beej@... asked this question on 5/31/2000:
Mr Taylor, I am toying with the idea of purchasing a new 70 Hp out board. I have searched the web for consumer reports for these engines and could find little useful info. I own a 15.5' Boston Whaler equiped with a 1978 Johnson. I use this boat in the freshwater lakes of New Hampshire, but also enjoy stripped bass fishing at the coast. Durning these saltwater trips I ahve ventured 5+ miles off the coast. I am feeling like I would like to have the security that new power affords. I should mention that I have had very little trouble with this engine. I am not entertaning any ideas of four stroke engines do to the extra 100+ Lbs that they add. Would you rate your choices of manufactures please? Thank you, Bruce
cetaylor gave this response on 5/31/2000:
Bruce: Outboard engines, like automobiles, are a very personal thing. Everyone has an opinion, normally based on their own experience with a particular brand. I personally feel that Johnson/Evinrude, Mercury or Yamaha are all about equal. Some have little quirks that others don't have and vice-versa. I tend to look at the commercial fishermen's outboards and see what they are using. These engines normally start first thing in the morning and run all day long, without being cut off. If they can hold up under that load, they must be good. Most of the commercial fishermen on the Potomac River are currently using Mercury engines. Mercury engines are much more adept at maintaining trolling speeds without lugging or cutting off than the others. However, OMC engines develop their HP with Cubic Inches while Mercury engines develop their HP via RPM. This leads to increased wear and shorter engine life. Yamaha is the largest selling outboard engine in the rest of the world. Who can say? One other thing to take into account. Every engine is different. My 1988 Evinrude XP200 was an absolute beast. I never had the first bit of problem out of that engine until I hit a submerged object in the Rappahannock River when the engine was eight years old. The replacement engine was the exact same powerhead, but gave me nothing but trouble. So, even within the same brand, you will find lots of differences. Just like choosing between Ford, Chrysler and GMC, you need to choose between OMC, Mercury and Yamaha. I do not mention Suzuki, Mariner or Honda, as there are just not enough service dealers in the U.S. to provide quality service on a timely basis. Charlie.....
beej@... asked this follow-up question on 6/1/2000:
Thanks for the information. I have been leaning towards Yamaha, but have not made a final decision. I am a New Hampshire transplanted from Burke Va, and have fished the Upper Potomac extensively.
cetaylor gave this response on 6/1/2000:
If you are leaning toward Yamaha, you should probably go ahead and select that one. Yamaha sells for a little bit more than the others, runs a little quieter and will give you great service. One little quirk to remember. If the engine has power trim and tilt (highly recommended), you must have the engine all the way down or gas will not flow into the carburetors to start the engine. Once you get it on the water and try to start it and fail, you should check the trim guage. If it is the slightest bit raised, trim it down all the way and the engine will start first crank every time. I guided on the upper Potomac for smallmouth bass for 17 years. Love them ole' brown fish. Charlie....
The average rating for this answer is 4.