50 HP motors - Johnson or Merc?

[Rudebob]

I have had many powerboats over the last several years but got into pontooning a few years back with the purchase of an older 18' boat that needed work but had been re-powered with an 2005 Johnson 50 HP. I only bought this boat because I new the history-the seller only put two trips on the new motor until health issues forced him to leave it sitting for several years until I picked it up. I have used it for 3 seasons without problems and know the motor still has less than 150 hrs on it.

I just picked up an 01 20' toon that is much nicer with a layout better suited for my needs. This boat also supposedly came from an elderly couple who owned it since new but supposedly never used it and it shows. This boat also has 50 HP, but with a Mercury. While everything about this boat shows almost no use I have no history or know how many hours are on the motor.

Considering the make and model is one of these two motors generally considered significantly better than the other? I ask because I will be keeping both boats until the spring so I could do a motor swap if it would be a worthwhile effort. Since the Johnson is a few years newer and I know the history would that make it worth the effort?

Thanks,

'bob

[lakerunner]

Personally I would leave the Merc on the toon. Both are 2 stroke and good motors.

[Ron Burgundy]

Maybe you can find a good marine mechanic to check out both the motors.

[Darin]

I would say have them checked out by a mechanic and if they have good compression and run fine, I would leave them alone. I personally am a johnson/evinrude fan but I have known mercs that have ran forever and are still going.

[Texoma Toon]

I would say have them checked out by a mechanic and if they have good compression and run fine, I would leave them alone. I personally am a johnson/evinrude fan but I have known mercs that have ran forever and are still going.

+1

[Bamaman]

And when they checkout the engine, they should also checkout the lower unit by draining the grease and then doing a vacuum and pressure test to check the seals. A new seal set with labor is just over $300. The lower unit test and repacking wheel bearings on any trailer should be job #1 for any used boat being purchased.
.
The reason I had to buy the new Bennington is because I toasted the lower unit of my 1985 Yamaha 115 hp 2 stroke. Now I've got to spend $845 for a SEI lower unit before I can even sell it. Don't make my mistake and not change the lower unit grease often. I figure I got my $3500 out of my motor in 26 years of good use.