Mercury Vrs Johnson

[socket985]

Which would you choose?

There both late 80's/early 90's

70 HP JOHNSON or 75 HP Merc?

Which is one would you prefer?

Thanks
Mark

[Small Fry]

Are talking new or used? If new both are good motors. Used go with the Merc

[socket985]

Used

[Small Fry]

Depending on how old they are I'd go with the Merc. Johnson hasn't been known for reliablity on the older motors.

What are you looking at?

[socket985]

1989 Johnson 3 cyl 70 HP 2 stroke
1992 Merc 75 hp 3 cyl 2 stroke

They both look like new externally, Run great, low hrs, good compression, no salt damage,

I've heard that Mercs have a tendacy to have lots of piston failure problems. my only relative I know that had mercs had two blow up on him.
after months of looking at craigslist I've found lot's of older running Johnsons than Mercs. I'm not certain what that means.

I just can't decide

[Small Fry]

I currently have a 1990 200 horse Merc on my boat and have haven't had any problem until last week. I had a 1990 90 Horse Johnson it was a great motor. But it had very few hours on it. I haven't heard that about the Mercs.

If the price is right either one should get you around.

[ondarvr]

Those 3 cylinder 70 Johnsons were good motors and there are a tremendous number of them out there still running strong. You need to check it out thoroughly, a compression check done by you will let you know if there's more life left in it. I don't have much info on the Merc.

[alanmikkelsen]

I'd go with Merc, but that's probably only because I've been around them for 50+ years! Something about old dogs and new tricks?

[ET]

I had the 3 cylinder, 70hp Johnson of about 1985 vintage for a couple years. There may be lots of them out there, but I wouldn't own another. Given those choices, I'd take my chances with the Mercury.

I eventually found a 70hp Yamaha for $1k.... It has been golden.