I'm researching outboards for an xpress aluminum boat bass boat. In your opinion, which brand makes the best 70hp 4 stroke outboards? Of course speed and power are a large concern, but I'm just as much concerned about reliability, maintenance, and costumer service issues.

Isn't Xpress now paired up with Yammie?

yamaha is at the top of my list

Mercury!

Yamaha! 

The 70hp Yamaha is a beast.

The best one is the one that matches the steering cables that are on the boat thus saving you a lot of bones by not having to have them changed out.

Yamaha!

I have the 70 hp Yamaha 4 stroke and it is fantastic.  It starts in microseconds, and runs flawlessly.  I have it on a G3

Angler 172 aluminum boat.  My top end is only about 38 mph, but you wouldn't expect much more than that on a boat

like this.  The boat itself is 1500 lbs, far more than most bass boats.  The yamaha is a perfect match.

My only complaint is it doesn't use enough fuel.  I start out with a half tank and hope to get it down to less than 1/8 of

a tank by fall.  I fish a lot being retired, and my onboard tank is 32 gallons.  It is rediculous how miserly this engine is

and how quiet.  My buddy has a Honda, and can't get over how quiet mine is than his.

i would be comparing and researching honda,yamaha, and suzuki. those are the only 3 i would think of placing on my boat.

i would be comparing and researching honda,yamaha, and suzuki. those are the only 3 i would think of placing on my boat.

X2 In that order..If I money is right go with honda! Stay away from mercury