of2fsh wrote: 60 Merc can't go wrong, no point in paying more than you have to just to own a Yamaha or Suzuki

not universally true. My 60 has had engine block wiring faults and a clapped out fuel injector - 2 years old 190 hours.

major hassle, first time involving Coastguard; second time basically a ruined fishing holiday. Trying to obtain a fuel injector between xmas and mid Jan is impossible.

but yes both mostly covered by warranty.

to be fair I have probably been unlucky. Most boat mechanics I have spoken to have said that the Merc F60 is super reliable. Its certainly very economical.

Joker wrote: of2fsh wrote: 60 Merc can't go wrong, no point in paying more than you have to just to own a Yamaha or Suzuki Second that, just clocked 200 hours in 20 months and its been faultless.

ive got a 4.85 with F60 yammy. good setup. go for the 70 if you think you will have 4 on board on any regular basis. i discounted the suzuki because it was another grand at the time of buying. tossed up between yammy and honda and just went with the yammy for no real reason. you should get a good deal at the boat show. where are you based? Brian at Kings Marine in Hamiton is now a Honda dealer and does good rates... 

Hi. Got an EFI pre big foot 60 HP Merc. 750hrs. Hasn't missed a beat. 20l Taka to Noiseys and back.

Interesting you dont turn motor off when drifting. So obviously a idleing motor dosent put fish off. Often wondered about. So much easier on battery to leave motor running.
One reason i like Honda. So quiet.

CEEBEE wrote: Just a summary....bought the Surtees 4.95 at the Boat show with the F60 Yamaha as the package discount for that engine was $4500 off the quote they gave me 2 months ago!! Also where I am shifting to at Papamoa there is Condor Marine for Yamaha servicing and top recommendations from a few contacts over there.

Recently bought a new 60hp Suzuki 4 stroke to replace my 50merc 2stroke. best engine ever for my stabi 459. Quiet, small, light. And ridiculously fuel efficient.