TomCat Engine Question

J

jaber

New member
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
 
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
 
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.
 
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 :roll:

Lighter and hopefully quieter too!

Charlie
 
jaber":1gi8xk5s said:
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.
Click to expand...

We have Honda 90s on our 24' TC. My opinion - Honda is the most reliable engine available. Performance and other specs are pretty close for all the outboard manufacturers - differences of only a few percent. IF you go waay out, as we do sometimes, the reliability factor becomes more important.

Also, after 4 summers of use on the TomCat (almost 500 hours), we have had no need for customer service. My other boat, Arima SC with '98 Honda 90, also with around 500 hours, and also has not yet had any need for customer service.
 
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.
 
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
 
matt_unique":1x39gbmz said:
(Stuff clipped)

I don't know if the Honda comes with a timing chain or belt...I was not able to determine that.
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The Suzuki is indeed the only current one with a metal timing chain, the rest using fiber reinforced belts. The Johnson 4-strokes (now discontinued) were Suzukis, and would have also had a chain.

Belts like these are used in automotive applications as well and apparently do not fail or they couldn't be utilized.

Chain or belt? Probably a moot point!

I'd agree that the Suzuki is a good engine, as are all of them!

Joe.
 
Well thanks, I only had two choices to worry about, now I have to worry about 3! :D

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

Thanks again,

Chris
 
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
 
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.
 
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.
 
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
 
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
 
I am thinking that your manner of use would have a greater effect upon the carbon footprint than the choice of engine. Technology advancement in efficiency renders very efficient designs in all the major players of outboard manufacture.

As Dr. Bob has mentioned elsewhere, you generally are going to burn a certain gallonage of gas per horsepower per speed per boat shape, period. The larger displacement Suzuki 150's might give you very slightly less efficient low load economy, but the Honda 135-150 VTechs might give you slightly less efficiency at high loads. As above and as in many autos, your manner of piloting would have greater carbon footprint impact than buying a different brand name of similar sized (HP) engine.

When I was looking at Mercuries they were quite a bit heavier than either the Suzuki or Honda 150s, and that is a big deal on the aft end of a TomCat.

John
 
YAMAHA :) I have had Mercury & Honda. Yamaha first, if not available Honda. A cam chain & assorted guides, tensioners etc will wear lots faster & require more maintenance, that is why most have gone to Belts! :mrgreen: :beer
 
tsturm":13qtkp7y said:
YAMAHA :) I have had Mercury & Honda. Yamaha first, if not available Honda. A cam chain & assorted guides, tensioners etc will wear lots faster & require more maintenance, that is why most have gone to Belts! :mrgreen: :beer
Click to expand...

Tim, Ah -- another Yamaha owner! We are definitely in the minority, for some reason. I wanted Hondas but the Tom Cat dealer (Master Marine) made me a good deal on Yamahas, plus they don't stock them (could have gotten them, though.) So I decided to try them. Have been quite happy with them.

I have a question about your experience with these engines. I have two 150s and I know you have a 100, but maybe there is some commonality. What I have discovered is that if I run my engines over about 4000 RPM for a sustained period the temperature gauge goes up a couple of notches. On my Yamaha Command Link gauges, under sub-4000 operation, the temperature indicator is lined up with the pointers for oil and battery (I think that is what they are.) Running at faster speeds moves the temp indicator to about half-way between middle and maximum.

Do you see the same thing or does your motor remain at midpoint regardless of the RPM? Would be interested what the Honda and Suzuiki owners experiences are also.

Thanks,
Warren
 
Lori Ann":1tmko1a4 said:
tsturm":1tmko1a4 said:
YAMAHA :) I have had Mercury & Honda. Yamaha first, if not available Honda. A cam chain & assorted guides, tensioners etc will wear lots faster & require more maintenance, that is why most have gone to Belts! :mrgreen: :beer
Click to expand...

Tim, Ah -- another Yamaha owner! We are definitely in the minority, for some reason. I wanted Hondas but the Tom Cat dealer (Master Marine) made me a good deal on Yamahas, plus they don't stock them (could have gotten them, though.) So I decided to try them. Have been quite happy with them.

I have a question about your experience with these engines. I have two 150s and I know you have a 100, but maybe there is some commonality. What I have discovered is that if I run my engines over about 4000 RPM for a sustained period the temperature gauge goes up a couple of notches. On my Yamaha Command Link gauges, under sub-4000 operation, the temperature indicator is lined up with the pointers for oil and battery (I think that is what they are.) Running at faster speeds moves the temp indicator to about half-way between middle and maximum.

Do you see the same thing or does your motor remain at midpoint regardless of the RPM? Would be interested what the Honda and Suzuiki owners experiences are also.

Thanks,
Warren
Click to expand...

Heat definatly increases with load / RPM, but in my case 27 to 50deg water I hardly notice. :mrgreen: One thing I did notice switching from Honda to Yamaha is the Yamaha is one notch better / faster warming up during the winter (less carb icing) :wink:
This may have been addressed with FI in the newer yrs. Also the Yamaha F 100 (99) is far more corrision resistant than the 98, 90hp Honda. Maybe they fixed that too!! :mrgreen: :beer
 
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