If you’re thinking of buying a boat or already have one, you know you’re not alone.
With an estimated 41 million Americans taking to both fresh and salt waters, boating is just as popular as ever.
And what’s not to like about it? Nothing beats an afternoon with the family out on the lake or catching dinner from the sea.
The one thing about boating though is that it doesn’t always come cheap.
There are those who want to buy the most expensive boating accessories, but a high price tag doesn’t make them the best.
You don’t need the priciest or the most expensive, but you do need the highest quality gear in your price range.
That’s what we’re here for. We’re going to break down the pros and cons of what your boat needs.
And we’re going to start with Honda Marine vs. Mercury outboard motors.
We’ve got a lot of opinions but by the end of this article, you’ll know which motor you’ll need. Pay attention and take notes!
Honda Marine vs. Mercury Price Points
Let’s just get this one right out of the way first. Price is a major sticking point when making a decision between Honda Marine vs. Mercury motors.
Boats and accessories have seen a huge influx of cash in the past few years, shooting up by 7% and climbing every year.
Plenty of people joke that a boat is a hole in the water that you throw money into.
Many boaters have also heard the saying that, “The two happiest days in a boater’s life are when they buy a boat and when they sell it.”
We’re betting, though, that you didn’t get into boating to count every nickel and dime.
That’s not to say it doesn’t play a big part in your decision, just that it’s not the only decision.
Price By Brand
With Honda, you’re looking at a price tag between $1,000 to $3,000 on average.
The cheapest shoot in just under the $1,000 mark.
With Mercury Marine, the ceiling is a little higher. Their outboard engines bump up against $4,000.
At the same time, one of their cheapest engines is just under $900.
If cost is what you’re going to base your decision on, this gives you a general idea.
Power
Power is another thing that you need to take into consideration when looking into motors.
With Honda Marine vs. Mercury outboard motors, there’s a fierce competition.
You might struggle to make a decision one way or another based on power alone. They’ve been in the game a while and know how to make great motors.
Head To Head Comparison
Let’s look at two outboard motors, in particular, to give you a clearer idea of what we’re working with.
For your consideration, let’s look at the Mercury 115 and the Honda BF115.
The Mercury 115 is a big boy, weighing in at about 442 pounds. That weight comes from a 2.5-liter V6 engine inside.
There’s also a lot of room for the oil tank but there’s a reason for that.
It injects fuel at under 90 psi, operating under a theory that the pressurized fuel gives it a bigger kick.
That theory is easily proven; the Mercury kicks like a mule.
Mercury Is Powerful But Honda Brings The Heat Too
Don’t count the Honda out, though. On the streets, Honda has made their name with everything from sports cars, to family sedans, to luxury vehicles.
Honda has been in the game a long time and they’re not just about cars.
They bring that same engineering to their outboard motors.
The Honda BF115 tips the scales at almost 500 pounds but packs a lot of horsepowers.
Underneath the hood, they’ve put a little bit of their Honda Accord inside.
Their four-cylinder 2.3-liter engine takes the best parts of the reliable sedan and transforms it into an outboard motor.
In regards to Honda Marine vs. Mercury, the Honda is heavier but quieter, but the Mercury brings the speed.
Fuel Conservation
Another biggie – How much gas does your motor burn?
Although things may change, the EPA called for a reduction in emissions.
What this means is that stores don’t sell as many two stroke motors anymore and emissions have to decrease.
Additions To Motors – Necessary Or Nuisance?
Inside of your motor, it’s got to be water-tight to prevent spills into the ecosystem.
That means that manufacturers are adding restrictors and other extra hardware.
All of that extra stuff takes up space and makes your motor and, by extension, your boat, heavier.
Remember the pressurized design of the Mercury motors we talked about earlier? This does help with fuel conservation and gives you a lot of kick.
The Honda, though, is a fuel miser. It’s got plenty of power, giving you the speed you need to have a good time while giving you the energy to tow a skier if you wanted.
In regard to Honda Marine vs. Mercury, Honda is going to walk away with the prize on this issue. The Mercury, though, is close behind.
Down-The-Road Repairs
Sooner or later, your outboard motor is going to need to TLC.
If you’re a wrench head, you’ll know that cars are getting harder and harder to work on.
The companies that manufacture the cars want to keep repairs to the professionals and not the hobbyists.
Parts can be hard to come by, too. So much is done electronically with sophisticated computer parts.
Try To DIY
When checking out the motor you’re considering, open it up and poke around.
Is it easy to access simple things like the spark plugs? Do you feel comfortable performing an oil change on it?
If you’re not into doing it all yourself, take into consideration how easy it will be to get your motor serviced.
Just like purchasing a sports car or foreign auto, your outboard motor might be difficult to service or find parts for.
So, how does Honda Marine vs. Mercury play out with regards to repairs and available service centers?
Shop Around
Many Mercury customers report that they are easy to work with, both for self-repairs or taking it to a shop.
Ordering replacement parts is a breeze and many times, there’s a short turnaround to get an order shipped to you.
Everything is very accessible under the cowl of the motor, making it a great choice for gear heads.
That being said, many have reported finding Honda dealers and mechanics with greater ease.
Convenience Is Key
While Mercury has Tohatsu and Nissan in their genes, you can’t deny that Honda is a big brand.
You’re probably more likely to find a mechanic that’s familiar with the ins and outs of your Honda motor than a Mercury.
Keep in mind, though, there have been a few complaints with regards to corrosion in Honda motors. Your mileage may vary, but keep it in the back of your mind.
Final Fight: Honda Marine Vs. Mercury
We’ve gone over the main points and gone back and forth over a few issues, but let’s lay it all on the table.
There’s definitely a lot of information to digest. It’s important to do a deep dive into what matters when making this big purchase.
If you want to save the long form for later and just get to the facts, we’ve still got you covered.
Point By Point Breakdown
Let’s break down the pros and cons for each brand based on the major issues we’ve covered.
Honda:
- Quiet
- Powerful
- $1,000 – $3,000 price range
- Conserves fuel
- Heavier
- Greater chance of find mechanics that are familiar with the brand
- Some complaints of corrosion
Mercury:
- Strong
- Lighter
- Efficient use of fuel
- $900 – $4,000 price range
- Good manufacturer support
- Bigger fuel tank
There it is
It’s a very close range and your personal scales will find a tipping point in one place or another.
Everyone has their personal preference or pet peeve that is the clincher when making a decision.
It might be the price that puts you over the edge, it might be performance.
Maybe you’re a gear head who needs to constantly have oil under your fingernails to feel complete.
Access Your Needs
Your lifestyle and needs are going to be what makes you go with one or another.
We never said the Honda Marine vs. Mercury battle would lead to declaring a winner easily but it’s important that you have all of the facts.
Whichever you choose, Westshore wants to be there for you every step of the way.
From picking out the outboard motor you’re looking for, to supplies and accessories, to support, Westshore is there for their customers.
Go With The Pros
Don’t forget that we’re home to the Westshore advantage. That means you have access to our huge selection and all the parts you need to take care of your craft.
Plus, we feature in-house financing and parts delivery to a wide range of locations.
Boating is a great activity, fun for the whole family, and a great American tradition.
Make your boat safe and have all the facts and figures you need to make an informed decision.
Most importantly, have fun with your purchase. Enjoy the great outdoors, whether you’re looking for speed on an open lake or a quiet fishing excursion.
We would love to hear from you. Leave a comment if you have an opinion regarding Honda Marine vs. Mercury outboard motors and let’s start a conversation!