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Posts: 208
| If you were in the market for a new boat and motor which motor in the 140 to 150hp class which would you choose and why? Will be pairing with a 1400 lb fiberglass boat. I've been really happy with my 70hp 4 stroke Suzuki but it's been 13 years since i've researched motors.
Thanks for any input. |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I really like the Merc 150 4 stroke. Heck of an engine. great power curve, top end, and fuel economy. |
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Location: Eastern Ontario | If you have been happy with a Suzuki for 13 years that's where I would go. I had a 60 now have a 70 my next will probably be a another Suzuki. The biggest consideration although I have never had a problem is do you have a good local dealer/service center who you trust in some areas they are thin. |
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| sworrall - 12/12/2013 8:20 PM
I really like the Merc 150 4 stroke. Heck of an engine. great power curve, top end, and fuel economy.
X2!!!! |
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Posts: 1767
Location: Lake Country, Wisconsin | I fi were you, I would stick with a Suzuki. Have heard nothing but great things about them |
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Posts: 73
| Merc 150 is a beast! |
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Posts: 109
Location: Wisconsin River | I put a new Suzuki 115 on a couple years ago, awesome motor. Super smooth and quiet!!
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Posts: 485
Location: On my favorite lake! | Evinrude Etech and if you have to have a 4 stroke honda
Etech easy to maintain, good power, quiet can talk easily at full power. Best motor I've had first evinrude I had is just shy of 30 years old and still on the water.
Honda - quiet, durable, smooth motor while trolling and quietest motor of any. |
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Posts: 1169
Location: New Hope MN | I'm saving up for a new 150hp Merc 4 stroke. Best bang for your buck on paper. Haven't heard anything bad about them yet. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | i'm surprised nobody has suggested the Yamaha F150 .. first 150 4-stroke built and bullet-proof from day one. i've never, ever heard anyone complain about them and have 2 good friends who run them and have for many years. i got a 175 Merc Pro-XS to max. power on my boat and love it, but it would have been an F175 if Yamaha made one.
seems thought that in that size block most makers are putting out some really good products. good luck with your choice … one thing going for Merc is the 5 and drive program for re-powers vs. the Yamaha 3 year warranty. |
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Location: N.FIB | mercs made in Wisconsin,why not support America,just a thought |
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Posts: 206
| I had a Ranger Reata with a Yamaha 150...I'll second the bullet proof description. I also hear the new Merc 150 is awesome...but the buy American, are you sure? I guess I thought Mercury was basically Chinese (Tohatsu). Not sure there's a true American motor anymore, even Evinrude is Bombardier now (Canadian). Not bashing, just not sure there's a pure American play here anymore like there are still with boats..
Edited by smalljaw 12/13/2013 4:02 PM
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | 150 Merc 4 stroke?
Made in Fond du Lac, WI.
Kickers and small 4 strokes are made overseas. So are Suzukis, Hondas, and Yamahas. Way of the world these days. |
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Posts: 358
| I can't say which is the best or better, I have two 4 stroke Yamahas and love them, not one single problem. and a Honda on an old boat and had no problems with it. I'm sure the above mentioned are all good too...not doubting any. I only can speak for the Yamaha and Honda, both problem free thus far. |
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Posts: 206
| sworrall - 12/13/2013 4:03 PM
150 Merc 4 stroke?
Made in Fond du Lac, WI.
...Sounds good - sign me up for a Merc and x-176!  |
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Posts: 518
Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | smalljaw - 12/13/2013 4:57 PM
I had a Ranger Reata with a Yamaha 150...I'll second the bullet proof description. I also hear the new Merc 150 is awesome...but the buy American, are you sure? I guess I thought Mercury was basically Chinese (Tohatsu). Not sure there's a true American motor anymore, even Evinrude is Bombardier now (Canadian). Not bashing, just not sure there's a pure American play here anymore like there are still with boats.. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Evinrude E- Tec Motors are made in Sturtevant Wisconsin. |
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Posts: 206
| Yes, Etecs are made in Wisconsin, but don't the profits go to a foreign company? Like I said, I'm glad they are made here and employe our workers, but I don't think its a pure play in terms of an American company.. |
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Posts: 224
Location: Madison | I have the new four stroke Merc 150 and love it. But I would also be happy with the Yam f150. Lots of good motors these days, I would choose one in part based on having a good dealer/mechanic near in case you need it. |
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Posts: 208
| Does anyone know how long Merc has been making 4 strokes. I guess what i'm asking is those of you that are happy with them how long have you been running them?
