Not sure if it’s the same in your area but there are fall and spring boat shows in the south. Some actually on the water so test rides are possible. Most manufacturers have “boat show” prices that are discounted as well as better financing deals (if needed). Usually insurance companies are there with “boat show” discounts on policies as well as Sea Tow or Tow Boat US also. That sucks about the dealer holding your down payment but if that’s the way they operate you may be dodging problems after the purchase anyway. Lund makes a really nice aluminum hull. I don’t think you can go wrong there. What are the most common styles and manufacturers on your body of water? Perhaps a couple of Saturdays at the boat launch to watch, learn, and chat up the owners may help with your purchase decision.
Bought new boat - what engine to get with it?
- Thread starter wallyuwl
- Start date
They lied. Yamaha and Mercury have a 3-year warranty.
And the poster said Yamaha had a promotion till Labor Day, and you got a additional 2 years for a total of 5 on Yamaha. Back in ‘15 when I got my Mercury it was 3 years and they had a promotion at the time for a additional 2. I never used any of it.
Out of 7 Yamaha’s, 4 Johnson’s(OMC)and 2 Mercury’s, I used warranty exactly 1 time. That was on a 1995 Johnson Fast Strike 150 that the VRO oil/ fuel mixer had a crack and was leaking fuel. (Plastic housing).
I'm in 100% salt water and Yamaha dominates the outboard market here. Family sized boats pull up to natural sand bars here and 90% of them will have Yamahas hanging off the back.
We have boat shows in Milwaukee and Green Bay in Feb or March. I would go to GB. Unfortunately none offer demos. However, a local dealer has a 2021 used Crossover XS that I can demo now.
Prices right now at end of season are slightly better, but also are 2023 models and I would only use it through Sept but be paying all winter in year 1. Maybe prices will be even better in December on 2023.
Around here the popular boats are Lund, Alumacraft, Crestliner, Triton, and maybe could throw in Ranger or Tracker.
I am looking at Lund, Alumacraft (full length double thick hull, Lund is just bow), or fiberglass Triton. Not sure about aluminum yet and leaking and handling waves.
Last edited:
Yamaha is king not even a question. Way better warranty and support than Suzuki. Now Suzuki makes great engines but there’s no disputing Yamaha.
You are reporting info regarding engines made 20 years ago. All true for that era. Not really pertaining to today’s marine engines.
Is their any guide that puts out "frequency of repair" for outboards like Consumer Reports puts out for cars? I own a VP I/O but when I look at outboards with their cover off at the marina it looks like everything is crammed together under the cover. Not easy for the shade tree mechanic to work on.
Get the motor with the best factory service center near you
So Wally. Did you buy that boat and motor? This thread got reactivated.
I truly get a kick out of Botoggers who complain that all the manufacturing is outsourced from outside of the USA. Apparently, from this thread’s info, you can buy a Mercury outboard made in the USA. What’s the problem? It should be an easy decision if a person was a patriot.
Last edited:
Some people love Mercury.
What happened to all Mercury outboards being black?
I believe white came out 5 years ago plus Mercury sells accent panels in about 5 colours.
Those 2 out boards are worth more than I am.
And yet some boats have 3 or 4 of those outboards.
A couple have SIX! Here's one with six 600HP Mercs:
