Mariner Outboards

[Haji]

I am considering buying a 1999 Mariner 90 Hp to replace my 1983 Evinrude. Never had any experience with Mariner. Are they any good in terms of corrosion, fuel consumption and ease of maintenance? Also availability of spares etc?
Would appreciate any advice that anyone can offer.
Thanks
Haji

[xtosea]

They are not bad engines at all. They are the same as Mercury basically, no different except for the name. A friend had a 99 Model also and it ran like a treat on the back of a Stejcraft 5.5m Half Cab. Top little engines, fuel consumption good too. All the best with it.

Kamil

[Haji]

Thanks for the earlier advice re Mariner motors and engine hours. I ended up buying a 1999 90 HP Mariner with 240 hrs on the clock for $5000.00, sold my 1982 Evinrude 90 HP V4 for 2 grand so the changeover cost me $3,000.00.

The new motor looks like new and went like the clappers after the dealer fitted it for me and we took it for a run on the Manning river.(bought the motor via the Trading Post from a Port Macquarie dealer) I was most surprised to find that the 3 cylinder Mariner has a lot more grunt than the V4 Evinrude even though they have virtually the same capacity. Compression was generally the same for all pots on both the old and the new motor.Idling is rougher than the V4 which I guess is to be expected. Also, I am still running on a tank full of outboard mix which may be affecting the idling?

One question of you experts, during the water test the mechanic threw the Seafarer Viking (1982 model) hard around from side to side during which the alarm buzzer came on momentarily. No sign of overheating, plenty of water flow etc. The mechanic said that it was caused by the oil level in the under cowl tank being a little low. (approx 50 - 75 mm) causing the low alarm to come on. Does that sound correct or should I be concerned?

Thanks for any advice.

Haji

[xtosea]

I have the same engine in a 75Hp by Merrcury, the oil sound is right, its just a warning.

I AM NOT STARTING AN ARGUMENT WITH THIS ONE!!!
Those engines Mariner and Mercury are the fastest, meaning an engine of the same HP in another brand on the same boat would not be as quick, that is where the Merc succeed the rest. They are just that bit quicker than the others, it is not much but they are!

[beats]

Thats correct Haji, my 75 merc does that if its gettin low on oil & you turn sharply or going thru waves
not a constant beeeeep just eratic beeps thru waves. sounds like a totally legit comment from the mechanic mate !

[storms72]

Brand new yami's did the same thing when tipped over hard side to side....geuss its just the sump level washing usder its safe level and like a fuel tank float takes a moment to get its bearings again.

Guess we will have to wait and test it out once you get back and have completed your transom mods Haji...... If you need any help I have had a bit of recent experience replacing my metes floor in his boat.....--guess this goes beyond saying mate any time you need a hand mate give me a call.