Yamaha/Mariner/Mercury Outboards – are they the same motor with different branding?
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I'm looking at buying a small 4 stroke outboard but am confused by the differences between the three brands, they seem to be the same but with different logos.
Mariner is simply a Mercury with different branding, the same as Pontiac and Chevrolet share models. Mercury marine has used long-block powerheads from Yamaha, Tohatsu, and others for years, but that's where the similarities end. Different fuel systems, ignition and electrics, different gearcases, etc. This "parts exhange" is done by most automotive type companies, remember the Plymouth Horizon? It had motors from both Volkswagon and Mitsubishi.
Keep in mind when shopping for an outboard, warranty and service availability are the biggest factors to consider. Hope this helps you out.
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6 Responses to “Yamaha/Mariner/Mercury Outboards – are they the same motor with different branding?”
Thanks Tohatsu Guru, thats the input our readers look for here at Used Pontoon Boats………..Rick
Actually it works more like this.
The relationship between Yamaha is all but non existent since Mercury filed a complaint over Japanese outboard dumping a few years ago. Mercury buy’s Tohatsu designed and built outboards from 30 hp and down and has them painted black.
“Different fuel systems, ignition and electrics, different gearcases, etc”
True for the Mercury/Yamaha hybrids. Not true for the Tohatsu engines with the Mercury decals.
Mariner is simply a Mercury with different branding, the same as Pontiac and Chevrolet share models. Mercury marine has used long-block powerheads from Yamaha, Tohatsu, and others for years, but that's where the similarities end. Different fuel systems, ignition and electrics, different gearcases, etc. This "parts exhange" is done by most automotive type companies, remember the Plymouth Horizon? It had motors from both Volkswagon and Mitsubishi.
Keep in mind when shopping for an outboard, warranty and service availability are the biggest factors to consider. Hope this helps you out.
References :
Mercury and Yamaha have a very close business relationship. Many of their motors are very similar if not identical.
Mercury is a division of Brunswick Corporation Incorporated
As early as 1972 there was the formation of a relationship with Yamaha in which Brunswick and Yamaha jointly owned Sanshin Kogyo Co., a Yamaha subsidiary that made outboard motors. By 1974, the Yamaha arrangement allowed Mercury to introduce a second line of engines under the Mariner brand name.
When they began making 4-strokes Yamaha and Mercury entered into a joint venture and shared the responsibility for design and manufacture of the motors. More recently Yamaha has been manufacturing complete powerheads for Mercury 4-strokes. Since 2000 Mercury has been manufacturing their own 4-strokes in the 30/40/50/60 hp range.
I don't sell outboards and have no interest in any of these companies but I know that Nissan / Tohatsu outboards have a very good reputation as inexpensive, light, reliable outboards, especially in the small hp range.
References :
http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_gx5202/is_1997/ai_n19122609/pg_1?tag=artBody;col1
i don't know if mercury and yamaha are the same but my suzuki and mariner are the same.
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Ya you are probably right.
I love my 40 hp yamaha 4-stroke!!
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