Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

Phoenixfirewalker

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
94
Im looking for a used engine and am wondering which is better
also was told that force and mariner are the same exact motor
is this true? doesnt force really suck? if so do mariners suck?

this is all stuff overheard Im seeking the truth!

help!
 

lckstckn2smknbrls

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Sep 18, 2008
Messages
1,114
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

I bought a used 25hp Mariner. It's a 1983 made by Yamaha. We did a compression test last year 125 in each cylinder.
 

johnsjmc

Cadet
Joined
Jun 13, 2009
Messages
9
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

My understanding is that all the Mariner motors were exactly the same as the Mercurys
However the.Force are recycled Chryslers with a few improvements added by Merc.
Mariners aren,t as expensive used because of the suspicion that they are a lesser line like the Force .
 

oldseaox

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
49
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

I can only speak to what I am familer with, Since the mid '80s I have owned several Mariners and a few Mercs, all 150hp or more. The parts will interchange within the model year and HP range, I currently have a Merc power head on a Mariner lower unit.
I suggest you judge the engines per each and not as brands, they are both good stuff.
 

oldseaox

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
May 16, 2009
Messages
49
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

I have never owned a Force nor a Crysler. Suggest you stay with the "M"s.
 

Phoenixfirewalker

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
94
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

are the "M's" the same motor?
Merc=Mariner?
interchangeable?
built by same?
same thing diff label?
 

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

Many models of the Mercury and Mariner are indeed the same unit with different decals.

There were a few models that the Merc used the larger diameter gearcase while the Mariner used the smaller gearcase. The smaller gearcase Mariner had less drag in the water and would out perform the similar Merc, BUT, some of those smaller gearcases didn't last as long as their larger Merc cousins.
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

Earlier Mariners were made by Yamaha. Not as good of a reputation as the later Mariners that were made by Mercury. My 1993 Mariner was identical to a Merc except for the colors and decals. Think the switchover was early 90's.
 

Phoenixfirewalker

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
94
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

Older Mariners=yamaha?
Newer Marinrs=Mercury?

since when?
 

Moody Blue

Captain
Joined
May 24, 2004
Messages
3,136
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

Since about the late 80's or early 90's.

Don't believe it, do some research.
 

CharlieB

Vice Admiral
Joined
Apr 10, 2007
Messages
5,617
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

The small twin cyl Mercs and Mariners were indeed Yamahas for many years.
 

j_martin

Admiral
Joined
Sep 22, 2006
Messages
7,474
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

Many models of the Mercury and Mariner are indeed the same unit with different decals.

There were a few models that the Merc used the larger diameter gearcase while the Mariner used the smaller gearcase. The smaller gearcase Mariner had less drag in the water and would out perform the similar Merc, BUT, some of those smaller gearcases didn't last as long as their larger Merc cousins.

Merc XR series also had the small gearcase. Well maintained and lubed, they last a long time. Overpower and surface them, better keep spares.
 

Phoenixfirewalker

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Jun 18, 2009
Messages
94
Re: Mercury vs. Mariner what is better

j martin

did not understand what you meant.

is that some code talk ir shop talk
im a rookie
 
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