mercury or yamaha

fixing to buy a new 15 hp electric start, for my jon boat, cant decide between mercury or yamaha, opinions?

If I am not mistaken the small Mercs are built by Tohatsu. Both are great motors. Pick the best deal and dont look back.

I would opt for the brand that had a local reputable dealer/mechanic.

I don't know about down in La. but up here in Ky ... you buy from a dealer & when it comes time to have service done, you're considered first over other service deals on boats/motors that weren't purchased from the dealer.

They're both reputable brands, so IMHO it's more about the availability of good service & having that service available within a short drive. :twocents

... cp :kewl

tohatsu

local dealer only carries these two makes, that is why it is only between them, been running a maranier 15 manual start for a long time, finally gave up ghost.

Either one is good, shop price.

Go with Tohatsu...they make all of the smaller Mercury motors anyhow. I've got a brand new Mercury four stroke 90hp and it's awesome! I also own a one year old 20hp Tohatsu that is very nice too. I would buy another Tohatsu if looking for a small motor.

I love my Tohatsu as well as my Mercury and Johnson. I bought the Tahatsu new in 08.

The Merc probably has the shifter on the tiller which a lot of people say is very convenient, don't have to reach around and back to the motor to shift gears. just twist the throttle portion to change gears. Not used one but have read about this feature.

yes gears are on thr tiller handle, that is how my maranier is , decided on the mercury

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Originally Posted by jimp

The Merc probably has the shifter on the tiller which a lot of people say is very convenient, don't have to reach around and back to the motor to shift gears. just twist the throttle portion to change gears. Not used one but have read about this feature.

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I had a 20 with the shift on the handle . Did not care for it due to not being able to rev up the motor when starting . the control knob was ok but more of a hassle than the shifter . :twocents

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Originally Posted by eagle 1

I had a 20 with the shift on the handle . Did not care for it due to not being able to rev up the motor when starting . the control knob was ok but more of a hassle than the shifter . :twocents

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Same here. Always had to take the cover to rev it up to start it when it was cold.

my old motor has choke pull turned to control throttle , just turn all the way clockwise and motor would crank full throttle

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Originally Posted by jamiefranklin

my old motor has choke pull turned to control throttle , just turn all the way clockwise and motor would crank full throttle

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Mine had that too. It didn't work that well on mine. It would only give it maybe quarter throttle.

new mercury has a lockout button that locks out gears , so you can throttle up with tiller handle and transmission stays netural.

good choice on merc....got 2 yammys at the duck club and they are cold natured SOBeees !