Thanks for all the feedback, these motors are a big investment and i want to make sure and make the right decision. |
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| As a Fond du Lac resident, I find it pretty funny that somone thinks the 150 is made overseas. Merc employs over 2,000 people in our town. They ain't making washers and dryers over there. As Steve says, they do have plants overseas that make smaller motors, but even then, Merc built the plants and engineers the motors. A lady I used to work with moved to China for a year plus while her husband helped set up the plant.
I have talked to guys who helped build the current 150 four stroke and they are very proud of it. It is a great blend of power, fuel economy and is light for a 150 four stroke. There is a reason you can get a five year warranty on Merc four strokes. They know the quality, the durability.
The Verado is also built right here in WI. The assembly line alone cost millions. They have one of the most advanced casting plants in the world here as well. Even Harley contracts with them for complex castings.
You want to see where Merc builds all their motors 75 and up? Look east when traveling through Fond du Lac on Higway 41. Hard to miss that half mile of plants
Edited by North of 8 12/13/2013 8:55 PM
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Quite a while, I had a 2003 40 4 stroke and sold it to a friend, it's still going strong. Good motors. |
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Location: Cave Run Lake KY. | smalljaw - 12/13/2013 6:54 PM
Yes, Etecs are made in Wisconsin, but don't the profits go to a foreign company? Like I said, I'm glad they are made here and employe our workers, but I don't think its a pure play in terms of an American company.. Mercury is owned by BRUNSWICK. Evinrude is owned by Bombardier Both companies sell and buy world wide. |
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | As does almost any major player in the durable goods market these days. |
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Location: minocqua, wi. | ignorance is bliss …
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Location: Eastern Ontario | I think I would go to the local dealer with the best service reputation and buy what he sells. I amazes me the number of people that go to a show and buy from a dealer 100's of miles away to save a couple of hundred bucks then expect the local guy to put him to the head of the service line. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | Suzuzi might offer a 6 yr warranty, at least they did as that is what I got on my 175....I've got 400 hours on my Suzi and it hasn't missed a beat... great motors...and hard to beat 6 yrs of coverage if anything does go wrong....I'd get a suzi w 6 yr warranty or Merc w 5
http://www.suzukimarine.com/News/2013/10/Gimme%20Six%20Extended%20P...
Edited by BNelson 12/15/2013 5:44 PM
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Posts: 1638
Location: Minnesota | Yamaha F 150 great motor . I have had 2 so fare first was on a crestliner no problems 2nd is on my skeeter .Yamaha makes a SHO 150 and they make a light F200 .im all for buy American but had problems with my dads merc 40 so when I bought my boat I went with Yamaha . all my rods are thorne bros but reels are Shimano. So I would say buy what works for you. |
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Posts: 1
| Brad I thought you sold your 690? You posted on here you had a guy with cash in hand that was going to be buying your boat? Just wondering. |
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Location: Contrarian Island | really? where did I post that on here? feel free to drop me a pm "Dan Wills" . I didn't sell my 690 with the Suzuki "Dan".
Edited by BNelson 12/15/2013 7:04 PM
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Posts: 177
Location: ON | Honestly, there are a lot of good engines now. If I had an open check and a chance to buy brand new for a 150, it would be a Yamaha or Honda.
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Posts: 42
| I would have to go with the Merc 150 4 stroke. Great engine |
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Location: Elgin IL | this is easy....SUZUKI all the way |
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Posts: 39
Location: Cave In Rock Illinois | Repowered this past spring to a 150 HO E-Tec.
Absolutely love the motor!
Very quiet, Very quick on plane and sips gas.
