Yamaha SHO vs. Mercury Pro XS

[Mainliner61]

I actually talked to a yamaha tech Saturday about the SHO. I know he sells Yamahas so you know how that goes. He said like all motors, the breakin period is critical. He said if a guy doesnt get the rings seated during breakin then they will have issues with making oil. Said they dont have issues when breakin was done properly. As for me, I own a 250 Pro XS but wouldnt hesitate to own a SHO

[clownshoes]

I could break an anvil. Wouldnt hesitate to own a sho……AS LONG AS MY CHOSEN REPAIR SOURCE AGREED.C.O.D. Jr. III

[NCBaycat]

Dont know if you can get much more or horror stories than the Mercury! Think they are about equal on the problems!

[Dwayne]

One note about the SHO . They dont like to be babied.Practice Angling CPRCatchPictureRelease2010 PIV 200SHO

[Jstew]

My issue with the SHO is the coated cylinders vs. steel sleeves. Its essentially a disposable block. I understand a 4 stroke “can” live virtually forever, but this was done for weight savings vs. the iconic F series that does have steel cylinders. I just question the long term strength of the coatings and dimensional stability of cast metal vs. steel. Under warranty – why not. Out of warranty – repairs could get very expensive.

[mike dominick]

I ran one for 2 years, a 2012 SHO, I liked the motor a lot and would have another one. Mine made oil until 20 hours, I changed the oil at 10 hours, then 20, and it stopped making oil. The oil changes are easy to do yourself and not worrying about 2 stroke oil and freeing up the area where the tank goes was great. With Mercs up here when we have big runoff years our thermostats stick open every other trip due to debris in the water, Yamaha has a better screen on the lower unit and that never happened while I had mine. Id buy another one if the boat I wanted had one on it, currently running a Mercury and have been very happy with it as well.

[H2Ojh]

Only matters if you have a good tech in your area for either, they are gonna break.

[Redngoo]

mike dominick wrote:I ran one for 2 years, a 2012 SHO, I liked the motor a lot and would have another one. Mine made oil until 20 hours, I changed the oil at 10 hours, then 20, and it stopped making oil. The oil changes are easy to do yourself and not worrying about 2 stroke oil and freeing up the area where the tank goes was great. With Mercs up here when we have big runoff years our thermostats stick open every other trip due to debris in the water, Yamaha has a better screen on the lower unit and that never happened while I had mine. Id buy another one if the boat I wanted had one on it, currently running a Mercury and have been very happy with it as well. My thermostats stuck 3 weekends in a row. I bought a mercury low water pickup plug off kit. It ended my thermostat troubles. Didnt loose no water pressure. Nearl 2 yrs ago2013 PANTERA 2MERCURY 200 PRO XSMINNKOTA 80LB FORTREX25 fury

[bwp777]

Im a 2 stroke guy. I really think the EPA and other places have made a mountain out of a mole hill. Merc seems to still have enough sense to keep the 2 stroke option. I have had the 09 merc 250 and now have the 09 Yamaha 300.your choice of course

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