Pontoon Boat & Deck Boat Forum

Taking suggestions on big outboard brands, pros and cons? Going on a 25' tritoon

Btw I mean big hp

As much it is rated for and as much as you can afford. In High Horse Power probably would go with Mercury.
Are you going to be on Texoma?

Have looked at Yamaha 300hp ? It's a huge huge motor. It would take two people to get their arms around the motor cowl. I prefer the Honda's because of how quiet they are.

Suggest going with Yamaha for anything over 150 hp.

The big Verados are fine motors, but dealers charge so much for installation ($3K-$4K). It almost takes an electrical engineer to figure out which wiring harnesses to order. And the SmartCraft gauges and tach are priced out of sight. The fly by wire controls are another big expense. My local dealer just about refuses to sell a Verado motor if the boat hasn't been factory prepped for Verados.

I bought a Bennington, and it came with the F150 Yamaha that came through the manufacturer. Bennington buys engines by the hundreds, and can easily beat the price my dealer would have to pay for the same motor through Yamaha direct. Bennington does all the wiring, etc.

Many other boat manufacturers have the same type relationship and contract with one brand of motor, even though they may have other motors available.

I'm thinking the mercury verado 300, I will probably make texhoma a few times but mostly eufaula, lol also depends on rain also

Evinrude ETec make a fine outboard and 1/3 lighter than a 4

I love my Yamaha 225 on the back end of the toon. My only regret was in not getting the 300, but hind sight is always 20/20. Mine is rated for up to 350 hp.
Just make sure you don't exceed the hp rating for the boat.

In over 30 years of boating we have had 4 Mercurys, couple of inboards, and a Johnson. Never never never had a problem with the Merc's Always started, always ran great, never a problem.

As for the Yammies or Hondas, I drive 3 Fords and a Jeep (pre Mercedes) Wife and I ride Harleys, and have Polaris Quads. I don't want to support the Emperor or his family. Need I say more.