Top Outboard Motors to avoid and WHY

[@mercman2.5]

Just completely remanufactured a pair of opti’s, biggest issue is poor maintenance, and marina thieves. I have owned mercs for 48 years, and no issues, enjoy your vids!!

[@OutboardDad]

@@mercman2.5 Thank you!

[@bill-qv3er]

I have a 1998 200 OptiMax that I got new on my 1997 BassCat and it has run with very few issues in the 26 years I have owned it. I am a stickler on maintaining it and I think that is the key. It runs as good as the day I bought it.

[@OutboardDad]

@@bill-qv3er You’re speaking my language!

[@lermancurry9651]

I got one of the second batch on your list, thankfully my 03 Yamaha F225 hasn't had the dreaded corrosion issues reported by so many other mechanics and owners.. but then again I've never had any corrosion issues with any of my marine engines and I think my Father and Brother in Law are to thank for making me develop the habit of flushing my engines after every use.. and a dash of Joy dish soap in the mix might have helped as well?!?

[@OutboardDad]

@@lermancurry9651 Agreed! Thanks for sharing

[@danramzinski2957]

Ran a 83 Evinrude 175 cross flow for 39 years. Very reliable. Was still running great when I sold it. Always did maintenance on it every spring

[@OutboardDad]

@@danramzinski2957 Awesome! Thanks for the input!

[@sherinewade]

Such great tips, Keith. It's great that you shares disclaimers and cautions about particular brand names, and at the same time, you are still letting the audience know if they still want to purchase, they can, but be careful. Yes, I'm realizing just like a car, motorcycle, machines, etc... take that boat out for a test run. I like that saying the person said to you. If something new comes out, he'll allow a few years to go by in order to see how things go. Lol. That can apply to many things in life. Great video as always, Keith!

[@OutboardDad]

@@sherinewade Thank you!

[@MexicoPescadoro]

I'd like to hear your opinion on the legendary OMC JonnyRude Crossflow. I just rebuilt a 1980 Evinrude 140cv. I had a 1995 Evinrude 90cv that ate a ring (or two) lol and I finally had to break down and pull the powerhead. The 79'-98' v4 crossflows were all the same. 100ci. I found a donor motor on FB and got the whole motor for $400. Tore the powerhead down, measured the cylinders (surprisingly in spec) and rebuilt it. I used the 1995 electronics and ignition. 1980 bypass covers for the recirculation system and the 1980 carbs because they had the large bore 1 5/16 with 67c jets. I had to do that because of the bubbleback exhaust. It's basically a 1995 115cv because as you know the horsepower rating changed in the late 80's. Only time will tell how fuel mileage differs. Kind of wish I would have used the flatback exhaust and 90cv carbs. Better fuel consumption. It's a center console fishing boat. I doubt I'll ever get the benefit of the extra 15 horsepower because it's up top at like 5800rpm.

[@OutboardDad]

@@MexicoPescadoro Yes I love those motors! My first was a 79 Johnson 85 hp ran for 22 yrs

[@CAN43725]

I have a 2004 Yamaha 150 4 stroke. Sorry it made the list. It has been an awesome motor and I use it several times a week during the summer months running it hard fishing tournaments. Only problem I have had was the harmonic balancer started to make noise, and I replaced it with a newer version with an updated oil tower 10 years ago. No corrosion issues and I bought it new.

[@OutboardDad]

@@CAN43725 Awesone! Thanks for the comment

[@russianbotstein1422]

The f150 Yamaha's didn't have the same corrosion issues as the bigger 6 cylinder 4 strokes. F150 has one Achilles heel and it was the balancer. You can delete it altogether or replace it with a newer version.

[@CAN43725]

@@russianbotstein1422 Harmonic Balancer was only a problem on earlier models. The Yamaha F150 is arguably the most reliable motor you can buy.

[@OutboardDad]

@@russianbotstein1422 Yes that was an issue and need to pull the power head to replace. Not a bad job if there is not much corrosion but the Marina will charge a few bucks to get it done

[@CAN43725]

@@OutboardDad You do not have to pull the power head to replace the harmonic balancer. I did mine in 3 hours max. just because it was first time for me. I could do it in 2 hours or less next time. Very easy to replace.

