Outboard Advice

[Pross]

I'm possibly going shares on a sports inflatable next year (Zodiac or similar) which won't be used for fishing other than maybe some close in bassing etc. to get at areas I can't reach from land but will be used for leisure boating within sheltered bays and inlets / estuaries. When we looked at a boat at the weekend the engine the salesman recommended was a 4 stroke 15hp (the boat is rated up to 25hp) and we were quoted for a Johnson engine as they were Johnson dealers. My question is what make of outboard would you recommend I buy? Now I know this is probably like asking someone what rod or reel to go for and that one person will say Suzuki is good but avoid Mercury while someone else will say Mercury are the best but I wouldn't touch Suzuki with a bargepole but hopefully I can get a consensus. Also, if anyone has experience of v hulled inflatables and can recommend a brand it would be useful. I've looked at Zodiac so far as I know they have a good reputation and are used by lifeboats and armed forces but if anyone knows an alternative barnd that are as good (or better?) and which are less expensive I could be tempted.

[tommy a]

We have a Mercury Bigfoot and touch wood have not had a problem for ages. Mind you before this I would swear by, and still would , with the Mariner - bloomin excellent outboards - never let you down !!!!

[Woodsman]

Mariner outboards are the same as last years Mercuries. Same owners of both companies.

[Steviecops]

All the new outboards are good. In my opinion, the new Johnson/Evinrude E-Tech's are the engine to beat right now.

If you are looking at an older engine, I find the OMC's, (Johnson/Evinrude), are very good. If looked after they will last forever and there are many from the 50's and 60's still running!

[ChrisP]

I go for Merc Mariner all the time because I have found them so reliable but have just had a RIB made for my son at Menai Marine, I had a demo in a Merc 4 stroke equipped rib and then on a like for like Suzuki 4 stroke equipped, both on speed and MPG the Suzuki won hands down. The rib is also really well built, IMHO better than a Zodiac. Changed my mind about Suzuki but have not had it long enough to have any grief with it yet so watch this space.

[John Marshall]

Hi Pross,
I build ribs and we only fit Honda or Yamaha, as they never give any problems for the aftersales team.

[Pross]

Thanks everyone. I'm looking now at a Honda inflatable and outboard package and hope to get it before next summer.