What are your guys' thoughts on current available outboards for bass boats? I am a merc guy by heart my first boat had one but that was years ago, but I hear that they aren't reliable in the long run. My local dealer is trying to sell me on a suzuki 200ss4/yamaha 200 SHO to pair with my vexus avx2080. I understand that reliability is key, but i want max performance. What should I do? Stick with merc and get max performance, get a yamaha and get japanese quality/performance, or get suzuki and get guaranteed turn key and start, with a mid-performance hit? Thanks.

They're all fine motors.

That depends on where you are located and where you fish.  Around here most every shop can work on Mercs, many on Yammys and few if any on Suzukis.

Chevy, Ford, Dodge.. personal preference. Yamaha is my favorite. But I wouldn’t hesitate to get a Merc.

 

 

 

Service is a big issue with knowledgeable technicians, warranty and parts availability.

Go with gut on this choice.

Tom

I’m going to be buying a new to me boat sometime soon. I really want a Honda or a Suzuki but will be happy with any motor. My last Mercury 150 4 stroke was flawless for the 6 years I ran it.

I have no experience with Yamaha or Suzuki but my new(2019) pro xs 4 stroke has been wonderful so far as was my last pro xs 250(09). I'd venture to say any of them should serve you well if taken care of properly. 

I agree with the service locations. If you have to travel far for services I would consider a different option. 

 

I am not sure I agree with Mercs not lasting long, but I guess that can be subjective to what long means to you. When I look at the pro level. I see a ton of Mercs, and I also see a ton of Yamahas. I would not hesitate to have a Merc on any boat that I own in the future. 

This one's treated me right so far ~ 

A-Jay