[@ct1762]

the 1st 18 months of production was a nightmare for OMC and it's FICHT motors, but they wanted ALL those 60 degree powerheads shipped back to the factory for updated ones. all the things you listed had been largely corrected after this. too bad though as it really damaged their reputation. The FORCE motors under Mercury were excellent motors as by 1996 they had merc mids, gearcases, trim and ignitions. only ran until 1999, but the last of the bunch were smooth, quite and easy to work on. I believe Merc did piston and bearing updates as well on most. the 3 cyl merc made 25hp (sold as a Force) is rare, but at only 92lbs, was an absolute rocket! One brand i would say stay away from is any Suzuki DT 2 strokes... not because they weren't excellent motors, because they were, but because parts are not available, people are clueless as to how the simple and reliable oil injection works, and how the sensors work on the digital ignitions. any one of those ignition parts will cost an arm and a leg, and like Yamaha had teething issues throughout. I love the DTV6 motors.... rebuilding a 1986 super six with the dual plug heads as I write this, but not for the weekend mechanic thats for sure!

[@OutboardDad]

@@ct1762 Thank you! Great insight here, I will have to do a follow up video with your comment

[@CAN43725]

I had an early 1980's Force 85hp strapped to a Bayliner boat. I can vouch for it being junk. Later years might be ok, but not early years. Nothing but problems and it idled like a Harley, ok for a motorcycle, not so much for a pleasure boat.

[@OutboardDad]

@@CAN43725 Thanks Dude

[@motorv8N]

Thanks for this list. I can picture all these motors over the years. I have an 04 90 Yamaha 4 stroke. It’s a freshwater motor but I’d love to know exactly where the corrosion occurs so I can check. It’s a fantastic running machine otherwise.

[@OutboardDad]

@@motorv8N So you can pull the lower unit and scope the mid section and see if it’s corroded. There are theories that the only time they failed was when they were over propped and had hotter exhaust that actually started melting the aluminum or bringing it too a high temp causing more corrosion.

[@markbitcon5701]

Had a 2004 Mariner 115 Optimax and couldn't fault it . Loved to be run hard and excellent fuel economy .

[@josemariatrueba4568]

I agree. Great video, as always! One suggestion... Could you increase the microphone gain or speak closer to it? I can hear you alright, but only if I play your videos at full volume.

[@OutboardDad]

@@josemariatrueba4568 Yes I am working on that, going to GoPro

[@volunteermaupi4809]

the first generation VRO from OMC took out allot of connecting rod bearings

[@OutboardDad]

@@volunteermaupi4809 Indeed, and OMC did not have a fix, just kept sending out faulty pumps

[@rceme74]

As an Certified Optimax Technician, the Optimax was the best engineered unit Mercury ever built. Problem, people who want a thoroughbred , but don't want to pay to maintain the unit. I have several motors well over 1000 hours and still working well. I find most of your information is directed to DYI, mechanics. Take them to your dealer for best service and longevity.

[@OutboardDad]

@@rceme74 Thanks for the input!

[@khalidalbagdadymd4081]

thanks for this. Now considering repower with brand new BF250 Honda, any feedback on this outboard? thanks again.

[@OutboardDad]

@@khalidalbagdadymd4081 Hey man, I know 2 guys that have those and love them!

[@hugoglenn9741]

I had a BF200 same as BF225 from 2002. Great motor. Honda claim some wire harness recall so that’s covered, however, mine actually had a problem with small box that contained solenoids for kill switch (fuel pump, fuel injection, ignition cutoff). Bad solder joints during manufacturing caused smoking in the box. Was a $57 part back in the day and might have been the initial run. Maybe harness issue was overrated. Later claims of water backing up through the exhaust causing corrosion. Otherwise Honda motors are great motors cuz Coast Guard uses them and usually required to buy American products, but must of had a waiver because American outboards couldn’t make contract requirements. The downside to Honda are the Carb models. My BF25 had 3 carbs and they then to get hairline cracks in the jet tubes. Lots of maintenance to repair. Also, cuz they use multiple carbs each carb puts out lower HP and has very small idle jets. They tend to clog very easily with ethanol gas and humidity if not run constantly

[@OutboardDad]

@@hugoglenn9741 Hey man, great info for the Honda owners here!

