Most reliable outboard?

[Danny]

I learned a little something from my wife's uncle. He is a mechanic, and has run his motor for over 20 years with out it blowing.

After reading this board, I've noticed something.... and I am knocking on wood... LOL... but every motor I have read about that blew was being run at WOT. Even our cars can't be red lined all the time. If you drive your car at red line all the time, you blow that engine as well. So, I do my best not to run WOT everywhere I go on the lake. Nothing wrong with cruising between 45 and 60, with plenty left. Now I'll knock on wood again to make sure I don't blow tomorrow. *grin*

Danny

[CTFSHWHISKER]

asking for a motor to be guaranteed to start everytime is like asking for an 8lb bass guaranteed everytime.Maintenance and using one is a key to long service.Everyone has their favorite,just like lures.

[DJD]

My Pro V 150 Yamaha blew when i was not at WOT but it didn't matter according to the mechanic. He pretty much said what buzzking said....I'm still a fan of Yamaha!

[buzzking]

Well that depends on what you operating RPM range is danny. Take my motor for example, it makes the most HP between 5200 and 5800. If you are running lower than that designed range ( different for every motor) then you are lugging it and any experienced outboard mechanic will tell you this is as bad as redlining one all the time. I usually run around 5200-5300 and stay in the "power band" without redlining, thats how you make motors last, lugging them will kill them over time.

[Danny]

Buzz,

I'm going to certainly take your word for it. I've not blown one yet, Knock on wood, so I don't have the experience of anyone that has blown one.

DJD was the first one I've seen to admit to blowing one and not be at WOT, so it disproves my hypothesis, doesn't it??

One thing I may not have mentioned though is the preventitive maintance. I think that too is important. What do you think? Like I said, I'll defer to your experience.

Thanks Buzzer.... I appreciate the help,

Danny

[mrgolfcar]

I'm in Florida and do a lot of offshore fishing. Have had many boats and have many friends with boats from 20' up to 40'.
I myself have three boats. Some say I need my head examined. I do have however a 1985 26' Mako with a 225 Johnson on the back.
I also have a 2002 21' Hewes Redfish with a 225 Yama V Max on it. My Mako I have left sit for months (8-10) at one time, and it starts right up every time. It has never left me stranded and I've had this boat for 20 years. The Johnson is 1996. My Hewes however with the Yamaha V Max needs to head to the mechanic anytime I let it sit for more then three months. I've only had the Hewes for 7 years and I've spent more money on it in 7 years keeping it running then I have in 20 years owning the Mako. Just a thought to help anyone make a decission.

[Dobe Mejuwa]

2009 Honda 135 and only thing I've done to it has been oil changes, lower unit oil changes, and one set of filter changes. Starts everytime first attempt, idles smooth and quiet always,never so much as a hiccup.

[Lowerider]

Wow this post is a blast from the past! Still run my 2003 Honda 130 hard. I tournament fish and often make long runs WOT. The lower unit has needed a little love but the motor still purrs. No gauge but I'm sure I'm well over 1000 hours. It's never been in the shop for a motor issue. Would buy a Honda again for sure - problem is few dealers outfit their boats with em. Guess they don't make the same margin as they do suzukis b/c that's practically all you ever see anymore on the boats I use (non bass).

[birdstrike]

I've had my share of problem engines in the past... last one was a merc cruiser 90 that had electrical gremlins to the tune of $300 a year. Just the other day I tried to help out a fellow who couldn't get his HONDA to start. Of all engines I thought would be reliable, Honda should be at the top of the list. My old tohatsu 35 always starts on the first or second pull. That's the kind of dependability I would like out of a bigger engine. And for the price you have to pay for one, well, they sure aught to be trouble free. Anyway, you all are probably right, take care of your motor and it will take care of you.

[stoner]

The Yamaha is one of the more depedables, also the EFI Mercs which I own. The EFI Mercs have been referred to as bullit proof by some on other boards.
Stoner

[birdstrike]

Thanks Stoner

[Dover]

For some it is not a Rude FICHT but the one I had never left me stranded and fired up with just a click of the key...... I would say the new Rude ETEC series is making a strong debut....... tight lines