New outboard - Johnson or Mariner 15 2 stroke

[peterbringloe]

Am about to buy a new 3.5m airdeck inflatable and have found two new 2 stroke 15hp engines for about the same price (£1,600) locally. I prefer the Johnson dealer but my instincts lean me towards the Mariner. Does anyone know enough about these engines to advise? I know that, contrary to popular belief, they are not all the same under the skin.

Incidentally, I'm going for 2 stroke and not 4 stroke because of the weight.

 

[yoda]

Save a grand and buy my Yamaha off me - no idea what the answer to your question was but I do know the Yamaha is good as gold!

yoda

 

[sailorman]

Buy Tohatsu & save even more 4 the same engine /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

 

[landlockedpirate]

I had a 15hp Mariner on a Honda 3.2 Air Rib, excellent engine, gave 22kts flat out with 1 up. I think the Johnson is a bit lighter which may help when lugging it about.

 

[Lakesailor]

Johnsons are their own make. They are good motors and last well, if you're planning on keeping it. My B-in-law has a Johnson 7hp 2 stroke that is 20 years old and looks and runs beautifully.

I just sold a boat with an immaculate Johnson 70hp which was also 20 years old and ran like a dream. I used to have a Johnson 65hp which also was very reliable.
I suppose it's down to your preference and dealer/warranty situation as Mariners are also well regarded. I certainly wouldn't let the fact Johnson's are American effect my own choice.


B-in-law's boat and motor.

My Johnson<span style="color:white"> .......... </span> snigger