Yamaha 150 or Mercury 150

[Laxputs]

In the last couple years, has there been a comprehensive, head-to-head, comparison of a Yamaha 150 versus Mercury 150? Those are my two outboard options in this small town. Thanks.

 

[fish brain]

This is a Ford or Chevy. Braid or wire type of question. You are going to get all kinds of opinions about this. I would go with whichever dealer has the best service.

 

[Laxputs]

So they're that comparable are they? I would trust a Consumer Reports type of product evaluation; I'm curious if something has been done for Y or M.

 

[seabeyond]

So they're that comparable are they? I would trust a Consumer Reports type of product evaluation; I'm curious if something has been done for Y or M.

Not likely without bias. Buy whichever has the better dealer support.

 

[kaelc]

Merc from my research. Very reliable and more torque at lower rpm

 

[salmonkiller01]

Mercury 100%. They are a great design,lots of torque and I just like mercury better!

 

[DanJ]

For me, I went mercury strictly because they are quieter

 

[DanJ]

Actually, let me clarify that it’s the tone that is more pleasing to my ears. I find the Yamaha has a higher pitch versus Mercury.

 

[Aces]

I’ve seen several First Nations water taxis with twin 150 Mercs at the dealer with their hour meters in the 4-5000 range. We didn’t have a Yamaha dealer so I can’t attest to their reliability but I agree with everyone else that suggests focusing on getting premium dealer support

 

[ryanb]

Yamaha 150 can be had with digital controls, whereas Mercury can not, if it matters to you.

 

[Laxputs]

I appreciate the replies. Thanks.

 

[Esperanza-time]

If you take resale into consideration… Japanese motors sell fast for a good $, not so much Merc.

 

[A-a-Ron]

If I was getting a 150, I’d choose Yamaha. The Yam 150 is a tried and true bulletproof motor. Having said that, last year when I repowered to a 250 I chose Mercury.
They’re both great and if you’re buying new I don’t think it matters. The dealer with a better rep for service in your area, as others have said.

 

[Damn Ugly]

I'm really liking my new Merc. The VesselView app is fantastic - https://www.mercurymarine.com/us/en/gauges-and-controls/displays/vesselview

 

[Reel Time]

i have a 300 yammmi, but would prefer the merc from past experience. although today they are all very well made.

 

[seabeyond]

So they're that comparable are they? I would trust a Consumer Reports type of product evaluation; I'm curious if something has been done for Y or M.

I don't think the op cares what those that actually own the motors thinks unfortunately. First time poster and he wasn't looking for any of our advice. He just wanted a link to a consumer report type post (most likely to be bias anyway).

 

[Whole in the Water]

Good luck on finding an unbiased report. The most I have ever found is cautious ones that say they are both good overall and have just slight differences in pros & cons.

Consumer Reports is a unique, unbiased outfit but they don't test outboards.

I agree with others on here, go with the best warranty coverage and dealer service you can find.

 

[mikep]

Mercury has a better Alloy for their blocks that is much more resistant to corrosion. I have yet to see a 150 merc with corrosion issues and the same cannot be said for Yamaha.

 

[Whole in the Water]

and some say that Yamaha's are cheaper to maintain overall, quieter and more fuel efficient than Mercury.

So really unless there is a credible, reliable unbiased thorough testing it is just one person's experience against another - i.e. Fords are better than Chevy's. etc...

 

[Aquaholic]

and some say that Yamaha's are cheaper to maintain overall, quieter and more fuel efficient than Mercury.

So really unless there is a credible, reliable unbiased thorough testing it is just one person's experience against another - i.e. Fords are better than Chevy's. etc...

I think the quieter claim has been put the rest, the new generation Mercury is a much quieter outboard now then the Yamaha.