I've been looking to buy a new boat and decided on an alumacraft navigator 175 tiller with a 75 horse, now i need to decide what make. Im not too concerned with top end speed, backtrolling/trolling speeds and fuel efficiency are more important to me.

looking at yamaha 75, merc 75, and the 75 e-tec

I purchased my 08 & 09 Yamaha 75 & 90 almost exclusively because Yamaha had the best designed tiller handle. Yamaha is also a very very reliable motor. They also have the VTS... which enables you to control your rpms and adjust your trolling speed. Both motors will troll down to 1.75 mph gps going forward flat calm water. Since 08 & 09 I see Merc has come out with a much better tiller handle but I have not seen it in person.

+1 for the Yammy. VTS is awesome for controlling your trolling. You will love how this thing runs. It fits in between the other two for weight @ 369.

The Merc will have a little more power up top, but I don't think you'd have speed control. Maybe through the Smartcraft troll control, but that's usually more for console boats, though I guess it would work the same?

My choice would be in the order you listed them.

1. Yamaha F75 with VTS and Titan steering
2. Mercury OptiMax with Mercury's big tiller power steering handle
3. E-Tec with Titan steering

was leaning towards the yami in the first place. just thought i'd get some opinions. does anybody have experience with merc's big tiller?

does anybody have experience with merc's big tiller?

I've had a non-power steering version on a 75 Opti since 2008. What would you like to know?

HRG

Buy American made, no to Yamaha.

I have the Yamaha with the titan, and it's fantastic. If I did it over I might be tempted by the Merc with the power steering option. It's about $1000 more than a Yamaha with a titan, but it's super slick! At the time I bought it, I was budget constrained — that said, I'm quite happy with my choice and don't regret it one bit.

I'd also go with the Yamaha with Titan steering.
It really is what you prefer as all three motors are pretty bullet proof when it comes down to overall performance.
It may be as simple as what motor you can get the best deal on.

Dad has the same Merc as HRG and it's been a good outboard.

I have a Merc on my current rig and ordered the Yammi on my new rig. I had some real issues with Merc's customer service. While I think their product is good, IF you have any issues with that product. Good luck getting Merc to stand behind their product.