Is Honda on a downhill slide?

[granpafish]

While conducting an exasperating search for a gear lube pump for a bf50, I found two Honda dealers who are no longer going to sell them Both are turning to Yamaha. Since I bought my motor only 2 years ago, this wasn't exactly music to my ears. Both of the dealers mentioned how difficult it has become to get parts and info from them. Has anyone else heard this type of talk or did I just manage to find the only 2 places in the country where this is an issue? By the way I ended up with a Yamaha pump that they tell me will fit. We'll see. Granpa

 

[robards]

Re: Is Honda on a downhill slide?

No prob here...I have had a hard time getting some parts from yamaha, have had several parts on back order this summer...

 

[orca]

Re: Is Honda on a downhill slide?

All outboard brands have their up and downs. Here in Australia Mercury had good years in the 1970,s, OMC had the 80's, Yamaha had the 90,s. Now Honda had the late 90's an early this century.<br />Honda had an advantage and a great sales pitch because they had the first 4 strokes. The other firms have caught up and in some cases bettered Hondas product. In Australia Honda have had to lower their prices to keep their share of the market. As the motors have aged so some problems have occured, no worse or better than other brands.<br />It will be interesting to see who gets to the top of the pile next. Bombardier Etec appears to be doing well but a lot of people were burnt by OMC. Mercs Verado is creating a lot of interest. Suzuki have a good following but their parts situation in Australia is hopeless. Yam are still holding market share, Honda do appear to have dropped off but I am sure will bounce back.

 

[granpafish]

Re: Is Honda on a downhill slide?

Whaley, I hope that you're right. I am one of the folks burned by OMC. I bought a 93 50 hp when Evinrude was still considered a rock steady product. Found out the expensive way that I picked exactly the wrong time to move up from a 78 25 hp. I love the Honda and there have been no issues so far. I guess that I'm still gun shy from that experience. Granpa.

 

[Silvertip]

Re: Is Honda on a downhill slide?

And I currently run a 95 Evinrude that has been a flawless performer. In fact I liked it so much I removed it from my last boat to repower a new Alumacraft walleye boat. As someone once said, people kill outboards, they don't destroy themselves.

 

[granpafish]

Re: Is Honda on a downhill slide?

Sorry I hurt your feelings but magnets coming loose on a flywheel are a manufacturing issue not poor maintenance. The Omc meltdown is well documented by people much more informed and knowledgeable than me. I'm glad that you got one that has held up and will serve you for many years to come. Granpa