The 2004 Mercury mentioned above was actually mad by yahama. During those 3 or 4 year window Yamaha actually made these motors. I am a charter captain in Sitka Alaska, and we have 5 vessels that have 03' 04' "Merc-ahas". These are the 4-stroke 225 saltwater series 4 of those 5 boats have 2300 -2600 hrs on them, and we have had literally no problems with them. We have seen many problems with other outfits with the Verados, but mostly the first yr they were introduced. We are re-powering 2 boats this yr. with Yamahas.

the consensus, from what ive noticed, is that most everyone debates whether Mercury or Yamaha makes the best outboard.... and those people agree both brands beat Evinrude nowadays.

Here's how I'd rank them
I'd put the Etech a close second behind Yamaha.

I've fished with a couple of guys that have Honda 4 strokes. Not familiar with them to much but from what I have seen, They could be better than any other 4 stroke out there.

Mercury used to make good engines by now I don't know many people that have alot of confidence in them.

Stay away from Force outboards.

JT

No comparison, Yamaha is the best!

How does one know how many hours are on a motor? I don't time how long mine runs and I've never seen a clock on it.

Some of the newer engines have hour meters to remind you to change the oil. Most of the newer 2 stroke engines can have the hours checked by a dealer that has the proper test equipment to access the computer.
I think the Mercury Smart-Craft gauges have this feature as well.
Force hasn't made engines since Shep was a pup.

Chevy all the way ...

Good question, you can have the hours checked by an authorized dealer or you can install this yourself

Digital Hour Meter

Installation is very very simple, just wrap the 12-gauge wire a few loops around the spark plug cable and mount the meter to the transom. Took me 5 minutes to install and works great!!

yammy..4 stroke

Sorry to rain on anyone's parade, but if the proceeds and profits from the sale don't stay in the good old U.S.of A.then I can't approve of the purchase. Just my Opinion!!

With the state of things today I agree with Gene, I'm even checking the labels on packages of socks to make sure I don't buy imported goods.

I know people that have had problems with the Mec . I have a Yam.

I've had a bunch of boats and have had a Yamaha 4 st 225 since 04. Great motor with zero problems. At cruising speed (42-43 mph) it gets great milage, but at top end I think it uses as much gas as a 2 stroke. Either one of the motors you mention should give you good service.

i have heard that an e-tec ran for 10 hours without oil.

i have a small 2 stroke yammie yes i know it is differnet than a 4 stroke. but the yammie has been very good to us. starts by the 4th pull everytime even if she has been sittin for a couple months after she is warmed up she cranks easy even if you only pull the rope about half the way out. i agree wih what others have said about the 4 stroke being quieter and getting better MPG and the 4 stroke burining cleaner. for a boat like that i would put a 4 stroke on it. the 4 stroke is a heavier engine but well worth it when it comes to the way they run.

one more thing i will say is Honda is making a great 4 stroke also.