Outboard horsepower comparison?

[Joe S.]

I have always wondered if there is a difference in performance between, lets say, an OMC 115 vs Yamaha 115, or Suzuki, Mercury, exc. I figure none of them make exactly 115 hp. Some have to make more and some less. What manufacturer puts the most "bang" in their outboards?

 

[TrenchFisherman]

Re: Outboard horsepower comparison?

i have heard that Mercury underates there engines. I don't know if that is 100% true but thats what my old shop teacher told us back 5 years ago. the other brands i don't know about

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: Outboard horsepower comparison?

At the www.johnson.com site there is a quasi comparison. Go to a new model year and look up the specs.....they are compared with compatible other brands by weight/hp/gear ratio and others. I know that the merc/mariner run strong but so do the yamaha's and suzuki's. Most new outboards are reliable. ALSO read the article that was posted by Admin5 about the 2 stroke vs 4 stroke.<br /><br />I guess it is a matter of preferance like GM vs Ford and others. <br /><br />Bob

 

[DJ]

Re: Outboard horsepower comparison?

Joe S.<br /><br />All outboards must be within 10% of their rated hp. to conform to NMMA and BIA certifications. I believe this rule came into effect in 1982 or 3.

 

[GTCoupe]

Re: Outboard horsepower comparison?

Check the displacement differences between the various motors you're interested in, all else being equal, a motor with more displacement will operate SLIGHTLY more efficiently throughout a wider range of rpms.