db wrote:
Just curious since I've been outa boating for 30 years. I used to
boat daily with a small 18 footer with an outboard motor in the east
end of Long Island. Back then it seemed like the outboards were
always in need of repair or in my mind often ( I guess the salt water
was tough on them) and I wonder if the outboards are more sturdier
today or about the same? I can imagine the motors are higher tech
but salt water hasn't changed so I'm just curious with those of you
who are currently boating what your opinion of them are? I know
today there is more selection of brands. Back then, I only saw
Evinrude, J&J, Mercury and Chrysler (a small amount then).
thanks.


Four cycle engines outsell the two cycle engines these days, especially
on larger boats. Salt water is less of a problem, especially if you plug
a fresh water hose into the inlet most outboards have for flushing.

If I were buying right now, I'd go four cycle and then within that type,
Yamaha, Honda, Suzuki, Mercury. The Evinrude/Johnson company went kaput
some years ago, but its brand names were purchased and are now owned by
Bombardier. It offers some advanced tech two cycle engines, and those
who buy them like them, but the company doesn't have much market
penetration.