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Evinrude vs. Merc

cbattles

cbattles

Member
I'm an outboard noob.

I'm told that the Merc V6 is basically the small block chevy of outboards - I've noticed that parts availability seems to be good. Overall, I hear that they're good motors. I have no idea how this compares to Evinrudes.

I've been looking for an outboard for my Trimate II.

Found a solid deal through Wildman on a fresh Merc 2.4 200, but it's right at the very top of what I can possibly spend.

I can save some serious cash if I go with an Evinrude 175 that I found -- used but supposed to run really well, no issues, and from a reliable source.

What I'm wondering is how the Evinrude motors stack up to the Mercs in terms of long term use - repair cost, reliability, etc.

Any input is appreciated... Thanks all
 
Hi there, from a personal viewpoint, I have had an Evinrude and currently have a Johnson 225 ho. Both motors have run flawlessly with no problems. For sure more people will say Merc are the only way to go but as long as the motor has been looked after with basic maintenance and it doesn't look like it's been abused, I don't think you can go wrong with an Evinrude or Johnson. A great source of information especially on motors are the bass boat forums. Here is a link to one of the more popular bass boat sites

http://bbcboards.zeroforum.com/
 
you have a merc guy here and also a big fan of "wildman" !!!!!he will NOT do you wrong......i love my merc:eyecrazy: yes i have had issues but all motors do when you run them hard:devil: good luck:sleep:
 
I have had Mercs and Evinrudes. Both ran great, zero problems. Both great motors. I currently have an Evinrude 225HO and love it!
 
I've owned both a 2.4L 175hp Merc and my current 3.0L 225h.o. Johnson. I like my Johnson much better, but who wouldn't- it has a ton more power and displacement than the merc it replaced. Its also very easy to work on and 10 years newer. I don't know what year you're talking about with the Evinrude, but I don't really need to. More hp the better, imo.

Get the motor from Wildman, it will be everything he says it is... also, you'll regret it if you only put a 175 on. Since its freshly built it will last many trouble free years. It will be worth more, too- if the time to sell ever comes.

Also, pretty much all non-racing outboards are a piece of cake to work on and really low maintnence... hell even the racing outboards are easy to work on- but maintnence intensive. As far as that goes you probably can't go wrong with whatever you choose.
 
I must say I have offered engines to certain people and they didn't want to spend maybe $500 more and regretted what they ended up with. Then called and asked me what to do?
You can bet a site vendor will take good care of you and HD said it well. I say Don't be penny wise and pound foolish, If the engine is in your reach buy it from Wildman.
 
I just shot Wildman a message and told him that I'm in for one of his 200's - hopefully I'm not too late. I hear he's still planning doing some detailing and paintwork, but since I'm on Ohio I figure as long as I have it by the end of May I'm pretty good to go. :rof:

Thanks all
 
Just to stir things up, how many know what the world speed record is for an outboard powered boat and what kind of engine was on it?
 
I'm not an O/B guy but I looked it up, 176mph - Bob Wartinger in a single engine hydro. Not sure, but I think it was one of those V8 OMC's if so that must drive all the Merc guys nuts.:eyecrazy:
 
Yup... I found a video clip of that run a little while ago. I was tempted to harass CheckThis with that tidbit (before his departure) but thought better or it.
 
...OMC's have there moments

groundloop said:
Just to stir things up, how many know what the world speed record is for an outboard powered boat and what kind of engine was on it?
Click to expand...

I think I remember seeing a documentary or somethin about that, was a V8 tho if I remember correctly

I had a V6 Evinrude and its highlight was hitting a wake at speed and my trim stopped working and all I could see was the sky lol
 
karzrus said:
I'm not an O/B guy but I looked it up, 176mph - Bob Wartinger in a single engine hydro. Not sure, but I think it was one of those V8 OMC's if so that must drive all the Merc guys nuts.:eyecrazy:
Click to expand...

Doesnt drive me nuts . All my boats with outboards are Merc powered . A OMC will never hang from my boat lol .
 
Actually the Evinrude V8 Record was Just Beaten, over 20 years later.....It was beaten by a STOCK 250 HO ETEC. I dont have the Information in front of me at the moment,but I have the pic....Check it out on Google, as far as Evinrude Vs. Mercury. Typically the OMCs/BRPs have more Torque, a 150/175 2.6liter OMC 60 Degree is one of the best motors ever made, its super light, super fast and has a great torque curve, that would be a 1991 to 2003 or so. If your looking for big block power the 3liter Merc EFIs were killer, along with the 3liter and 3.3liter Johnny'Rudes....I love the Evinrudes because they are different. You should be able to find some nice Johnny'Rudes online. Go to screamandfly.com You will find some nice options, Hey I just got in a Original 1996 Evinrude 175 Intruder, original owner mid 60s, worked for Evinrude for over 30yrs, his wife still does, its coming with new Stainless props in boxes and a couple cowls, Illl have 2k into it, some may say to high, but its a time piece and the 175 which is really a EZ 200 hp with the Hot heads and porting, It should make my 1982 Enticer 16 run good!!!!!
 
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