Honda or Yamaha 4-stroke?

[Capt Al]

I've heard good things about Honda and Yamaha 4-stokes in the 50-70hp range. Which is your preference and why?

[JB]

Ahoy, Capt. Al. Both are very good engines. . . smooth, quiet, clean and economical. Both are, however, carbureted. I checked them out before I bought my DF70 Suzuki EFI to get computerized fuel injection. EFI offers the same advantages in a 4s outboard as it does in an automobile. The Suzi DF40-DF50 is also EFI and would be my choice in that range. The "Evinrude" EFI 40,50 and 70 4 strokes are Suzukis in different livery, higher priced and with a larger dealer network.You would be happy with either the Honda or the Yammy, but check out the Suzi/'Rude before you buy.Red sky at night.JB

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And don't forget Nissan/Tohatsu's new 50 hp DFI 2-stroke...

[Capt Al]

To make matters more confusing for me, the new Mercury 2002 50hp model is now fuel injected and as an added bonus, though some might consider this a negative, it's made in America ... at least that's what the local dealer tells me.

[corby]

I just purchased a 2002 115 merc 4 stroke EFI and I love it, I was also told that the powerhead is made by yamaha and merc puts their lower unit on it. I also found the merc to be a little easier on the wallet than the yamaha. So,if you really like the yamaha you should seriously consider the merc.