Why Honda?

[butlp]

I have seen many posts where guys sing the praise of the new Honda 4 strokes as if they are something special. <br />When I was looking at new motors in the spring to power a 22' pontoon I compared the specs and price of the Mercury, Yamaha and Honda mid size motors (40-60hp). On paper the Merc seemed to have the edge as it was the only EFI in the group, had the Bigfoot/High Thrust bottom end, equal warranty and was significantly lower price. <br />In my area there are three Mercury dealers to every Honda or Yamaha and one who handles both Merc and Honda said that in his experience the 50 hp Honda's had not been that reliable. I took this with a pinch of salt as he was trying hard to push the Merc! <br />The Merc power head I believe is a modified Yamaha design with some good history too!<br /><br />Is it the Honda name that makes people spend the extra dollars for non EFI, or are the motors really that much better than they look on paper?<br />I'd be interested in hearing from Honda owners as I am now considering upgrading my 16' ski/runabout for next season and even though I'm very happy with the Merc, if the Honda is that good I would consider it.<br />Thanks,<br />Peter

 

[JB]

Re: Why Honda?

Howdy, Neighbor.<br /><br />Hondas have an excellent reputation and they have been around for long enough that the rep is well earned.<br /><br />That said, I agree that EFI in a 4 stroke makes a MAJOR difference in operating simplicity and usability. (Usability, to me, means "start it, use it, shut it off". Just like a car.)<br /><br />My understanding is that the Merc lower-mid size EFI 4 strokes are Merc developed. <br /><br />Don't overlook the Johnson/Suzuki EFI 4 strokes (40, 50, 60, 70) when you are shopping. They are awesome engines, too.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[butlp]

Re: Why Honda?

JB,<br />There is only one Suzuki dealer in my area and I have heard locally and read on this board that parts can be a problem. <br />The Bombardier fiasco with its dealer network constantly changing makes me want to wait and see who's still around and supporting the product in 2 or 3 years. <br />How do the Johnson/Suzuki's compare in price to the Merc's?