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Random Quote: What's wrong with this dang blasted machine?
I have a new boat ordered for delivery in April 2003. I've always owned Merc's (since 1973) and been very satisified. This dealer only sells Yamahas. I can order the boat factory rigged for Merc, Yamaha or Honda. I know Yamahas are good motors but would be interested in hearing of any problems with the 200 or 225 4-Strokes or any horror stories from owners. My local Merc dealer wants $1800 more for the 200 Opti-Max (installed) than the Yamaha dealer wants to rig the boat with the 200 4-stroke. I still have time for my factory rigging decision (controls & gages) but will go with the Yamahas unless there is good reason not to. Tell me [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_eek.gif[/img] what you know!
JupiterAK I have a new boat with a F225 Yamaha 4 stroke. Only a few trips on it so far. Gas usage is good. 3mpg on a heavy 23'cabin. in mild conditions.
I too have been a happy Merc Owner for 30 years, still have 2. Have no doubts that a 175-200 Merc 2 stroke would run circles around the 225 Yamaha 4 stroke in speed and power, But at 51 yrs old it is a welcome pleasure to run an outboard with virtually no noise. At this point in my life that outweighs the fact that a more powerfull lighter 2 stroke Merc will outrun me.Bottom line: very pleased with the motor so far.
We took delivery of our Contender with 4 strokes this past April. We have run up 380 hours and it has never been touched except for regular maintance which I do myself. If you go with the 4 strokes you will not be sorry. They are great and very reliable, we just fished Biloxi KMT and ran 113 miles one way to the west delta on 155 gallons.
Good Luck,
Jim OBX GIRL
Tex
From what I can see looking at the Pursuit web , which is the best performance site I could find, a 175/200 should not outperform a F225. Maybe your Prop is a little off
I would suggest going with the F225 instead of the F200. I believe the weight is the same and the extra horsepower will cost only a few hundred more. This is assuming your boat is rated for 225 or more. You will likely not be disappointed with the 4 stroke. If you like quietness for family cruising and troll often, the 4 stroke is great. If you're into top speed and hole shot, go with the HPDI.
Drifter
[This message was edited by Drifter on 12-04-02 at 10:09 PM.]
If possible you should test drive that model boat with the F200 and see if it's got enough pep. As was said, the F225 weighs the same so that choice is just a matter of $$ and boat rating. If your happy with the power then I dout you'll regret going 4 stroke.
Have a F225 on 240 Bayscout with about 85 hours. Love the low noise levels and that's good for my hearing as I work in a very high noise environment.
I've been averaging 4mpg when I cruise in low to mid 30's but will run about 47 wot by gps.
Only negatives so far are initial cost, slight sqheel sound at low rpms( getting less and less as hours add up). Also the motor cover seal had a slight gap at front joint that allowed small amount of salt spray/vapor to enter. A bit of 5200 fixed that and have had no more evidence of salt intrusion.
Friend has a F200 on a Seapro SV2300 bought 2 weeks apart, and he is just as satisfied with motor. Both of us were Mercury owners, but are convinced that 4-strokes will be among the motors that become the standard.
Own a 200 or 225 4-Stroke Yamaha? 
