I was thinking about OB's that I (or family) has owned (we seem to be stuck in the 70's / 80's) and realized that there are some particular models that I just don't like, even though I have no particular bias against the manufacturer...<br /><br />For example, I don't think I'd ever buy an old Merc 40 hp (402 model series)... When I was a kid, my uncle had one and when it did run OK, it was barely up to the task being asked of it (pushing a 15' fiberglass). True the rig was underpowered by my standards now, but I remember it taking a long plow (minutes) before we'd get on plane. Also, as a kid I remember it seeming that those motors often seemed to have a hard time pulling up anybody, even on 2 ski's. So, in my mind anyway, I think "sucked out" when I think of them... In contrast we had a 15' glass trihull with 40 evinrude 'ski twin' and as kids we basically ski'd the motor to death (it would pull doubles etc). Eventually upgraded to a brand new ~81 60hp Johnson. (2 cylinder) at the time it seemed FAST!<br /><br />The 70's or 80's versions of Merc 65/70 hp seemed to often be doggy to me (although we never had one)... I wonder now whether that's because the 3 cyl 70 hp OMC's were so strong in comparison (?). I've also wondered wether Merc dealers in these parts maybe had a tendancy to under power the rigs they sold, thereby giving Merc an undeservered black eye with poor performing package deals (?).<br /><br />Don't read this as merc bashing (I have a V6 150... had it for about 15 years great motor!). I've also had 9.8 hp in the past (also great)... I've never owned a 50 hp (4cyl) merc or the 80 hp (4 cyl) variety (70's-80's vintage) but those both have always seemed like strong runners to me, and I wouldn't mind owning either.<br /><br />All my current "putt putt" sized motors (70's -80's era up to 15 hp) are OMC. I don't really have a strong preference for OMC in motors this size, (I like mine, but see nothing wrong with similar mercs/yamahas etc) but it is nice to have the tanks/hoses be compatible. So, when I look for a 20-30hp to put on my alumunim 16', my first choice would be OMC.<br /><br />Anyway, I was just wondering whether there was any concensus about what are considered the "least desirable" models from any particular manufacturers? Or maybe a bad experience with one particular motor has turned you off that model for good?<br /><br />Thoughts?<br /><br />Brent