Tested out a new 150 Mer 4 stroke but was not happy with the
torque to get up on plane and size of motor sticking up over transom.
150 HO dyno's out at 168 HP and is DAM fast!
Edited by slammer1! 12/18/2013 4:45 PM
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Posts: 441
| I have had a Honda 150, for five years. I have 700+ hours, on it, and have had no problems with the motor. |
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Posts: 285
Location: NE Wisconsin | Buy the Suzuki or Yamaha. Think about it for a while. How long have these companies been making 4 stroke motors??? These blocks are in cars cycles, etc. for years. They are perfected. How long has Merc been making 4 strokes??? How many motors of this block have been running for years around the world? I for one would rather buy a motor proven for so many years in many different vehicles, then a relative prototype. I have owned Johnsons, Evinrudes, Mercs 2 strokes and now Yamaha 4 strokes. I would never go back. |
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Posts: 532
| In response to Johnnie, I read recently that mercury marine back in the late 80's early 90s built the motors for the C4 Chevy Corvette. For what ever that is worth in your comparison of outboards to cycles and autos. They may also know a thing or two from their efforts in the stern drive department... Also Johnnie In your group of 4 stroke masters you will need to include Honda as well with street bikes, dirt bikes, cars and trucks..., and maybe BRP they been doing it for a while now too with rotax motors in 4 wheelers and used in bikes.
I find it a little weird how one guy says one motor is junk, and the next guy says its the best motor they ever owned. Another says they never had a problem with one brand but their next motor will be a different brand.
The way I feel is any company that makes a crappy anything now a days, it would blow up so quickly with social media. A major company cant stand to have that happen (whether one person likes the company or not, they are still in business for a reason). So its winter and I know that's why the responces are they way they are, but I say find which one fits your needs the best and go with it. |
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Posts: 437
| It really wouldnt concern me so much as far as how long a company has made a 4 stroke with the technology that is available these days. I have heard great things about that 150 HP Merc and there are some cool features that I wish I had, most noteably they oil filter spout that keeps oil from dripping all over inside the motor.
I have a 150 Suzuki and there isnt ONE single bad thing I can say about this motor. NONE. It is smooth, quiet, fuel efficient and hauls the mail. On a LOW trip this past summer I used 8 gallons less fuel than the other boat in our group (Yamaha 150 4 stroke) and I had traveled greater distances because he focussed on the same spots, while I scouted new spots. I probably traveled over 40 miles farther than he did over the week all while still using less fuel.
If in the 140 to 150 range, go with the 150 suzuki (if buying suzuki) because the 150 shares the block of the 175 so the bore and stroke is the same. Weight difference isnt considerable and its just plain beefier since the 140 shares the same block as the 115.
Other than Suzuki I would consider a Yamaha because a bunch of my buddies have them, but side by side they are not nearly as quiet or smooth as mine even the smaller 90 one buddy has. |
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Posts: 106
| I have a 2004 90 Suzuki and my brother has a 2001 115 Suzuki, both have been great motors and I highly recommend Suzuki outboards.
That said, I don't know of any 150 class motors that are trouble prone.
Also it somewhat depends on how you use it. 4 strokes seem to be better for trolling and last a long time. DI 2 strokes have better hole shot and top speed.
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | slammer1! - 12/18/2013 4:44 PM
Tested out a new 150 Mer 4 stroke but was not happy with the
torque to get up on plane and size of motor sticking up over transom.
Seriously? The Merc 150 4 stroke is the most compact engine in it's class, the thing looks like a 90 hp motor. Torque is amazing...the ride you tested was undoubtedly not propped correctly.
How long has Mercury been making 4 strokes? A very long time, actually. |
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Posts: 243
Location: South Central Wisconsin | I have had the privilege of running a Mercury 150 four stroke and an optimax on the same rig. Say what you want about the four strokes performance. I for one, will ALWAYS run the 2 stroke. There is no comparison... |
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Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
I don't think you ca go wrong with any of the motors out there on the market right now. They are all building great powerplants in both the 2 stroke and 4 stroke technologies.
