Mariner 6hp v Suzuki 6hp

[Thatswhatseasaid]

Just bought a 3.3 metre rib. New to boating and had planned to buy a 6hp mariner as a few mates have them and haven't had any issues. Watched lots of reviews and was convinced.

Then went to a dealership near me and he was trying to convince me to go for the Suzuki 6hp instead as he said they ran so well and is what he's putting on all the new boats.

I see it has extra cc but also read in some reviews they are a little slower than mariner but how's that the case?

It's kind of threw a curve ball on me. Any advice on which would be best to go for? I know the mariner will get me to plane easy as a friend has one.

[Steve509926]

Hi and welcome to the forum.

IMO there is a gnats between all the 1st line makes. Why some would say the Suzi is a little slower than the Mariner is beyond me as unless it's clinical trail in a tank I don't know how you could measure the difference unless all conditions are equal.

Ask 100 people which is the best 6hp 4 stroke OB and you will probably get an equal split between Yam, Tohatsu (Merc/Mariner), Suzuki

"I know the Mariner will get me on the plane easy as a friend has one" - are you the same weight as your friend? Carrying the same gear? In the same sib? Boating in the same conditions? A 6hp 4 stroke is borderline as to getting on the plane or not, all of the conditions I mentioned will play a big part in it.

Personally, if it's a 6hp you want and decided that it's the right hp for you, I'd go for the one with a local service agent, who's offering the best deal and the longest warranty. Push for a free 1st service and anything else that's on offer. Also remember Tohatsu make all small OBs for Mercury/Mariner.

[Thatswhatseasaid]

Yes exact same rib weight and height as friend, I'm maybe a few lbs lighter. 6hp decided as it needs to be portable and I don't want the weight of a 2 cylinder. It will mainly be used on a river for trolling and getting to fishing spots so speed isn't a massive issue

[Pete7]

I can remember chatting with Martin Stitt (Islandmagee) one Autumn and he explained he was about to put next years order in for Mercury outboards, based on what he thought he could sell. If I ordered shortly he would add an extra engine to the order and discount the price. Agreed and give him the order. Bought a few engines from him over the years. He cam out to us on a Sunday afternoon with a tractor after a RTA took the wheel and hub completely off a rib trailer. That level of service is worth paying for.

May be worth a trip up to see him and have a chat:

https://www.stittmarine.com/category/special-offers/

Also looking at outboards for a 2.8m sib, just not sure if I should keep the Honda 2.3hp, go electric Bison or something, or go up to 5/6 hp petrol 2 stroke. Decisions, decisions.

Pete

[Fenlander]

Is this test of 5hp motors any help re the general opinion of the different makes?

https://www.mby.com/gear/ultimate-5h...p-test-50627/5

I'd agree with Steve where he says... <<<if it's a 6hp you want and decided that it's the right hp for you, I'd go for the one with a local service agent, who's offering the best deal and the longest warranty>>>

I'd also add to check out for any specific feature of a particular model that suits you... which way they can be put down... aux tank a possibility or not... how the tilt/shallow water mechanism works etc.

Re the dealership's comments that he only fits Suzukis now... that's likely down to his arrangements with Suzuki re pricing and availability.

[Matt]

Agree with this ^^.

Personally, I always try and go mercury or mariner since it's easiest for me to order parts, I have mates with garages full of spares and so forth.

But my buddy who keeps his boat on the scilly isles will only ever go yamaha - because that's what the guy on the island is a dealer for. He "can" get any make - but he has better stock & availability of yamaha parts - so that's what everyone uses on the scillies.

[chipko]

Agree with all of the above and nothing to choose between the big six makes re reliability, performance etc.

However, all other things being equal, I personally might err towards the Suzuki in this case as it’s 2 kilos lighter than the opposition.

[Thatswhatseasaid]

Thanks for all your replies guys, i am swaying towards the suzuki due to the dealer being 5 mins from my home and the 2 kg weight difference

[Matt]

Yes, in your shoes I'd probably do that. And for portable motors, the lighter the better, as long as it's still a decent motor.