Yamaha SHO vs. Mercury Pro XS

This topic has 9 replies, 10 voices, and was last updated 9 years ago by bwp777.

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

Author

Posts
June 6, 2017 at 9:25 pm #339979

msbcguy
Participant

I know this subject has been brought up and debated over several times but Im going to post this anyway…Im looking at a Cougar and an Eyra (both late model 2013 and 2015) and both have the Yamaha SHO 250. With all the “horror” stories Ive heard about the Yamaha, Id like to hear from guys who have owned one and what your experience has been. If you had issues, what were they and was it a hassle free experience? Both have warranty so Im looking down the road after warranty is expired. I plan on keeping my next boat for a while.Now with that said, I understand that every company has its problems. But, when Im about to spend that kind of money, I want to feel comfortable with my purchase and know that I did all the research necessary. I just would like to hear some comments to help me make an educated decision.Thanks in advance.

June 6, 2017 at 10:20 pm #339994

Mainliner61
Participant

I actually talked to a yamaha tech Saturday about the SHO. I know he sells Yamahas so you know how that goes. He said like all motors, the breakin period is critical. He said if a guy doesnt get the rings seated during breakin then they will have issues with making oil. Said they dont have issues when breakin was done properly. As for me, I own a 250 Pro XS but wouldnt hesitate to own a SHO

June 6, 2017 at 10:21 pm #340047

clownshoes
Participant

I could break an anvil. Wouldnt hesitate to own a sho……AS LONG AS MY CHOSEN REPAIR SOURCE AGREED.C.O.D. Jr. III

June 6, 2017 at 11:57 pm #340071

NCBaycat
Participant

Dont know if you can get much more or horror stories than the Mercury! Think they are about equal on the problems!

June 7, 2017 at 10:39 am #340113

Dwayne
Participant

One note about the SHO . They dont like to be babied.Practice Angling CPRCatchPictureRelease2010 PIV 200SHO

June 7, 2017 at 12:56 pm #340130

Jstew
Participant

My issue with the SHO is the coated cylinders vs. steel sleeves. Its essentially a disposable block. I understand a 4 stroke “can” live virtually forever, but this was done for weight savings vs. the iconic F series that does have steel cylinders. I just question the long term strength of the coatings and dimensional stability of cast metal vs. steel. Under warranty – why not. Out of warranty – repairs could get very expensive.

June 7, 2017 at 1:29 pm #340150

mike dominick
Participant

I ran one for 2 years, a 2012 SHO, I liked the motor a lot and would have another one. Mine made oil until 20 hours, I changed the oil at 10 hours, then 20, and it stopped making oil. The oil changes are easy to do yourself and not worrying about 2 stroke oil and freeing up the area where the tank goes was great. With Mercs up here when we have big runoff years our thermostats stick open every other trip due to debris in the water, Yamaha has a better screen on the lower unit and that never happened while I had mine. Id buy another one if the boat I wanted had one on it, currently running a Mercury and have been very happy with it as well.

June 7, 2017 at 2:24 pm #340167

H2Ojh
Participant

Only matters if you have a good tech in your area for either, they are gonna break.

June 7, 2017 at 4:40 pm #340189

Redngoo
Participant

mike dominick wrote:I ran one for 2 years, a 2012 SHO, I liked the motor a lot and would have another one. Mine made oil until 20 hours, I changed the oil at 10 hours, then 20, and it stopped making oil. The oil changes are easy to do yourself and not worrying about 2 stroke oil and freeing up the area where the tank goes was great. With Mercs up here when we have big runoff years our thermostats stick open every other trip due to debris in the water, Yamaha has a better screen on the lower unit and that never happened while I had mine. Id buy another one if the boat I wanted had one on it, currently running a Mercury and have been very happy with it as well. My thermostats stuck 3 weekends in a row. I bought a mercury low water pickup plug off kit. It ended my thermostat troubles. Didnt loose no water pressure. Nearl 2 yrs ago2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

June 7, 2017 at 6:27 pm #340207

bwp777
Participant

Im a 2 stroke guy. I really think the EPA and other places have made a mountain out of a mole hill. Merc seems to still have enough sense to keep the 2 stroke option. I have had the 09 merc 250 and now have the 09 Yamaha 300.your choice of course
Author

Posts

Viewing 10 posts - 1 through 10 (of 10 total)

You must be logged in to reply to this topic. Login Register