75 hp 4 stroke Merc vs Yamaha tillers

[Dave C]

The differences between these motors may not be much, but thought I would see what you all think. The boat is a Lund Pro Guide 1725 tiller maxed at 75 hp. Looks like both motors have good tiller handles with VTS and sounds like both are reliable motors. I think the Merc 75 shares the same block with the 115 and 90 so there is a little more displacement (105.7 cu in), but is 30 lbs heavier. The Yamaha 90 and 75 hp motors have the same block with 97 cu in. Merc's seem to be running a little more $ than Yamahas. Have any recommendations? Pros - Cons of each motor?

[Nimstug]

Hi Dave,

I have the console version of the Yamaha on my 2 season old boat and think it's a great motor. Starts right up no matter the temperature and I think it get great 'mileage' though I can't really quantify that.

I run the stock aluminum prop-13 1/2 (?) x17. The sweet spot is about 3600 rpm, with 5500 rpm at wot. My Alumcraft 165cs will run a little over 37 mph per the gps on polished water.

I would take a careful look at the tiller controls and try to imagine using them or if possible, getting on the water with each. That may be the deciding factor.

Hopefully there's a Merc user out there to add his/her $0.02.

Nimstug

[ezlife]

Hi Dave,

I have a 2008 Pro guide 1725 with the 75 Merc 4 stroke with the new delux tiller handle. I love this motor and the tiller handle, I really like the large shift handle, makes it easy to shift fed/reverse while maneuvering in a tight spot. I don't have many hours on the boat but I get 35mph out of it with the stock prop. Im sorry but I don't know the pitch and diameter numbers off the top of my head. Im sure the Yamaha is a fine motor but I went with the Merc due to the fact I got an extended warranty, there are Merc dealers and service everywhere and besides it looks nice! Looks like a mini Verado. If you have any questions let me know. My boat is Red.

Ez

[stinkycat]

Hi Dave,

I picked up on a 1725 Pro Guide in May of 2008 with a 75 Yamaha 4st. The motor performed flawlessly all season. Ran great all the time. Pumped up the gas bulb once in May and never had to the rest of the season. Just took it out for the season a couple of weeks ago and did the end of the year winterization with no problems. Easy to work on. I did get a 6 year warrantee with the spring promotion in 2008. Love the vts, and do not for get the Titan steering. You will find all kinds of posts on the Titan. My motor tops out fully loaded wot 5900 rpm at 36gps. My boat is black and the motor looks great! The tiller handle is fantastic but I have not seen the new Merc handles yet.

Hope this helps!

[Dave C]

I was leaning toward Merc, but my understanding is that to make the VTS work, you have to buy another $400 dollars of smartcraft guages. Thats what one dealer told me anyway. Again, it is my understanding that you hang the Yamaha on and the VTS works without additional guages needed - just the regular tach. I have had a tough time getting info on both and seeral subscribers have been very helpful. Tried to talk to a few local dealers, but they seem to be pretty much in the dark. If my info on Merc is incorrect, maybe someone can correct me. Thanks

[stinkycat]

I am not familiar with the Mercs at all. You are correct on my 08 Yamaha. You hang it on the back and all the standard gauges that come on the Lund work fine. The vts is built right in the tiller along with trim/tilt and shifting. I think it is a heck of a motor. The biggest reason I went with the Yamaha in May of 08 was the tiller handle.

[Dave G]

If you are not going to get a kicker, then I would buy the motor that trolls the slowest.

[stinkycat]

Good point on the trolling speed... with vts on my 75 Yamaha I could get it down to 1.75gps on flat water going forward. Not to bad for a 75.

[jonnajulee]

Since your biter will not even with 20 hp, you may acquisition a beneath than 10 hp is all you need. I would accept the bracket installed and try a brace of engines. I accept both Merc and Yamaha accomplish a 9.9 4 achievement with trim and electric start, with low speed, top advance accessory case and big dia prop, ideal for ample boats at none planning speeds. My bet is it will beat a 20 hp std accessory case on your ...

[peter8]

WHAT was that....?????

[GarryB]

The VTS was an option when I ordered my 2007 Yamaha tiller. Overall, I like my Yamaha but the pee hole plugs up too often. I had the dealer do a complete flush of the cooling system and install a new impeller but that didn't help. I keep a 12 inch piece of the green string trimmer string in the boat to unplug the pee hole.

Does anyone know for sure if you can order a 75hp Merc 4S or Optimax with the Mercury big tiller power steering tiller handle?

[Hot Runr Guy]

Does anyone know for sure if you can order a 75hp Merc 4S or Optimax with the Mercury big tiller power steering tiller handle?

Garry, page 2 of this: http://www.mercurymarine.com/media/mercury/documents/899883424_PR-BigTillerSS_1009.pdf

shows the 75hp (& up) power steering kit to be part #879291A01

HRG

[T Mac]

As an ex dealer and a jet OB user, I really wish Yamaha would offer the 70 powerhead in a jet package.
That would be perfect for so many 17' jon boats using jet outboards. If there was a F70TJR, it would weigh the same as an F-60TJR, but give the user more ooomph. In places with some elevation to deal with (like here in MT) , it would really help.

[GarryB]

Hot Runner Guy,

I have looked at this page before but it doesn't say anything about power steering. I just tried to call Mercury customer service but they are closed today for the holiday.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Hot Runner Guy,

I have looked at this page before but it doesn't say anything about power steering. I just tried to call Mercury customer service but they are closed today for the holiday.

look again at page 2, the chart on the right shows the "manual" system (like I have), the one below it is the P/S (power steering) version.
If your dealer has no idea what he's doing with these systems, drop me a PM, and I'll give you the name & number of one that does.
HRG

[GarryB]

Hot Runner Guy,

Thanks, I found it on page 2. I hadn't been scrolling down far enough before. I also learned that it has DTS which until now I thought was only available with remote steering.

[Hot Runr Guy]

Hot Runner Guy,

Thanks, I found it on page 2. I hadn't been scrolling down far enough before. I also learned that it has DTS which until now I thought was only available with remote steering.

I don't think you can get the DTS on the 75hp range you're looking at.
HRG