Re: evinrude and bombardier dependability
Hi specks. If dependability and reliability are your main concerns, you may want to re-think your need for a direct injected outboard.<br /><br />According to J.D. Power (referenced by seahorse)...<br /><br />"Among the five technologies used in outboard engines, owners of new boats with four-stroke EFI outboard engines report the fewest number of engine problems..."<br /><br />"The four-stroke electronic fuel injection engines set the benchmark when it comes to quality..."<br /><br />Also, rather than talking to people who service and sell outboards, you may want to talk to people who actually use them, testing them in the real world. No one knows their outboard's dependability better than a fisherman. <br /><br />Whether it's Yamaha's HPDI, Mercury's Optimax, or Evinrude's Ficht Ram, these outboards are simply not popular here (Alaska) for salt, river, and lake use. Mainly due to reliability. I can't remember the last time I saw a set of 175 or 200 HP Evinrude Rams on an offshore boat. There is a reason. Of course this isn't bass-boat country, and help, tows, and marinas are far and few between.<br /><br />Be aware that seahorse's J.D. Power reference was not for "this year". It included Evinrude outboards sold between January 2002 and February 2003. It would not have included Evinrude's E-TEC direct injection outboards, since they were not released yet. And it would have included the 75 and 90 HP DI Evinrudes, which I believe have been discontinued as part of their line this year.<br /><br />When looking at "customer satisfaction", you may want to look at history. J.D.'s survey ranking Evinrude was published in October 2003, and it was based on 2002 and 2003 year outboards. This doesn't give much time to really see how a customer feels. Most of the owners surveyed probably ran their outboards very few hours.<br /><br />Look for outboards that have a reputation for consistently ranking high year after year. An established reputation.<br /><br />Also be aware that Evinrude received high marks for cruise time/range between fuel stops and lack of engine fumes, if that is important to you. While Yamaha received high marks for quietness at cruising speed, ease of starting when hot and standard warranty coverage, if that is important to you.<br /><br />Yamaha ranks highest in the four-stroke engine segment for the second consecutive year.<br /><br />BTW, extended warranties are nice, but they don't keep your outboard from breaking down, or keep your boat out of the shop.
