2 Stoke Outboards

[Brambles]

Hi,

I would be grateful for any feedback on this one.

The choice is between a new Evenrude 250 or Merc Opti 225 on an 8.1m rib (yes I know...)

Our only benchmark is a four stroke 225 which has got to go. I guess that performance will be the same, or better, but what about reliability & also any idea of what fuel consumption we could expect? The boat is well used, in most sea conditions, so reliability is very important.

Any comments/opinions would be welcomed.

Cheers.

 

[Jon]

well,

Unless Evenrude have lost their reputation of old id definately go for the Merc Opti.

Fuel consumption?

If you got to ask, its gonna be more than you want to pay.

 

[Brambles]

well,

Unless Evenrude have lost their reputation of old id definately go for the Merc Opti.

The Evinrude dealers have said that the new models are less complex and more reliable than the Mercs. Now they would say that which is why I'm asking here if anyone has first hand experience.

Fuel consumption?

If you got to ask, its gonna be more than you want to pay.

Fair point, but the old engine has been taken back by the manufacturer. The boat builder has offered either of the 2 strokes as a replacement and I am trying to work out if it is a good deal.

 

[Jon]

Hi Bramble,

Cant help on the fuel consumption question but im sure that someone else on here can.

 

[Tony Davis]

The yard your boat is in is an Evinrude dealer/engineer. Always handy to have a service centre on site!

 

[Brambles]

The yard your boat is in is an Evinrude dealer/engineer. Always handy to have a service centre on site!

Hi Tony,

Yes that is a plus point. It would be good to know how often their services will be required though....

 

[Jon Fuller]

I think I personally would go for the Merc, if nothing else, resale would likely be greater.

 

[Brambles]

I think I personally would go for the Merc, if nothing else, resale would likely be greater.

I think I would have to agree with this. The brand seems to be much stronger & like you say that has got to help at sale time.

But, the Evenrude has an extra 25hp & you can never have enough of those.

Cheers.

 

[chris]

i mate of mine has 2 evenrudes on a rib , new this season, port one overheated , water ways blocked with metal,starboard one blew up after 15 hours , gave him new power head , then the other one blew , they have now offered replacement engines, id want me money back and go for mercs!

 

[glen76]

isnt a 225 rude sposed to have some obscene amount more power o/p than stated. so would the 250 do the same?? tony was that you that told me that?

 

[Cookee]

I vote for the Merc - you're right about having a 'rude dealer on site - I reckon you'll need one - a lot!

 

[Brambles]

Thanks for all your input guys.

We have had a lot of negative feedback on Mercury engines as well, but curiously all by word of mouth rather than on forums, including a man in Scandinavia who has had two Verados expire on him.

The decision will be made by Martin, who owns the boat, but it will not be easy. He thought that buying a Honda would give him peace of mind. But a five year warranty counts for nothing if you are out at sea and the engine breaks down.

The only conclusion we can come to is that with power boats you are only ever a few hours away from an engine problem!

Cheers.

 

[Silversurfer]

Having used a varity of makes of engines my personal experience is Yamaha, Suzuki, Tohatsu have caused me NO problems what so ever start every time first time. Had great troubles with a 50 HP Mercury (10 years ago) maybe it was just a lemon? Mariner had a few minor troubles but nothing serious 40HP,60HP and 75HP). Evinrude 9.9 and 40HP lots of problems. Bigger Mercurys (XR2) no trouble so far but as all the racers use them they have that extra cool factor and you would live with it if it did go wrong!

 

[Silversurfer]

I guess not very but it sounds great.

 

[Cookee]

I guess not very but it sounds great.

Yup

 

[Cyco]

Merc or rude

Why not ask Nico Bertel (Bernico) as he is a Merc & Evenrude dealer and will give you an honest answer.

Cyco

 

[Brambles]

Decision made

After much deliberation an Evinrude 250 Etec is on its way. Apparently it will be the first customer engine in the UK, so lets hope its a good un!

Evinrude appear to have got the quality issues sorted with this new line of engines. Time will tell.

It weighs about 40kgs less than the 'onda did & with the extra 25 horses the boat should be a real hooligans tool when she is back on the water. Most excellent

 

[Jon Fuller]

Cool!

 

[Captain Chaos]

Re: Merc or rude

Why not ask Nico Bertel (Bernico) as he is a Merc & Evenrude dealer and will give you an honest answer.

Cyco

and his ex boat (Barry Clapsoms "Tranquilizer") has got a 225HO and it goes like stink!

mind you it may have more than the not stated HP!

 

[Mark Wildey]

Brambles

Neil, from the Boat Park, is in Spain at the moment looking at the new rudes. Give him a call next week and see what he thinks.

Mark