[@bobcaygeon975]

A Force o/b left me stranded in the middle of a raging river in Upstate NY. Fortunately a guy with a 30ft Searay was able to tow me. Same boat threw a starter solenoid in a remote Ontario Lake. Sold it soon after.

[@OutboardDad]

@@bobcaygeon975 Wow, Nothing like having no power on the moving water!

[@johnlaird9157]

Could I get some information on a 2015 tohatsu bft250a 250 horse, four stroke corrosion problems in the block

[@OutboardDad]

@@johnlaird9157 sure send me an email [e-mail]

[@johngranato2673]

Didn't Force buy the Chrysler Outboard Division decades ago?

[@OutboardDad]

@@johngranato2673 From what I understand they had a portion and Mercury had the majority and sold some under the force name

[@johngranato2673]

@@OutboardDad I remember that the engine looked the same as the Chrysler except for paint and logos

[@Ray-hj5cc]

Hi Keith, how do I go about getting one of those books you offered, Thanks!

[@OutboardDad]

@@Ray-hj5cc Thanks just email me [e-mail]

[@leoscomputerandguitarrevie978]

I think any motors earlier than the 1970s should be avoided at all costs. I have a 1963 Montgomery ward 6 HP that has the Chrysler parts and I cannot find parts for it anywhere. I bought the motor on a boat 6 years ago and the previous owner said that he had replaced the impeller back in 2016. Today in 2024, the impeller still works, and i pulled the lower unit to look at it, and the impeller still looks ok, but the rubber wings are weak. It still pumps water but has to be at high idle minimum. Low idle, no water moves at all. It also backfires at time's even when the carb is properly adjusted. Compression is at 65 psi so im thinking that the motor doesnt have much time left anyway. No marine shop in my area is interested in working on it, so probably will run it till it dies. Also had a 1955 johnson that ran great till the lower unit seized up. A seal went bad and water got up into the lower unit with the oil. Also couldn't find parts anywhere, but the impeller was still in great shape. Motor had a lot of backfiring but its a result of one of the cylinders having 50 psi and the other had 75 psi. If i buy a used motor, probably wont go any older than early 90s. I really like the older Mercurys. Although its really nice to see some outboards last 50+ years. Especially if the maintenance is done. I bought a Hangkai 6 HP outboard on ebay. Cheap motor, but im curious to see how long it lasts.

[@AbbyNormalGarage]

At least he didn’t say Mercury tower of power or johnrude Xflow v4

[@OutboardDad]

@@AbbyNormalGarage Love those motors!

[@shawnwalsh5430]

The Tower of Power! Yes....

[@vandos11]

Tower of power forever

[@mcplutt]

Volvo Penta bought Seven Marine in 2017 and put them out of business in 2020.

[@OutboardDad]

@@mcplutt Good to know

[@bobmcglothlin1562]

How do I go about getting one of your books Sir?

[@OutboardDad]

@@bobmcglothlin1562 Email me at [e-mail]

[@wayne558]

My 97 Mercury 175 EFI ran perfect yesterday at the lake (fishing). Glad my outboard didn't make 'The List' ! Thanks for the info.

[@OutboardDad]

@@wayne558 your very welcome!

[@OutboardDad]

@@wayne558 Nice!

[@bobmcglothlin1562]

What brand of motor do you recommend?

[@OutboardDad]

@@bobmcglothlin1562 That’s a trick question. As long as the motor has been properly maintained and all checks out following the guide most motors are fine. If I was looking for two stroke older motors I like yamaha because of their oil injection system.

[@rogerjackson333]

Obviously never owned FiCHT .. some of the most reliable motors I’ve ever owned.. Take it over an Opti-Bomb any day

[@OutboardDad]

@@rogerjackson333 LOl! Thanks for the feedback!

[@wolflitzer1230]

The 6cly Optimax is the one to avoid. The 3cly are about as bulletproof as you're gonna get.

