50hp Merc

I just ordered a boat with a 50hp Merc on it. It is a 2 stroke motor. My question is: How dependable is this motor? Should I spend the extra $ for an extended warranty or will that be a waste of money? I have a 22 yr old Evinrude and its never had any major problems. Never owned a Mercury. Hope its a good choice. Thanks for any info. Dan

I haven't figured Mercury's 2 stroke motor production or sales. A few years back they indicated they were no longer selling carbed 2 strokes, yet Bass Pro still offers them on the boats they sell. If you look on Mercury Marine's website, they do not show a 2 stroke 50HP for sale. The lowest HP 2 stroke is a 75HP Optimax. 50HP motors are four strokes. I imagine you are getting your boat thru Bass Pro, and it will be a carbed 2 stroke. If that's the case, that engine isn't really high tech and an extended warranty might not be practical. Personally I'd consider upgrading to an EFI four stroke motor. You will be light years ahead in engine technology, burn about half as much gas, and no 2 stroke oil to buy. The 4 stroke motors come with at least a 3 year warranty, what is the warranty on the 2 stroke?

the 4 stroke will weigh more from what Ive read, so consider that info and will it perform as you want. I have an 04 60hp 2 stroke Merc and have not had one single problem with it at all. Not knocking 4 strokes as no experience with them, just have read they are heavier, and do affect overall performance due to the weight increase.

My 2006 Yamaha115 Four stroke only weighs 78 lbs. more than the 115 two stoke Yamaha. They both turn the same rpms. Four stroke is the only way to go....they use a lot less fuel, perform good, and best of all no oil in the gas.

I owned a 50 hp merc 2 stroke just sold it it was a 07 i had no problems the only thing i didnt like about it was the pisser hole was to small. The plastic elbow was to small and shallow water it would clog up so caring a piece of weedeater string in the boat if you fish shallow water.but a great motor over all i wouldnt by extended warranty