Merc reputation

[Navy Jr.]

I read on another topic in the iBoat forum where some people were keel hauling Mercury outboards. Couldn't say anything nice about them. And, further, that anything owned by Brunswick was of questionable quality.

That's disturbing because wife and I recently ordered a popular brand aluminum fishing boat built by an outfit now owned by Brunswick, and it will come with a Merc 115hp four-stroke motor.

The good news is the motor comes with a 5-year warranty (special promotion), and the dealer's service department has a very good reputation. So, do I need to be concerned about all the scuttlebutt?

 

[JB]

Re: Merc reputation

Merc people and JohnnyRude people are like Ford and Chebby people, Navy.

Mercs are good engines, even if they are owned by Brunswick, and Brunswick didn't reach their dominance by building or selling junk.

I wouldn't buy from Brunswick, but it has nothing to do with the quality or value of their products. I just object to their predatory marketing methods.

I don't have any logical reason why I wouldn't buy a Chebby. I am just a Ford and JohnnyRude guy.

 

[Barnacle_Bill]

Re: Merc reputation

There's not a thing wrong with Mercs. Can't say that about Chebbys tho.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Merc reputation

JB likes Fords, Johnnyrudes, and the Dallas Cowboys. 1 out of 3 isn't that bad, I guess.
JBJ

 

[DJ]

Re: Merc reputation

Never have been a Merc. fan but we now have two (2000 75 HP. 2-S and a 2007 75 HP. 4-S) and they both have been FLAWLESS.

Maybe I was wrong all those years?



Nahhhh!

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Merc reputation

No bad ANY motors....NOW..
OWNERS with a "turn key attitude"...little to zip maintenece, then call any motor "junk"...but most point the finger anywhere but where belonged..."
.."the MIRROR!"...

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Merc reputation

well said Scaaty. that goes with bayliners also. i just bought a 1966 50 merc, me a johnnyrude guy

 

[ddennis]

Re: Merc reputation

No bad ANY motors....NOW..
OWNERS with a "turn key attitude"...little to zip maintenece, then call any motor "junk"...but most point the finger anywhere but where belonged..."
.."the MIRROR!"...

I agree...an engine is only as good as the care and maintenance of it..

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Merc reputation

Okay, thanks everyone. All of your remarks make good sense.

Yes, maintenance is a big issue with me, as well as proper operation. Maybe that's why I decided at my age to buy new. There's no way I would buy a used boat/motor/trailer rig without maintenance documents.

And even then it would be difficult to know how well the owner treated his rig. Some look like real nice sensible guys when you meet them for the first time, but put them (or their kids) behind a throttle of any kind and, well, who knows?

 

[Scaaty]

Re: Merc reputation

well said Scaaty. that goes with bayliners also. i just bought a 1966 50 merc, me a johnnyrude guy

Yeah, saw it(the post). Had a think 72 Merc 50 (gone through buy a good Merc wrench) Long ago.
Stuffed it on a 13 foot Allison. Best day actually hit a solid 50mph! fun little boat (they were raced with the Merc 70's, and Rude Stingers.)
Next boat after that was an old 90 Rude, zero problems. Then the darkside again with a XS150 on a rocketboat. Got sensible again, but back darkside last year on a rebuilt 135,16foot.
Something about those old Mercs gets in yer blood I guess!
Ya probably got a steel DS on that, so watch saltwater. Its gets under the pump, and trashes the seal. Just needs the usual maint to take care of/keep ahead.

 

[Mercace]

Re: Merc reputation

Mercury used to be a good company when Carl owned it. Brunswick turned it into a money machine where the only thing that matters is the stock holders.

What does that mean? It means they bring frivolous law suits against companies likeYamaha because they can not build as good a motor for the price.

Well that didn't work so they stole a patented timing device which resulted in them getting sued for patent infringments and loosing. Well that didnt work so what did they do next to increase profits. You guessed it they fired the smart guys and hired a bunch of brainless thugs who work for next to nothing. Great Idea wow! But now they are being sued for civil rights violations because the thugs disrespect other employees.

It keeps getting better! These guys are genuine geniuses their stocks have fallen from $35.00 a share to $15.00 in one year.

No wonder Pat Mackey went back to Ireland!

 

[kansas]

Re: Merc reputation

I have alway had Mercury motors on my boats (now up to 3) and just now experiencing my first problem (on the newest motor)! I also had a boat made by brusnwick marine (fisher boats) and it was always a treat to drive and fish out of. Its funny how people are about boats and boat engines. I think you are fine with your set up, just get out there and enjoy!