[@jeffberner3102]

What is the Yamaha mix section

[@OutboardDad]

@@jeffberner3102 Sorry if I confused you, did I mean mid section?

[@jeffberner3102]

@ yes you were right I spelled wrong, 2008yamaha 90, free reving from 5000-6500 any thoughts, lower end sat in water 2 years, used 2 summers and now I have this? I did service the lower and rechecked and oil looks great, and a new prop , about to do water pump, is there anything I should look for? Thanks again

[@OutboardDad]

@ Best to talk, email me your number and a good time with your time zone [e-mail]

[@tiemanmalcolm]

Where can I get a copy of that book please?

[@tiemanmalcolm]

I just subscribed 😊

[@OutboardDad]

@@tiemanmalcolm Just email me [e-mail] and I will send it to you in a pdf. Thanks for subscribing!

[@Lazybones52]

My 1994 mercury 200 offshore is still screaming also but inhales gas

[@OutboardDad]

@@Lazybones52 Yes the suck it down!

[@williamestep4103]

Tohatsu ?

[@OutboardDad]

@@williamestep4103 Good point, only worked in a few and all ran well. Will have to do a follow up video

[@frankschannel2642]

I have a 1999 Evinrude 115hp FICHT. 25 year old motor and "it runs like a raped ape" as a friend of mine said. NEVER had a lick of problems with it. Not ONE. My 115hp is a 4 cylinder, sips fuel, and is light and powerful as hell. The FICHT motors that had problems were almost EXCLUSIVELY 6 cylinder!!! Very BAD info to throw them all into one basket and condemn!!!

[@OutboardDad]

@@frankschannel2642 Agreed! Thanks for the feedback!

[@eppsteacher]

Very useful

[@OutboardDad]

@@eppsteacher Thanks buddy

[@randymiller5008]

Never buy Force or Evinrude anything. Ever 💯

[@OutboardDad]

@@randymiller5008 Thanks for the comment

[@brianarthur6945]

TOWER OF POWER 😊

[@OutboardDad]

@@brianarthur6945 Amazed at how many are still out there!

[@jp.9664]

Obviously older stuff can be a problem no matter what brand it is. As far as reliability goes in the modern age the Tohatsu is #1. the biggest manufacturer on the planet and made with Japanese parts. These aren't a hodgepodge of parts from all over the world like Mercury and Evinrude were.

[@OutboardDad]

@@jp.9664 Great input thank you

[@robertlindsay9826]

Great engines. Guess who owns Tohatsu? Nissan company. In facr i owned a 40 hp nissan once.​@OutboardDad

[@OutboardDad]

@ Yup! I’ve had good success with their cars and trucks.

[@JoeC88]

I once had the most unreliable POS outboard, it made the most reliable letterbox.

[@OutboardDad]

@@JoeC88 Lol! What make and model?

[@JoeC88]

@@OutboardDad Sorry Mate I was just joking. However it was a joke me and my old fishing buddy used to make about his Chrysler. "it's that shit box dodge again" was another joke. Dads friend became so angry that he ditched his troublesome chrysler at sea & slowly motored back on his small spare outboard.

[@OutboardDad]

@ LOL! I love it!

[@MudflyWatersman]

Avoid anything two-stroke direct injection. Avoid any four stroke larger engine from 2004-2010.

[@OutboardDad]

@@MudflyWatersman Thank you

[@Rlip]

80s 90s small hp Evinrude Johnson’s are great. I also have a few old mercs 51 KG7 I run. Mercs from the late 60s 70s wires always break down 😂. Chrysler are junk few force are ok but Chrysler is just junk

[@OutboardDad]

@@Rlip Thanks for the comments!

[@barryf5479]

Another one to avoid. McCullough outboards. 75 HP models ran fast when they ran. Three cylinder engines that blew head gaskets frequently. If it lasted long enough, it'd likely throw a rod through the block. Very high compression motors, ran 100:1 oil mixture (yep, that's right). They'd outrun a 90 Johnson which was a heavier engine but again, they frequently self destructed.

