BOMBI/OMC or a MERC

[steam_mill]

I'm in the market for a new boat. Looking at power options. I tend to do most maintenance myself and have kept my 1972 50hp Evinrude running like new for the last few years. I have found this motor to be almost bullet proof and have had good success in getting parts.<br /><br />Now that I'm in the market for a new boat, it seems that there are many concerns about anything OMC.<br /><br />I'm looking at a 60 hp O/B. I've always heard that Mercs are faster but Evinrudes last longer. This is probably most apparent on my lake where most older boats are evinrude.<br /><br />On this board I've been hearing a lot of things about serious justified concerns for the future of evinrude products.<br /><br />My dealer (former evinrude now merc) says he always liked the OMC product lines but now has concern for future support. For this reason, he now carries Mercs.<br /><br />My neighbour, a Bombardier Sea Doo dealer, doesn't sell OMC O/B but sells Honda. He's the biggest dealer in the area.<br /><br />So, let's make this simple, buy a Merc or an Evinrude?<br /><br />Joe

 

[ehenry]

Re: BOMBI/OMC or a MERC

I bought a 15 year old Merc 500, 50 horse in 1988 and ran it until 2001 and the only problems I had were standard maintenance items. Impellers, seals, starter rebuild and such as that. I know the guy i sold it to and its still running like a champ. Alway ran OMC pior to that and they ran just as well. Just bought a new Merc 25 hp and love it!!! You'll have to look at the service in your area and decide where you think you'll get the best service and support for what ever you buy.

 

[snapperbait]

Re: BOMBI/OMC or a MERC

I've owned both a 1989, 60HP Merc and a 1986, 70HP Johnson... In my opinion the mid size 2 stroke OMC's will eat the mid size 2 stroke Merc's for lunch... <br /><br />I like the OMC's because of the larger gear case.. That allows the use of larger diamater propellers which is a plus when you have a heavy boat.... Just something to think about..<br /><br />Finding service is the key... Who's going to be there for you when you need them...<br /><br />BTW. I still have the Merc and it still runs like a champ...