About the only thing I would add is look at engine displacement as well. The larger displacement means better low end torque...that equals hole shot and umph when you need it in rougher conditions.
On the top end, speeds should all be fairly close given the motor is propped correctly
What I believe it will come down to really is price and service...although if the motor is taken care of well...service will be more or less a non-issue...
Steve |
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Posts: 39
Location: Cave In Rock Illinois | sworrall - 12/21/2013 6:25 AM
slammer1! - 12/18/2013 4:44 PM
Tested out a new 150 Mer 4 stroke but was not happy with the
torque to get up on plane and size of motor sticking up over transom.
Seriously? The Merc 150 4 stroke is the most compact engine in it's class, the thing looks like a 90 hp motor. Torque is amazing...the ride you tested was undoubtedly not propped correctly.
How long has Mercury been making 4 strokes? A very long time, actually.
Take a look in the video at the cowl of the Merc which is about 4-6 inches higher.
I felt the torque difference on my boat - i was very surprised myself.
http://www.evinrude.com/en-US/Videos?idVideo=PLLNToI-Ih4_iA4AuukWpK...Edited by slammer1! 12/22/2013 4:48 PM
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Location: Minnesota | That video all ways makes me laugh. you cant compare a 2 stroke to a 4 there not the same lets see the e teck take on the merc or Yamaha 2 stroke |
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Posts: 32934
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | Exactly. |
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Posts: 39
Location: Cave In Rock Illinois | Well i compared it on my boat and the E tec 2 stroke won by a long shot.
And by the way the E-Tec replaced a Merc 150 2-Stroke. |
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Posts: 3508
Location: Elk River, Minnesota | Hiya,
No matter how one looks at it, trying to compare one motor technology to another will never be an apples to apples comparison..even in 2 stroke technology....why? Because there are so many factors to consider when making comparisons. Things such as engine displacement, compression ratios, lower unit gear ratios...then tie in props which is also a gearing issue as well. Plus...engines can be rated to a specific HP so long as the engine dyno's within 10 hp of said rating. Case in point.... the 2 stroke yamaha 90 hp as it compares to a 2 stroke Johnson 90 (both carb motors, older 2 stroke technology). Both are rated 90, but the yamaha is built on the same platform as their 70 hp with a 69 cubic inch engine built as a 3 cylinder inline whereas the Johnson is a 4 cylinder 60 degree with 105 cubic inch displacement. No comparison can be made as the Yamaha probably rated more like 81 - 82 hp and the Johnson probably closer to 100. with the potential of almost 20 hp difference, you cannot make a valid comparison.
So...depending on how your 150 merc 2 stroke was set up as compared to the E-tec you have now you do not have an apples to apples comparison, and as such, it is very possible your etec performs better... Which is great for you, but may be too broad for anyone to assume that it will be better for all boats or in all horsepower classifications.
I looked at Etec as well when I was looking to repower, but chose the largest displacement I could find (which happened to be an older 2 stroke)
The technology out there today in the High output 2 strokes and fuel injected 4 strokes make them all great motors,
Apples to apples...is never going to be the case...no matter what...
Edited by VMS 12/22/2013 8:19 PM
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Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | slammer1! - 12/22/2013 7:32 PM
Well i compared it on my boat and the E tec 2 stroke won by a long shot.
And by the way the E-Tec replaced a Merc 150 2-Stroke.[/QUOT
You 'compared' a 2 stroke to a four stroke. Did you run a Merc 150 Pro XS? If you had, this is what you would have discovered: http://www.mercurymarine.com/engines/engine-tests/head-to-head/?ID=... |
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Posts: 483
Location: NE PA | Really like what I have heard about the new 150 4 stroke from Merc, but I think there are a lot of good choices out there and most of what you are going to hear is just brand loyalty. I have owned Mercs and they have treated me well, so I fly their flag. |
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Posts: 208
| Thanks everyone for the great feedback. |
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Posts: 309
Location: Elgin IL | stay with the best....Suzuki
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Posts: 437
| msky3 - 1/4/2014 8:56 AM
stay with the best....Suzuki Hey, our motors are twins! LOVE LOVE mine... |
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