New 15hp Outboard, What Brand to Get?

[midexp]

We had two 9.9 mercury 2 strokes late 90’s and second one that was an early 2000’s. Both had the same choke issue you experienced with your 15 hp Mercury. When cold starting both of the Mercury’s we had to take the engine cover off and manually open the carb while pull starting. It was a PIA. The second issue both motors had was the tilt bracket that would allow the engine to drop on its own after being tilted up. I got sick of this and now have a 2 stroke 15 Yamaha that starts on the first pull and had had zero issues.

Thanks Gary. My motor starts just fine cold. It's only after it's been run and I go to re-start. I guess what I'm not certain is if pulling the choke lever out is supposed to open the throttle blade? I think it is, but it doesn't on mine, so I'm trying to figure out if this is normal.

 

[MonacoMike]

We had two 9.9 mercury 2 strokes late 90’s and second one that was an early 2000’s. Both had the same choke issue you experienced with your 15 hp Mercury. When cold starting both of the Mercury’s we had to take the engine cover off and manually open the carb while pull starting. It was a PIA. The second issue both motors had was the tilt bracket that would allow the engine to drop on its own after being tilted up. I got sick of this and now have a 2 stroke 15 Yamaha that starts on the first pull and had had zero issues.

Glad to hear it.

MM

 

[Fly'n Family]

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When our CO lake outlawed 2 strokes, we went to a 15hp Merc EFI for the kids inflatable. Great motor, never had an issue.

Kids now have a 130 Sport Boston Whaler with a 40hp Merc EFI, electric start, and have never had an issue with that either.

If you can find a solid 2-stroke, I wouldn't shy away from that as they're significantly lighter.

I quoted this gentleman's response because we bought the kids 15hp Merc from these folks - and they were outstanding to deal with.

 

[saopm]

I’m sure both are great, but I’m probably the only one that would prefer the carb engine. I think the carb engine would be more forgiving if it sat for extended periods of time with ethanol blended fuel in it. It doesn’t take much to clog an injector. Carbs are pretty easy to blow out too.

 

[saopm]

I’m also a fan of the older two strokes. I have a 1998 9.9 Merc that I “ borrowed” from my dad. Always starts on the first pull, unless I forget to flip the run switch.