" technology! :p :bigthumb: :banana:

[GFreeburn]

Hey, I've got a 1963 Scott McCulloch 45 HP with the aforementioned bail-o-matic feature - which is limited in its usefulness in that it only operates when the outboard is running. My father bought it new and it powers a 14' mahognay plank hull. The motor needs a new coil but other than that it looks like it just came out of the crate.

[175checkmate]

I still have to side with the merc camp. Had a buddy that had a 200 yammie built the same time I had My 2.4 built. Simulare stuff done to each motor. His is strong and runs great but mine (his words) is a beast. There is just so much more after market support for the big black motors.

[Chris]

Hey, I've got a 1963 Scott McCulloch 45 HP with the aforementioned bail-o-matic feature - which is limited in its usefulness in that it only operates when the outboard is running. My father bought it new and it powers a 14' mahognay plank hull. The motor needs a new coil but other than that it looks like it just came out of the crate.Kewl! You should post a pic or four in the Vintage Boating forum. :) I love the old stuff. :thumb:

[GFreeburn]

The boat is nice and cozy in the garage for the winter so pics of it will have to wait until spring. I'll will take a few of the outboard and post them soon.

The Scott has always run flawlessly except for its tendency to chew up fuel diaphragms. It will rocket the Lakefield hull to a blistering top speed of 32 MPH and is a much stronger runner than a comparable HP Evinrude of the day. Two of our friends had identical hulls powered by Evinrude Lark 40's and we would blow the doors off them (in a sub-35 MPH sort of way :)

[Chris]

The boat is nice and cozy in the garage for the winter so pics of it will have to wait until spring. I'll will take a few of the outboard and post them soon.

The Scott has always run flawlessly except for its tendency to chew up fuel diaphragms. It will rocket the Lakefield hull to a blistering top speed of 32 MPH and is a much stronger runner than a comparable HP Evinrude of the day. Two of our friends had identical hulls powered by Evinrude Lark 40's and we would blow the doors off them (in a sub-35 MPH sort of way :)If you've got some old woodies, post 'em up in the vintage boating section! :)

[heat123]

If your into hopping up your motor,then Mercury is the best hands down.How many hot rod Yamahas have you seen?Besides a big Mercury with open exhaust is just down right nasty sounding and looks killer.But that`s just my American unbias opinion.

[blazerman]

i have had mercury 115's on both my checkmates but now i have a 86 115 johnson but after seeing the new evinrude E-tech or whatever its called i was impressed

[83PREDICTOR]

What set-up are you running on your Predictor? I am at 54mph with my 115 Johnson.

[CheckmatePhill]

i have to go with merc for sure. the sounds and looks of their motors are unbeatable.

[captainmorgan]

ive got a friend who is a mercury genious. the locals call him einstein, super dave, fool, newyork redneck, etc. hes from ny, and hes a wannabe redneck. hes also dumber than a clam when it comes to common sence, haha, hope dave dont see this. sorry dave but i love ya. hes got a fifteen acre yard full of mercury parts, and hes a genious with old mercs. thats all he knows. he looks like a motor, and wherever we go, i notice that strangers just walk up to him and ask about motors. its a mercury aura about him. his motors have a sound that is unlike any other motors, and if you could put a patent on sound. he takes care of the working waterman here, builds, and rebuilds blown motors with precision, and does it the old way, with his bare hands. he a powerhead expert, except he builds me motors we call handgrenades, and i love pulling the pins. ive been the tester, and ive not been gentle, and i felt like i lost a loved one when a crabpot tore the 5 cent peice of hose off my nosecone of my 4 year old 2.4 200. if mercury marine knew about dave, id still be fishing, and he'd be rich. mercury has to be best, because i can blow 1 a week and still be out flying by the wknd. hes building me a 3 litre for my 21 enchanter. loooooooook out!!! any body need a handgrenade?

[Boston Predictor]

Hey Captian! You finally became a supporting member!! Have a drink to that for me my friend
NOw lets see some pics of the smilemaker, The one in your avitar looks pretty nice.:surf: I see you put the windshield back on.

[captainmorgan]

thanks BP, and your a man who knows not to waste good whiskey and CM rum, and that a windsheild will help hold it in our cups. ill need a full set of curtains to keep it in my cup on smilemaker2, because sangar boats didnt know that where they put the cup holders, would actually be the motor cover washer fluid, and if my friends ride in the back, they need their goggles and snorkle. they already got the snorskle, believe me, while their watching the back seat speedometer sangar put on the console, and they didnt even notice that its not hooked up. my latest victom said i couldnt scare him with my tunnel, yet he quit smiling, turned white, nearly puked, and when i dropped him off at Mallards bar, people were asking him what was wrong, and he couldnt talk either. as they patted him on the back, they turned on me and asked what i did to him, and i said , look at my knees, they were chattering, as jo boy pointed at my smilemaker2, sitting there under us at the bar. he didnt know i blew handgrenade1 in pocomoke sound, because i kept going this time and turned 3 hours into 3 min on 1 motor. kept it on plane. powerhead off, spare grenade goes on tomorrow. you cant stop us, cant slow us down, and aint gone hurt us, cause i did that last night at the biker fest in parksley. god love a redneck, and god loves us fools who love boats, and ill drink to my drinking to that

