I am in the market for a new or used 9.9 to 15HP 2 stroke short shaft tiller motor for my 14' boat.

One of my local dealers has a left over new in the box 2005 / 2006 Johnson 9.9

2-stroke for $1699 including the fuel tank and a 2 year warranty.

Is that a good price?  The motor was made by Bombardier(white).  How are Johnson motors from this era, good power/reliability?

I also have a chance to get a low hours 1997 Mercury 9.9 for $900.

I was leaning towards a Merc or Yamaha, but the Johnson is a nice motor.

Any thoughts?

Thanks

HW    

I have a 2000 Johnson 15  I picked up slightly used 4 years ago. Has never given me any problems. Starts every time first pull.

Don't want to talk you out of one of the others but my experence with the Johnson could not be better.

I personally would save the money and go for the merc.  From what I know they are both trustworthy brands.  I have a 25 yr. old Johnson.  It runs great and starts very easy.

I have had a 71' Merc 20hp, 83' Evinrude 15, and 06' Johnson 9.9hp.  I like the Evinrude the best.  Parts are cheap and easy to find.  That is if you need to find them.  Runs strong and is reliable.  The Merc. was a good motor.  Ran very strong for a 20hp.  The only gripe I had with the Merc, were the parts.  Pretty expensive!  The Johnson (made by Bombardier), well its a Johnson.  Good motor, runs well and to this point is reliable.  Can be finicky to start at times.  It is a four stroke and quite.

Good Luck!

I am going with a 2 stroke.  I was really leaning towards the merc, I have to do some more research.  However, the Johnson has a warranty and the fact that it is new.  

Going to buy something in the spring after tax time.  

Thats a fair price but not super great...I'd see if he'll come done a hundred or at least eat the taxes. I have a 05 25hp Johnson myself...runs good and is very simple.