TomCat Engine Question

[jaber]

Mercury Verado or Honda engines (2x150HP)?

I know Mecury vs Honda is often a question that is similar to asking about religion or politics, but I am truly interested in the general feel of some TomCat (or other!) owners.

The Mecury engine seems to be a 'bit' better on the actual performance and specs, plus everyone that has a mecury seems to really speak highly of the customer service.

Thoughts?

Thanks!

Chris

[drjohn71a]

I've read articles about the increased manufacturing reliability in the Mercury, but I think someone on here posted the actual weights of the new Mercury engines and my memory tells me they are very much heavier than the Hondas.

The Suzui's have good records also on the TomCats. Whatever brand, you sure want the minimum weight per horsepower and I think that is the Mercury's weak point.

As far as the actual engines, more ppl use Mercury around here than any other brand, so it's not like it's an Edsel.

John

[Alok]

Don't count out Suzukis if the price is right...a number of us have had good luck with Suzuki 150s. Of course, you need to have a place to service them close by.

[Captains Cat]

I've got Suzi 115's on my TC255 and at 40 knots, it pushes me as fast as I care to go at better mpg than a bigger engine....I think

Lighter and hopefully quieter too!

Charlie

[Wefings]

BTW,FYI, Suzuki now has counter rotating 115s for 2008 .
Marc

[Forty Two]

[matt_unique]

I recently went through the same decision making process. Based on my research, Suzuki and Honda were the best of the lot. I would choose one of these brands based on your ability to get local service done.

Upon closer inspection, the Suzuki 150 was lightest (474 lbs), had the highest displacement (174 ci), and comes with a timing chain. The Honda 150 offers a 144 ci engine and weighs 478 lbs. I don't know if the Honda comes with a timing chain or belt...I was not able to determine that. I was sold on the displacement, timing chain, and weight to power ratio. Mine also come with a 6 year warranty. I love Honda products though and based on my research they have an excellent record. I don't know what warranty they offer.

[Wefings]

There is a very noticable performance advantage with the Suzuki . Their gearing advantage allows them to swing big diameter 16" props which contribute to "bite" and control as well as better utilize the torque curve available with the 4 stroke design.Lower ratio means Bigger dia. prop,more Deg. of pitch=turning slower,slipping less. It works !!
Marc
BTW both brands as well as most of the others are very reliable these days .
Marc

[Sea Wolf]

[jaber]

Well thanks, I only had two choices to worry about, now I have to worry about 3!

I do appreciate all the info. Would have never looked at Suzukis.

Thanks again,

Chris

[drjohn71a]

I wouldn't make the type of timing chain the deciding factor in engine choice. All timing mechanisms need routine maintenance. I like my Hondas and those with the Suzukis are happy with the larger props,etc.. Both Suzuki and Honda dealers are scarce around here.

John

[thataway]

My choice of Suzuki is based on actual sea trials in the Tom Cat 255. Larger displament, means more torque and faster acelleration when you need it in working waves. Agree with Marc, about the props. If the Honda 130 gives out on the CD 25, I'll repalace it with a 175 Suzuki in a heart beat. I wouldn't worry about the location of service--they have a tremendous service record--and the 140's (similar engines) have very long (many thousands of hours) use by CG and commercial operators.

[Bad Boy]

I put a pair of counter-rotating 150hp Mercury Verdos on my 2008 Tomcat. It is unbelievable. My dealer took me on the sea trial and he was impressed as well. He was formerly a Honda guy. All four strokes are quiet a idle, but the Verados are unbelievably quiet at cruising speed.

[B~C]

I would carefully study which engine had the smallest carbon footprint, paying close attention to not just the fuel consumption and emmissions, but also how the manufacturing process impacts the enviroment. After intensively studying the social responsibility of each manufacturer.....I'd get which ever one I got the best damn deal on those verados are sure quiet and smooth, the electronic controls are awsome

[Wefings]

I remember when a carbon footprint was when you accidentaly walked through the campfire pit on the way the campsite bahroom in the morning....................
Marc