Japanese vs American outboards

mjsiega · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 9:32 pm Post subject: Japanese vs American outboards

I've always had Japanese outboards (Honda, Suzuki, Tohatsu, Yamaha) and was wondering if anyone had experience with the latest Mercury 4 stroke fuel injected outboards (50-100hp range) and how they compare to their Japanese counterparts Thanks again.

-Mark

thataway · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:02 pm Post subject:

Are Mercury outboards "American"? I have owned them made in Mexico, Belgium, Brazil, Japan, and I suspect a long time ago, America.

mjsiega · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 10:20 pm Post subject:

Who currently makes the Mercury 4 strokes???

Yellowstone · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:13 pm Post subject:

Mark - I suspect that there are many trade secrets right now - which translates into out board motors oarts being made in many countries.
My 1996 Honda 90 motor was made in Japan with the lower unit made in the USA by Mercury. My current 2005 Mercury 115 EFI has a Yamaha block and everything else is made in the USA by Mercury. (I think) John

Coastie Dory · Posted: Tue Nov 03, 2009 11:48 pm Post subject:

Current 4 stroke Mercurys are Tohatsu up to 30 hp. 40, 50, 60 are Mercury designs now made in China. (sad) 75 hp and higher are all Verado based (75, 90, 115 naturally aspirated without digital throttle and shift) and built in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. Opti Max 2 cycles are all built in Fon du Lac. Many of the sub assemblies and components come from Mexico and beyond. It is very difficult to find anything that is truly produced in one country anymore.

Hope this helps,

Randy

C-batical · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 10:39 am Post subject:

Mark,

I have a 50 HP Mercury 4 stroke EFI on my pontoon boat and have had a 30 HP Mercury 4 stroke EFI. Both motors have been and were trouble free. The Mercury's start instantly. The Honda's not as good. I live in Michigan and Mercury parts are more readily available. They generally are less expensive. I also have twin 40 HP Honda's on my 2004 C-Dory. The Honda's are carbureted and rather than chokes are fitted with fuel enrichment systems. From new, the Honda's engines were a bear to start when cold. Honda redesigned the enrichment valve and since my engines were updated with the new system most of the cold starting issues have been resolved. However, they still don't start as easy as my Mercurys. After I get the Honda's warmed up they run great. Both brands are very quiet. I believe the Honda's are about 35 lbs lighter per motor. This is consideration if you desire twins on your boat. In conclusion, I like both brands for their intended use. The Mercury works great on my pontoon boat. The Honda's primarily because they are lighter are a perfect fit on my 22-C-Dory. The new 2010 Honda's are EFI and I assume this has fixed the cold start issue. My only recommendation is to buy the brand that you can readily get parts and service in the area in which you live.

localboy · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 1:39 pm Post subject:

I remember reading that Suzuki outboards are built in Thailand. Confused

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 2:15 pm Post subject:

Depends on the model.

The 8 horse Yamaha's are built in France of all places....

breausaw · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:14 pm Post subject:

I don’t think there’s a major outboard manufacturing plant remaining in the good old US or A, is there?

Matt Gurnsey · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:35 pm Post subject:

The Evinrude 40-300's are built in the US in Wisconson.

The Evinrude 25/30 is built in a plant in China.

breausaw · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 3:48 pm Post subject:

That's good to hear, I may be supporting them in a few years.

Spike · Posted: Wed Nov 04, 2009 9:14 pm Post subject:

Mark I have a 07 90hp Merc EFI 4 stroke on my 22' Crusier. Runs like a champ. Now I heard that prior to 06 Merc 4 stroke power heads in that hp range were made by Yamaha. Dont know if it is fact though. But never the less I like mine. And the gloss black looks good to boot.
Chuck
Bootleg Hooch

Levitation · Posted: Thu Nov 05, 2009 10:40 am Post subject:

I am a fanatical "Buy American or your job will go overseas with your money"...
Unfortunately, the USA manufacturers are not supporting their customers and the so called american goods are increasingly being made overseas... You really have to do your homework...
Recently I did call both Mercury and Evinrude to find out exactly which motors and which bottom ends are made here - this was last summer when I was going to buy a new C-Dory until I found out the factory was kaput and I dropped the idea...
As Matt pointed out succinctly, only the big Evinrudes are currently still made in the USA...
When I questioned the one customer support lady why I should buy a foreign made product under an american name she got defensive, stating they were in charge of the quality control at the china plant and the product from china was the same quality as the Wisconsin engine had been...
When I quietly asked her how long before HER job would be sent out to a chinese person, she had nothing to say...

denny-o