Engine Opinions... Pro Xs vs. SHO vs. Suzuki SS4

[mike_t]

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.

[slonezp]

They're all fine motors.

[Jig Man]

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.

[GaryH]

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

 

 

 

[WRB]

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

Go with gut on this choice.

Tom

[Born 2 fish]

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.

[Shimano_1]

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. 

[InfantryMP]

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. 

[A-Jay]

This one's treated me right so far ~ 

A-Jay