Posts: 5874
| Tom P - 12/4/2007 6:06 PM
I am looking at buying a new boat and was planning on getting a Yamaha 4 stroke on it. Found a Ranger I like but it has a Merc. 4 stroke on it. This is a 90 hp. tiller and I do plan on doing some trolling, so the question is this motor as good as the Yamaha as far as being smooth and quiet and dependable or should I stick to the Yamaha?
Thanks,
Tom P.
Yes, the Merc is as good, and better in some ways, than the Yamaha. It will be as smooth, and as quiet. Bigger displacement, higher output Alternator, and the ECM which controls the motor is second to none. The tiller handle debate is a subjective one. Obviously, you have had a Merc Tiller handle, and have been satified with it. They all make pretty reliable motors now.
FYI, you can get the SmarCraft Speedo for under $400. You don't have to have both speedo and tach to get the troll down option.
As for the Enginesteer system, the Patent that Mercury now holds, will prevent anyone from producing a system like it. Anyone wanting to design a new hydraulic system for tillers will have to come up with a different approach. I doubt BRP, or Yamaha will spend the bucks to do that for such a small market. So, it would have to be an individual that would design and develop it, much like Tim Mertens did. |
