This post is going to have a long thread...

Here are my thoughts. I have to start with just addressing the DFI motors, mostly the higher HP, as they are the ones with the real problems. Those problems are basically from '97 to '01.

I don't care for Mercury at all. I don't even like the sound of them. I've seen alot of Optis with problems, and I got burned on Evinrude Fichts, so I won't probably ever touch them again. Three powerheads in a year hurt pretty bad. They outsourced so many parts that were really critical, and the quality control was terrible. You wouldn't believe the grocery list of parts I went through on my Ficht. Everything from injectors, to oil pumps, to ECU's, to powerheads. Just junk.

I love my Yamaha HPDI, and plan on getting another one on my next boat. It is just the most dependable motor I have had, I never worry about it, and it always starts on the first turn of the key, no matter what the weather.

I do have to add that the new Evinrude products from Bombardier look promising, and Merc has seemed to really pull it together. I think that we'll be seeing great products from most all of the manufacturers within the next few years. I've heard great things about Bombardier's refinements of the Ficht, and all the mechanics I know really like it. The E-Tech motors are really impressive as well, and I understand they will eventually have it in a big block.

I just feel like Yamaha has already nailed it down, and after getting burned on a motor I spent alot of money on has left a bad taste in my mouth.

Good fishin',

Tyler