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1990 Mercury Mariner

J

jappa

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"I own a 17ft Bristol Skiff. I

"I own a 17ft Bristol Skiff. I bought the boat used and after about 2 weeks of minimal use the lower unit seized and that was the end of that engine. I really wanted to pick up a new 4 stroke but there is now way I could affort that. I settled for a old Force 35. It was cheap and I got even less than what I paid for. I am not mechanically inclined but I tinkered with that motor nearly every time I used the boat. I had it winterized and then tuned up in the spring. After about 3 or 4 times out the fuel pump died. I had this replaced ($320) and and after about 5 more times out it died again. I checked the plugs, wires, carb and fuel pump. It is getting plenty of fuel and spark. My mechanic advised me to scrap the engine and connected me with a dealer who has a 1990 Mariner for sale. We have not established the price yet and he says he still need to go though the engine. My first question is does anyone have any thoughts re: the quality of these motors. Is there anything I should look for or ask about or be aware of? Second, any ideas on what might be fair market value for this motor. If I keep on at this rate I will have paid for a brand new 4 stroke. Lastly is it true that some of these engines were manufactured by Yamaha?"
 
"Jerry, there are two distinct

"Jerry, there are two distinctly different lines of Mariners.

One is the Mercury Mariner. It will have a Yamaha powerhead and gears (like just about every other Merc produced until very recently) and the rest is all Merc.

The second is the Yamaha Mariner built for Merc. The Yamaha Mariners were built under an agreement with Mercury, primarily for sale in Europe and Asia. They were well built motors but were almost always "old technology". Yamaha would build a motor and market it under their brand for a few years. Once discontinued they would continue using that design for the Mariners and produce a more advanced/upgraded motor for sale under their own name.

Now don't get me wrong - a Yamaha Mariner is/was a well built motor, but it's "technology" was often times 10 years inferior to it's production date.

Personally, I prefer the Mercury Mariners. I believe that Merc has/had the far superior ignition system in any motor below about 100 horse of any mfg anytime, anywhere, and, for the most part, parts are still available from Merc.

The Yamaha Mariners are long discontinued now and on alot of models, parts are getting scarce.

So depending what you are looking at, the "value" can vary drastically.

If you can post the serial and horsepower can give you a better idea of whether this is something you should pursue or maybe something you should walk away from. But lets get the facts about what you are looking at first..."
 
"Graham,
Thanks for your resp

"Graham,
Thanks for your responce. This info is extremely helpful for someone who doesn't know a that much about boat engines and I can ill afford another bad purchace. I will get the info you mentioned and post.
Thanks, Jerry"
 
"Jerry whether it's a Merc

"Jerry whether it's a Merc or Yami both great engines, but you want to pay a fair price and not end up with another "disposable" motor because parts are no longer available or astronomically priced if they are....

So yes, do post when you get the info and I'll give you what advice I can..."
 
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