ckeck

Thanks guys -- will definitely have to consider the dealer attitude towards the outboard brand and how well it can be serviced. Unfortunate that this has to impact the decision. @Minnow: Glad to hear it's working well on your RT188! I did some further research on the (newer 2014+) Mercury 115 4-strokes and the reviews are pretty favorable there too. I'm in South Texas so no need to winterize in the first place luckily, but lower maintenance hassle is still a big perk. The Evinrude looks the best too...especially on the Charcoal RT188 color scheme I was mostly set on...d**n.

I've been considering picking up an RT188 and getting back into fishing after about a 10 year hiatus. I'm planning to wait for a 2016 model as I'd like to keep saving and pay cash if possible and I heard the Ranger boat show or something is next month, so we'll see. My question is about the outboard motor choices since you can equip with several. Maybe I haven't done enough research but the Evinrude 115DGL was seemingly a good choice and I came across some favorable reviews. I know every brand has their problems here and there but when I reached out to a dealer they told me they wouldn't order with an Evinrude. I kept pushing and they relented and said they could one-off order it but that they would never stock one that way. Said they are a Yamaha/Mercury/Suzuki dealer and Evinrude "isn't what it used to be". So, what are your thoughts here? I'm sure they have their reasons whatever it may be (troubles with product or better incentives to sell others, who knows), but I can't tell, so I'd like a second opinion so to speak. Ranger seems fond of the Evinrude outboards. Should I be concerned? Thanks in advance!