Merc vs Johnson

[Biason]

I'm just looking for a little advice. I'm new to the boat scene, I traded my sled for a boat and now I'm in need of an outboard. I've found 2 that I'm interested, but looking for advice as to which one may be the better motor. The first is a 1975 Johnson 70hp loop charged, the other one is a 1978 mercury 70 HP, both engines run. Thanks for any input.

 

[fhhuber]

With engines that old its all about condition... While one might be better than the other if all else is equal its unlikely that they will be in equal condition. You need to do thorough inspections to determine which is better.

These are 40 year old engines... You can expect them to have issues.

 

[hardwater fisherman]

The Johnson might be easier to find parts if needed.

 

[redneck joe]

The Johnson might be easier to find parts if needed.

Yep

 

[Scott Danforth]

Not sure what your budget is, however my recommendation is get the best motor you can afford. On motors 40 years old, your going to run into fuel system issues, ignition system issues, and most likely cylinder wear issues

 

[fishin98]

Not sure what your budget is, however my recommendation is get the best motor you can afford. On motors 40 years old, your going to run into fuel system issues, ignition system issues, and most likely cylinder wear issues

+1...I know it's hard for some to believe, but motors from the 70's and 80's are now in the RELIC category....It's 2016 boys and girls.

 

[JimS123]

Relic? I resemble that comment. Heck, I'm a LOT older than that...

My #4 boat runs a 1953 Evinrude, and my #5 boat runs a 1970 Evinrude. Note then term......Evinrude. In each case, I pull the cord and it starts right up. The only motor that EVER stranded me was black and started with the letter "M".

Buy the Johnson. It won't need special tools to fix and most every part will be available. The only change to this advice would be if either had been run in salt water.

 

[Chrisravosa36]

They are all right, I have a 74' Loop charged and Im only a minor, with the help from Iboats and a manual ive been able to get this thing clean, and apart, no special tools. Id look at the johnson, parts are easier to get and the Merc would be 4 Cylinders, unlike the Johnson which has 3. So it would be less expensive if something happened.

 

[racerone]

????------Why are you saying that the Mercury would be a 4 cylinder motor ??

 

[flyingscott]

It's a horse apiece on the motors. There are a lot of NLA parts on both motors pick the best deal and the best runner. I am not a fan of that 3 cyl merc I have always thought they were kind of cranky and underpowered compared to the competition at the time. That being said a good running mercury is still a better motor than a bad running johnson you have to stick money into. And Vice Versa

 

[Chrisravosa36]

????------Why are you saying that the Mercury would be a 4 cylinder motor ??

I assumed it was, the 50hp that year was a 4 cylinder, I didnt know they made a 3 cylinder!

 

[clueless75]

It's truly up to you which motor you prefer. You will run into many people who believe Merc is better than Johnson, or that Johnson is better than a Merc, but really it all comes down to condition and price. Yes they're old motors, but as long as they were/are well maintained, you'll get out on the water just the same. Personally, I like Mercs better but that's probably just because I have 4 mercs and only one Johnson, and I've never really had the chance to try the Johnson so I'm not gonna let my personal opinion get in the way of your decision. It's up to you, as lots of people will convince you to lean one way or another. I have a 1971 merc 800 (80hp) and I haven't had a problem yet. Just maintain it well, and you'll have no problem regardless of one motor or the other. Both motors are just that: motors. They'll both get you out on the water, and both of them will give you a good time

 

[444]

I'd bring along the compression tester and buy which ever one checks out better.