[captainmorgan]

ill vote to my voting to my voting to that

[captainmorgan]

ill vote to my voting to my voting to that
if im a member, thank you, and its not like i didnt try. and as a supporter, ive told and tried to get the other checks at chinco to join. see, im a baysider, and that guy that beat my check with that 16'chinco scow/225 0max is gonna pay for my next donation. you boys is going to join the d***fools club, or get on this awesome creek called check. theres 3 or 4 others who know my check/w75 4-stroke, and im going to get them to join. is there any teagers on here now.well your going to join, before this baysider comes over there with my 13' plank bottom skiff/ 300+ handgrenade, and makes you join! haha and ill drink to ...that

[Boston Predictor]

Captain Morgan for President of checkmate-boats.com
:cheers

[83PREDICTOR]

Evey time I read one of his post it makes my day

[checkmate DOH!!]

RIGHT ON CAPTAIN!!!!! (I Think....??????) :cheers cheers anyhow

Black Max baby----The old tower of power looks were the one's......

[ezstriper]

what d' say ?????????????????????

[captainmorgan]

my friend superdave makes 1 hell of a 75 4 stroke. darn 3 litres cant keep up in boats just like mine. could be the feul, and i aint talkin gas. sorry about all that cold air thats making the water hard up north. maybe thats it. i still get practice flying here in my bay. must be the reason that my 75 is beating 250s and 300s. no, cant be. they are here too, but i didnt see them out there today:cheers

[captainmorgan]

i wouldnt dare put one of merkmans 200 handgrenades on the back of that baby tunnel. my 23 sangar scares me enough in the trough, last noreaster. im just going to take that 75 off my check and put on it , and use it for the life raft on my next boat thats no fun when its calm. might luck out though, and have a couple hurricanes blow up the bay, so we can feel the same way in the 28 that we do in the baby tunnel in 1' chop. if that dont work, check this one out, and weve got pleanty smilemakers. ill try to show you our stream, but its covered with junk. its got a baby improvised explosive device on it right now, but its getting a grenade too. your really talkin fool with a 75 on it, but then again, im a fool, and dont try to tell me i aint:drool:

[captainmorgan]

one of these days ill tell ya about that super dave gearcase on sm 4, if my smile dont cause me to choke on my ear ring:)

[captainmorgan]

my first ride was the fastest and best i had ever been. hey, 70 and 80 mph is nice, but a 2.4 200 carried the corner of my mouth just past my earlobe at 55mph in 6' of bay chop that looked as white as a blizzard on mt everest, and never spilt a drop of nectar out my cup. see, us foolish rednecks dont race for speed, we fly against each other to see which boat gets the corner of our mouth closest to our ears. that aint all you get either. try getting on the dock and getting speech out that smile when you get in. we give some time for the knees to stop shaking. our problem is that we dont know how fast either one of our six smilemakers go, so we let who we think has the best capability hold the garmin gps. maybey its cause we take into consideration the amount of chop as to which smilemaker we use. dont catch us drunk. might end up with a cheek hangover. ill drink to that... for some reason, the garmin gets dropped so they have a free hand for the oh **** bar..

[captainmorgan]

with the right condition, we got the amunition. with the correct chop, we choose which boat to use. theres always a conflict as to which direction me and my motor man want to race. hes head into um. i like the trough, side too them. nothing like feeling like your first bicycle ride with training wheels, in my sm2. better than sex during small craft advisory in my tunnel. :banana:

[captainmorgan]

heres what i think. mercury. i aint heard nobody else talking about how easy it is to patch the powerheads after they blow up. like the knees on my blue jeans, if you know the right welder. and explain this one, if and when i get beat by someone with a big 15k$ 3 litre motor, my motor man just builds me another 200- 2.5l and i keep my reputation as a fool. running out of big money boats to race around my parts, and im afraid i wont get beat, and never get to put a 3 litre on it. i cant wait to get beat after getting beat for the third time with a 3 litre. then ill break out another 200. think im scared? stop by with that 150 and let me introduce you to the greatest fool of all time. i call him einstein, aka super dave, and im just a fool who tries to blow them up.

[PapaMaC]

I've had a 1964 Avon soft keel since 1998 and my old man had it since 1973, in 1981 he replaced the old engine with a new Evinrude 30hp. From '81-98 it probably got around 200 hours of use. From '98-Present I've put at least over 1000 hours on it and had it serviced twice, still runs VERY strong. Wish I had some shots of the mean air I get in the bay. And the engine on my mate is an 89 Johnson 120hp and I'll know more about its reliability as time passes.

[powerstroker]

the only boat comparable to mine that has a better hole shot and more midrange is a 200 hp merc exciter but i have a better top end on mine and its really fun flying by the "super" boats on the lake with all the hotties on them and i see their jaws drop thats the best feeling in the world i think my yammie has impressed me more than anything i have ever been in. If i were to buy another it would be a yammie for sure what do you guys think about yammie? I hear a lot of people hate them and i dont get it i no they have done some crappy designs in the past but i can out perform any outboard on the lake! :surf: