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Just cannot decide on the motor for my new boat. Really like the low and mid range performance of the SHO and not having to purchase ever increasing price of Optimax oil. But concerned about the long term dependability of the new SHO and some of the design features, especially no cylinder sleeves, etc. But I cannot imagine Yamaha has not done their homework on this new design, because if this motor bombs, it will be devastating for the company.I am told the mileage numbers are about the same with the SHO compared to the Pro XS. Top end the Merc may have the advantage, but top end is not one of my priorities. Have talked with two dealers that sell both engines. One recommended the SHO. One recommended the Pro XS. On service, I have two dealers that service Merc, and two that service Yamaha. Even again!My last two motors have been Merc. No complaints at all. Was an Evinrude guy before that….dont even want to go there. Never owned a Yamaha. I am told there is really no handling characteristic difference between the two motors on a Puma FTD. Even again!The “dock talk” about the SHO blowing up at 100 hrs. Do not believe it. I know three guys that have just over 100 hrs and they have had no issues what so ever. Two are pretty easy on their rigs, but one really pushes his to the limits.Its a total toss up for me. Any advice or input would be greatly appreciated.
Compare the tangibles.1. Dealer Support is most critical2. Warranty Promos are available right now. Do your homework there. I know SHO has 6 year promo going on right now. Cant comment on Merc. I would assume its close to the same. (extremely good time to buy).3. Anything past this is biased subjectives just like you found out on the 100 hour SHO fear mongering. Kota put 250 hours on his SHO this year on the Elite Tour season and not one hiccup except for minor call back for thermostat and seal adjustments. That is fact!!!4. Lean heavily on numbers 1 & 2. Either motor is going to be excellent option for you.I have a SHO, love it and havent read one consumer issue other then some minor call backs stated above. You will get the same postive response as well from Merc owners too. So rely on #1 and #2 above all else. DO NOT LISTEN TO ANY BASHING. Unfortunately it coming per this thread.Good luck!
Whats the dollar figure between the opti and SHO? Say if its 4000.00 that will buy a lot of oil, if it was closer to 2000.00 it might be worth it. Also dont forget that you have to change the oil in the SHO every 100 hours. I am kind of in the same toss as you as look to buy a new boat in the coming months.
The Pro XS is just under 2 grand cheaper.
Boys you need to be shopping around. There is not that distance between these two and it is not fixed. All I can say. Maybe at a dealer that has both engines to sale you. Figure that one out. Shop around. Evaluate options 1 and 2 then Shop around.
Option 1 I have to lean towards the Mercury and that is very important I agree. VERY important. On price, I have quotes here in front of me. The SHO is exactly $1879 more as quoted to me. The SHO does have 6 years warranty and the Mercury 5 years.
I didnt see a 250 HO as a option??? Just messing around…I think if you have Equal service in your town, both places have Master techs with a Service and Parts center WITH PARTS INSTOCK, like Coils,pumps,etc…..Im not picking on anyone with that statement, Yammies have coils too Merc guys!!! I feel that the Merc on a BCB is normal and EZ to resell….However Yamaha knows a thing or 2 about 4 strokes, in MX bikes, Sleds (snowmobiles to the folks that dont know what -20degrees is!), 4 wheelers, they have dominated the circuits and sales across the board….The MR1 1000cc 4 cylinder is used in Motorcycles like the R1, Snowmobiles, PWCs, they know their stuff. Whats cool is the 4.2liter V6 is not a New thing, meaning yes Yamaha changed some things, but its based on existing archtecticture (cant spell that one ez), Yamaha is very very conservative, they always make sure what they do will be succesful. If it was a walleye boat then its between the Verado and Yamaha offshore (sho 25″), the Optimax and Etec are on them, but most big boy boats are 4 stroke powered…..I think I would test drive a Merc pro xs, test drive the SHO, and then tour the service dept of both sellers, and make an informed decision…On these forums you will also run in to smart asses like me telling ya to get a HO…. Your lookin at the best boat company that Ive been affiliated with, however the other 40% of your $$$ is a very important decision…..Then we have to discuss the most important aspect, COLORs!!!! Brannon 847-450-4011
It is a total toss up depending on your preference and what you are comfortable with is the decision we would make. There are perks to both, though the Yamaha Promotional Warranty ends on Monday. We sell both brands and the rest is in your hands.
RedCatCougar wrote:Option 1 I have to lean towards the Mercury and that is very important I agree. VERY important. On price, I have quotes here in front of me. The SHO is exactly $1879 more as quoted to me. The SHO does have 6 years warranty and the Mercury 5 years.Red,PM sent. Sounds pretty straight forward to me. Merc is a great option with savings and option 1. Like BassCat said both are great options. However you narrow those margins with one extra year of warranty. So you have some deciding to do. Either way its a coin flip. Like BassCat stated Yamahas deal ends on Monday.Please accept my apologies if I offended you. My “Shop Around” was directed more toward the $4,000 comment.
There is about $1500 retail in the packages on most brands. The SHO and parts do cost a little more than Mercury and parts.Yamaha Warranty ends on November 8th, Mercury ends on the 15th we believe.Last edited by Bass Cat Boats on November 5th, 2010, 6:44 pm, edited 1 time in total.
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