Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

[Hubboat]

This is my first Merc, runs great, but get some comments like:

"What's black and doesn't work?... a Merc"
"Nice black anchor"

Maybe kind of like a Ford/Dodge/Chevy thing.

 

[RaScLeS]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

I have a black anchor the wiring is garbage. im sure someone else got some enjoyment but not me

 

[Jake.]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

I come from a family that has had many boats over the years. We've owned at least a half-dozen each of Mercs and Evin/Johns. Throw in a Yamaha, Suzuki and Nissan as well. I can't say that the Mercs have given us any more trouble than the rest. As you say I'd chalk it up to a Ford/Chevy thing.

 

[j_martin]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

This is my first Merc, runs great, but get some comments like:

"What's black and doesn't work?... a Merc"
"Nice black anchor"

Maybe kind of like a Ford/Dodge/Chevy thing.

Yep, the guy with the white motor gets tired of looking at the black one from the wake side.

 

[intothewild]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

I thought Merc's had a good rep?

 

[Faztbullet]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

What's black and doesn't work?... a Merc"
"Nice black anchor"

You can add another comment:
"Once you go black you wont come back"

 

[swamp-fox]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

"Once you go black you wont come back"
Ha Ha

Where I come from everyone that makes their living using boats runs a Mercury or Yamaha.
However I think it may be the ford/chevy/dodge thing.

 

[Laddies]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

Even OMC in their later days painted their powerheads black when everything else had failed to make them run.

 

[mmf]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

Fatzbullet and Laddies, I like your comments, funny as all get out!!!!!!!!!hehehehehehe

 

[CharlieB]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

Even OMC in their later days painted their powerheads black when everything else had failed to make them run.

And no one I know will work on anything painted white!

All kidding aside, none of the brands last too long when the owner/operator abuses it and fails to do basic maintenance.

 

[bgc]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

And no one I know will work on anything painted white!

All kidding aside, none of the brands last too long when the owner/operator abuses it and fails to do basic maintenance.

Hey! My Merc is white

 

[Jake.]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

All kidding aside, none of the brands last too long when the owner/operator abuses it and fails to do basic maintenance.

+1. Most issues are due to owner or previous owner neglect.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

It's best to buy what you can get service on, and Evinrude doesn't have a large U.S. dealer base. Mercury dealers are everywhere--often down the street from each other.

My Yamaha 115 hp is now 26 years old, and running perfect. I'm still impressed by them, but wouldn't hesitate to buy a Mercury if the price was right.

 

[charlie741]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

My in laws, who own a johnson have said this regarding mercury outboards.
him: they make that high pitch whine at high speed, johnson's are quieter.
her: Everyone I've seen broke down on the water had a mercury.

Are you kidding me? That is the reason? That's like buying a dodge cause you say a ford with a dead battery once.

I biggest thing with any boat is maintenance, early and often. You will find more and more with boaters, those happiest with their motors, like Bamaman1, keep them serviced and use them, neglect and lack of use is the enemy of good performance.

 

[CV16]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

I have a 1966 850 and a 1973 1500, both run like new. As you can guess, I like my Merc's!!!

 

[shand]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

Are parts hard to find for the older mercs?

 

[jigmister]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

In recent history (last 10 years) I have heard many nightmare stories about mercs warranty/repiar on the newer engines.

 

[eracer0308]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

ive had mercs all my life maybe there mistaken it for a force engine now thats a piece of junk

 

[merc850]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

In recent history (last 10 years) I have heard many nightmare stories about mercs warranty/repiar on the newer engines.

Any of my Mercs were 25+ yrs. past their warranty period and with some minor tuning ran for many years so I can't comment on the warranty/service but I have heard stories too. I think that Mercury might be falling down in this area of customer service and from what I notice on forums such as this is that owners buy aftermarket parts rather than Mercury's.
Another sore point with boat owners are the special tools required to service a Mercury whereas the other makes can, apparently, be completely repaired with a slot screwdriver and an adjustable wrench - the cheaper the better.

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: Why do Merc's have a bad rep?

Another sore point with boat owners are the special tools required to service a Mercury whereas the other makes can, apparently, be completely repaired with a slot screwdriver and an adjustable wrench - the cheaper the better.

Adjustable wrench???? The good mechs only need a pair of pliers. :facepalm: And WD40 and duct tape for the tough repairs
It's a Harley/Indian thing.