90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

[Sod Farmer]

I'm getting back into a pontoon boat and need to decide which motor I want. I have narrowed down my choices to these two engines. I have always had very good experience with both of these brands and really don't have a bias to either one. With that being said, I have heard that Yamaha used to make the Mercury power heads but that they no longer do. If the previous statement is true, the mercury is a relatively "new design" and may not have all of the bugs worked out. Also I have heard that some of the Mercs are now made in China. On the plus side for Mercury, the 90 hp model is a larger cubic inch displacement engine than the Yamaha. Generally speaking, the larger displacement engines have more torque, (at least with automobile engines). The Yamaha is a proven engine with no real issues that I know of. My inclination is to go with the dealer that I trust the most but he handles both brands. Thanks in advance for your input.

 

[JB]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

Howdy, Sod Farmer.

Welcome to iboats.

If we assume that the Merc is also a 90HP EFI 4 stroke I agree with your inclination.

If the Merc is a carbed 2 stroke go with the Yammy. That way you are sure you will not run into a carbed 2 stroke ban when you want to go boating in the future.

 

[Sod Farmer]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

To clarify - - - Both engines would be 90 hp EFI 4 strokes New 2008 models.

 

[rodbolt]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

merc used to make various powerheads,mid sections and lowerunits for yamaha and yamaha used to make powerheads,midsections and lower units for merc. just depended on the engine size.
however the merc-yamaha marriage ended in divorce court about 2003 and the two dont speak anymore.
the electronic controls on yamahas tend to last longer than anything merc had.
both are decent engines, the yamaha F90 is now EFI,can be optioned with command link and some offer variable trolling speeds.

 

[j442w30]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

Go with the Mercury Bigfoot model if it is available, they are add awesome maneuverability to pontoon boats.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

and i say Yammy they are proven 4 strokes.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

Go with the pretty one

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

I've got a new Merc 90 4 stroke on my toon. Have about 65 hours so far and it's a nice engine for a toon. Quiet and effecient. They are based on the Verado block. Course I still like my old Evinrude on the runabout...

 

[Sod Farmer]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

rickdb1boat -
I started another thread over on the "Props" section that I think you might be able to help me with. These pontoons really don't fit the model when trying to choose a prop. Thanks in advance.
Sod Farmer

 

[BillP]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

So you are aware of the no model yr policy from Yamaha right? I'll bet your dealer didn't squeak a word about that to you did he? It means the "new 2008" may be a leftover "new 2007" which was made from "new 2006" parts...or yrs since it was mfg. If the motor you are looking at falls into this category you may be getting old technology under a 2008 banner. It's a major downfall in my opinion. I don't care for either brand but I'd buy Merc over Yamaha for that reason alone.

BTW...currently own a pontoon boat with merc/mariner 4s (yes, one made by yamaha) + other motors in the 2s variety.

 

[Sod Farmer]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

Bill -
Yes I am aware of the Yamaha policy. They make no bones about it on their web site. It is very possible that I could get a left over 2007 but a 2006 is just not in the cards. Yamaha inventory turns over much to quickly for that to happen. There are no differences between this years and last years production of this engine that I am aware of. Correct me if I am wrong.

Do you know how long Merc has been making the current 90 hp 4stroke design? Also, does anyone know if the Merc is really made in China. There is currently a thread on "Chinese Merc" where someone said that they are. I was under the impression that the 90 4s was made in Wisconsin along with the Verado.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

The new Merc. design was new in 2007 (All Mercury parts). The 75/90/115 HP are made in Wisconsin and is indeed modeled after the Verado. The smaller Mercs are made in china. Mercury also has the no model year deal, but does have a manufactured date on each engine sticker..

 

[Sod Farmer]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

Thanks Rick!

 

[BillP]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

I hear what you're saying and your dealer probably told you so. If that was the case there would be no 2006s and few 2007s around...but there are still plenty of 2005-2006 new in crate Yamaha motors in dealer showrooms. Its always been like this and it doesn't take much looking to find them here in FL. The old ones will be sold before the new ones so expect to get an old one. On the merc side I was in a showroom yesterday and checked mfg dates on the "new" floor models...2004, 2005, 2006, 2007. The newest mfg date was Feb 2007 and all were going out the door as 2008s. If I were buying at 2008 prices the motor would have to have a 2008 mfg tag.

 

[DJ]

Re: 90 hp 4s Yam vs Merc for Pontoon

We have a 2007 Merc. 75 (same base as the 90) on a toon and love it. Quiet, efficient and powerful. About 150 hours, so far.

We chose it because of the great dealer, plus we have a 2-stroke Merc. 75 on the other toon with over 800 hours on it. It has been flawless just like the new 4-S.

All this praise from a tried and true OMC guy.