Evinrude built a good product starting 1935.
OMC got them and introduced a poorly designed direct injection fuel system (U.S. emissions law) that caused damaged power heads and reputation. Then Japan entered the picture with high quality engines that are very reliable. Still are. Mercury jumped right in.
Same thing happened with autos. After WWII Dr. W. Edwards Deming taught Japan the Quality Process and they took it to heart. Very meticulous people. Forced GM, Ford & Chrysler to pay attention, learn and use the Quality Process and improve their product.
The deal is, produce Quality or die.
QUALITY = Meeting the customer's expectations, every time. Nothing more. Very simple.
What do you expect from your boat motor? You buy the one that meets those expectations. (I hope)
RIP Evinrude. It wasn't their fault.