[@OutboardDad]

@@barryf5479 Interesting

[@PaulB-ju8lc]

@@OutboardDadkcal

[@PaulB-ju8lc]

Oooooooooo

[@charlesdriggers199]

7 Marine only went out of business because Volvo killed it.

[@OutboardDad]

@@charlesdriggers199 Agreed

[@DanVanDorn]

What about the middle 90s 90°V block 4 cylinder OMC motors??? I would love to find a Loop charged 140 with the big v6 gearcase.

[@OutboardDad]

@@DanVanDorn I have one, where are you located?

[@DanVanDorn]

@OutboardDad I am in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It will be next May before I can spend money on it but I am definitely interested. I just went threw a nasty divorce so my money situation right now is not good. But next May I will have access to my savings . I have a 2000 Tracker Tournament V18 with a early 70s 115 Johnson motor that I'd love to swap out for a good loop charged 140.

[@OutboardDad]

@@DanVanDorn OK, send me an email and I will send you my used outboard buying guide. [e-mail]

[@DanVanDorn]

@@OutboardDad Tell me about the Loop Charged OMC 140 that you have.

[@OutboardDad]

@@DanVanDorn I actually have a 150 for sale. It’s a 60 degree 1995 with new water pump, trim seals, lower unit oil and plugs. Email me and I can send you pics [e-mail]

[@scottsilver5409]

Evinrude is out of business period. The Etec motors that were BRP's spin offs of the fict were almost as bad. You will notice that all the EPA compliant 2 stroke engines , whether it be Optimax , Etec or HPDI were all lacking in sufficient lubrication because of having to meet EPA standards and thus commonly would not even make five hundred hours of use.

[@OutboardDad]

@@scottsilver5409 Interesting, thanks for the feedback!

[@geraldkoth654]

Never ever buy a 4 stroke outboard of any size. Will not last even a decade. No oil injection 2 stroke motors. If you do find one, convert it to oil in gas before you ever run it. It is nice to get a reed valve 2 stroke but the older ones still run great.

[@OutboardDad]

@@geraldkoth654 Thanks for the comment!

[@donaldweishaupt6255]

Force stand for F------G old Rebuilt Chrysler Engine

[@livangil]

He forgot to mention the Yamaha 250hp and up hpdi worse motor ever

[@OutboardDad]

@@livangil Thank you, your right, will have to do a follow up video

[@sjs11585]

My 2004 250 HPDI is at 1500 hours and counting

[@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd]

Dead wrong about Chrysler/Force. Simple is great. They can struggle finding coils for some years. But if you want used cheap, simple is better

[@OutboardDad]

@@dheujsnrhfydhehehshshhdggsd Thanks for your input!

[@sportsmancraft1]

Yamaha sumps are nla.

[@jeffreybodine2897]

Top motors to avoid ? Anything made in the last 20 years ... its all a endless garbage money pit .... for what they cost , its a joke ... Four strokes ? Meh , heavy and slow and way too much tech to just spin a propeller and when they go boom , just junk it ....All my old JohnnyRudes from the 70s run like a top still but you have to maintain them . yeh , they suck fuel like mad , but they will get you home ... means more to me when your out on the water ... easy to rebuild too , plenty of parts second hand to choose from

[@OutboardDad]

@@jeffreybodine2897 Thank you Jeff! Love your input

[@AdventuresOutdoors]

Boat/motor owner for 45 years. I feel the newer motors have been more reliable for me. My current motor has 700+ hours and never anything more than standard oil changes and a new water pump impeller now and then.

[@AdventuresOutdoors]

Oh… and fuel economy… I get better fuel economy with my 150hp than I did with a 20hp from the late 70s and with no oil to breathe.

[@OutboardDad]

@@AdventuresOutdoors Thank you

[@paulm7448]

​@@AdventuresOutdoors I'd have over 5000 hours on a Tohatsu mfs40 and over 1000 hours on an mfs50. Neither has missed a beat, both start with ease any time. I'd never have a 2 stroke again.

[@Lazybones52]

My ficht is powerful and economical! 2001

[@OutboardDad]

@@Lazybones52 It’s amazing when you hear people say they are all garbage

[@robertmoody2221]

It’s not the motors fault it malfunctions it’s the owners who never maintain them.

[@OutboardDad]

@@robertmoody2221 So true!