Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Topic is a bit old but thought I'd add my two cents. Owned a Verado 150 for about 10 years and for the last 5 years I never really felt confident on the lake. Very finicky and had a bunch of problems when trying to power up (would go into safe mode on a whim). Had it looked at by many mechanics and only was able get things to a barely tolerable level. I probably had it in the shop 10 times. I was never stranded but I tribute that to mostly luck.

I just purchased a Southbay 23 triton with a Yamaha 250 on the back (50 mph GPS!!) and the salesman indicated that they have NEVER had a Yamaha outboard returned for repair in 15 years of selling them. Seems like a big statement so take FWIW but he mentioned that after I signed the paperwork.

I've had both Mercury and Yamaha in 115hp 4 stroke. From 2004 to 2009 had the Mercury on Trophy 1802, never had a problem.
Now have a Yamaha on my Sweetwater 240 DF good running motor.
This Yamaha is quieter, but it is a much later model.
Yamaha came with 3 years warranty, and back in 2004 I was given a special with 5 years on the Merc.
The Yamaha’s likely weighs less, but I actually think I be better off on my Sweetwater if it was heavier.
Personally I’d go with whichever had the longer warranty / lower price ratio, because I think they’re both excellent motors.