Reassurance?

[BBogey]

Hello,<br />I've been planning a trip from Washington State back east to Arkansas for almost two years now (25th anniversary) and we're planning on bringing back a new duck boat. I'm sure about my boat, but I have tentatively selected a Merc 60 HP 4-stroke? This whole $et up i$ a VERY big deal to us, and I'm not much of a motor-head, to put it bluntly...<br /><br />I've seen Merc's bashed on some of the hunting sites. Guys, I take very good care of my stuff, am I safe with this motor? Would I be making a mistake?<br /><br />I know there are going to be Ford vs Chevy type arguements, but overall, what do you think????<br /><br />THANKS for any help!<br /><br />------------------<br />Dare to be different!

 

[hondon]

Re: Reassurance?

I don't think buying Merc would be nessesarily a mistake but let's make sure you have some info before you do.If you are buying any 4 stroke make sure your deal includes a water separator.Make sure your dealer has the nessesary equipment to troubleshoot your engine if something goes wrong.manometer ,ddt,software.If your engine breaks and this dealer doesn't have these things you could be down awhile 'cause they are often back ordered for months.And once you get that new 4 stoke don't forget to change that oil every year desspite the fact that you are only using it during duck season.Seen a few heartbreaks here on Humboldt Bay from guys that ignored that advice.

 

[kev_79]

Re: Reassurance?

good advice from hondon. I am a fan of Merc's, but there's not an engine brand out ther that hasn't had its share of lemons. Like he said, make sure that if you do get a bad engine outta the box, that your dealer can fix it. They will be coveing the warranty. Are you moving here to AR, or just visiting?

 

[Jacques321]

Re: Reassurance?

Be careful, there's a recall on Merc 40's 50's & 60 4-strokes. They(Merc) are actually going to replace the 2001 model owners with new fuel injected models. How do I know this? a friend of mine who owns a 2001 Merc 40HP at the lake got a letter from his Merc Dealer recently explaining a design fault in those engines, and unbelievably Merc is exchanging his complete engine for a new fuel injected one!!<br /><br />Make sure you get the new fuel injected 4 stroke and not the the carbureted model from your dealer.<br />Personaly I love my merc engine, it outperforms other engines in the same category, but yes reliability is a little questionable, if that bothers you get an extended warranty. And enjoy your Merc engine!<br /><br />------------------<br />Princecraft 164(2000)<br />Merc 90-4 stroke<br />Prop:Vengeance SS 16P

 

[JB]

Re: Reassurance?

Howdy, Bogey. On the issue of having a reliable dealer close by: It is important. Merc is a sound brand and will be backed up well, but don't overlook the Evinrude (by Suzuki) EFI 50, and check for fuel injected models in the 2002's from Honda and Yamaha. <br /><br />Every brand has some great dealers and some turkeys. There are lots of excellent engines, but without reliable support they are just another albatross.<br /><br />Red sky at night. . . <br />JB

 

[BBogey]

Re: Reassurance?

Thanks guys! No Kev, we're not moving there, just vacationing! I will check, but was sure I was told "fuel injection"? It is supposed to be a 2002 model?<br /><br />I've NEVER bought an extended warranty before, but it might not be a bad idea this time?<br /><br />Thanks again!<br /><br />------------------<br />Dare to be different!