Mercury or Honda ?

[cyberjim]

I am going to buy a 15 hp 4 stroke in the next month.Has any one any opinion on which engine would be the best as far as dependability and performance? It is going on my 14 ft Klamath fishing boat and will be used mostly for trolling.<br />Thank you

 

[Walter]

Re: Mercury or Honda ?

I've always been a Mercury fan...it's that simple. But to be fair....Honda has been manufacturing small four stroke outboards much longer than Mercury. I doubt you could go wrong with either choice. Servicability won't be much of an issue...both products are likely to be around a very long time. Perhaps it comes down to the basics...Do you prefer black or silver? <br /><br />Sorry I couldn't be of more help but I think there are advantages pending on each side...no matter which you choose, it will be a good motor.

 

[Navigator]

Re: Mercury or Honda ?

Cyberjim,<br />I have to agree with Walter, both are excellent Products and both will give you years of excellent service. I, unlike Walter, am a a diehard Honda Fan (but I also love Merc too). You will probably pay more for the Honda, but thats primarily based on their Rep. I have yet to hear anyone say anything negative about Honda's Quality and Reliability. <br />What's best for you? It all boils down to what dealer is near you, and as Walter said, if you like Silver or Black!!!!!

<br /><br />Either way, you win.<br />Nav.

 

[Hitman65]

Re: Mercury or Honda ?

Well Jim I work at a Honda dealer part time and I may be a little prejudice, but I will tell you this. In the time I have worked at the marina we have yet to work on a small, medium, large honda for a problem with the engine not brought on by poor up keep or normal wear and tear. The only things I have ever done to any honda is change an impeller or thermostat. We do alot of 20, 100, 200, and 400 hour servicing but nothing else.<br /><br /><br />Hope this helps,<br /><br />PS we are also a Merc dealer and I work those also. Kicker is I have yet to work on a Merc 4 Stroke. We have never sold one!<br /><br />Take that for what its worth!<br /><br /><br />Go with the Honda, almost 30 years of outboard four strokes cant be bad!

 

[MT-Tom]

Re: Mercury or Honda ?

Hi cyberjim!<br /><br />I just bought aHonda 15 for my 1436 jon boat this summer. I love it! It's a great motor and pushes my boat along just fine - maybe even a little too fast for such a light boat. I don't know anything about the type of boat you have, but it is probably a little bigger and heavier than mine. The Honda pushes my boat a little too fast for trolling when it is just me and the dog. I would definatley recommend this motor.<br /><br />Tom