Yamaha vs Suzuki Boat Engines (Pricing, Warranties, Features, In-Depth Comparison & Review) 

Yamaha has a 97% reliability rating. I am a Yamaha guy but I think they are all doing a great job on reliability. I know people who have been running Suzuki and Mercury for the last 5 years and have had no problems. I am impressed with Mercury's research and development department. They have been on fire lately. If I am not mistaken Suzuki dominates the repower market (Last year anyway)

I went from Yamaha SHO to Suzuki, and I have absolutely zero regrets. The only caveat is that my local service center does not service Suzuki. So, I drive 45 mins one way to have the DF200A serviced, no big deal. I will say this, I honestly believe this Suzuki gets better fuel economy than the Yamaha did. And I love the white paint job.

I have 2020 70hp Suzuki on my bass boat that I repowered from an Envinrude. I couldn’t be any happier with it. Great outboard. I have had Yamaha boat owners on board and they are very impressed with it. Thanks for this video.

I bought a new 2021 Suzuki 25hp short shaft electric start with power tilt & trim and 5 yr warranty. No other manufacturer offers these tributes. My first motor bought new was a 1995 Suzuki 25hp 2 stoke short shaft electric start. I never had any issues with it and having a six year warranty. This new 2021 took time getting used to a 4 stroke RPM range after break in. I went thu three different props to find RPM range to propel my boat as I’d did previously with my old 2 stroke Suzuki. It now pops out of water at start and planes easily. Had trouble finding pitch of propeller for boating and pulling grandkids for tubing. This is my first ever 4 stroke and I don’t miss the smoke at cold start up. I Do miss the right now RPM and plane of boat though. Good point is I use less than half the amount of gas that I used to during a two week resort stay being used in the same manner as old 2 stroke.👍😀😮

Good job guys. I’m a Yamaha man but have to admit Suzuki is a very good brand.

The only reason why I bought a Suzuki is because everyone and everyone in my area has Mercury and Yamaha.(they're all good) Which brands are most popular varies from area to area. I don't know why the engine manufactures keep trying to get their large engines to idle lower and lower for tolling. low rpm's for long periods of time is not good for them. They should just put two forward speeds in the transmissions...one low speed speed for trolling, and one for traveling. Use the throttle to adjust the troll speed. Great video.

I bought a brand new Hewescraft Sea Runner 2 years ago with a max power option 225 Yamaha on it. I have been 100% happy with the Yamaha no issues with about 250 hours on it so far. I troll with a kicker motor so I only add hours on it going from point A to point B. On my next boat I will look at Suzuki as I have no issues at all going with them. My main points when I look at them is going to be price, warranty, and torque of the motor. I use the boat on the great lakes and we have a large amount of islands near us on Lake Superior and when the currents and wind gets going we get really rough weather and I need a motor that has that low end torque for getting through the waves. Now on the Yamaha and Suzuki both go with inline motors up to 200 hp and 225 and above they go to V6 engines so they are comparable.

I've had yamaha and suzuki motors both have been impeccable with regards to reliability and performance. The deciding factors would be cost and dealership distances from me. Whatever brand is cheaper and closer to my house is the one I'd go with.

I loved your video. It is honest and provides priceless insights. I do have twin 150 Suzuki blacks

There were a lot of good points made in this video and I did learn a few things. I have been looking at these two brands to repower my boat between 60hp and 90hp and they each approach engineering in very different ways. Different gear ratios and Suzuki's DF90A with its offset crankshaft all bring something different to the table. In the 60hp class Suzuki uses a three cylinder versus Yamaha's 4 cylinder with the Suzuki being lighter. They both offer great outboards, but it is up to the end user to make an informed decision on which is best for them. Where and how the motor is used and what your expatiations are as well as are you going to do your own preventive maintenance or is the dealer going to do it all? Things to consider are not only cost and warranty of the motor, but knowing and having a relationship with your selling/servicing dealer. Knowing you will be taken care of by people that have your interest at heart and not just a sale matters as much as the outboard itself. You have to look at the whole picture and not just how much you are writing the check for so be honest with yourself and ask a lot of question and read everything you can and make the decision that is best for you. In the end your confidence with your purchase and the servicing dealer are just as important. Happy motoring and tight lines.

I currently run both, and have ran both since 1984 (first Yamaha 90hp 2 Stroke) 1988 (first Suzuki 20hp 2 Stroke) and 6 motors since, equally split between the 2 Brands. Both Brands have been very dependable, compared to the previous Brand used. Both are represented by reputable Dealers within 25 miles. Price, Warranty and Oil Bathed Timing Chain vs Timing Belt, made my last decision for Suzuki DF140A. 300hrs without any issues.

I have a 20 Year old Yamaha F150 4Stroke. People let me tell you don't buy any other brand. I have had Sea Tow and Boat US for 20 damn years and never used them once. I only fish offshore East Coast of Florida.

One factor which may or may not be a deal breaker for some is the fact that Yamaha uses a timing belt on their V6 engines while Suzuki uses a timing chain on their V6 engines.

In 2018, I bought a new Suzuki DF140A. Engine threw a trouble code due to a sensor failure within a year of purchase. Engine developed a delayed throttle response(lag) when you dropped the hammer to WOT. Sold that rig. Bought a new boat with the Yamaha 4.2 SHO. Love the Yamaha. Night and day difference.

I run both I have a 20 hp Suzuki and a 25 Yamaha and I love em both they’ve been great running very reliable outboards and are simple to work on

Repowered my Boston Whaler with twin Suzuki 200 Hp with digital controls and white finish, really happy with the purchase 👍

Good honest show In Sydney Australia most taxi boats have Yamaha I have one myself an f200 2006 and done 650 hrs the only issue I had was the pick up fuel pump failed Otherwise very happy with it

both yamaha and suzuki are incredibly reliable outboard motors i have owned both and both are running like a top to this day

Got a old 1998 115 Yamaha just rebuilt it this year and she’s brand new 20+ going strong baby

I enjoy my now two year old 175 HP Suzuki on a 21.8 ft panga w/ T-Top. Brand new when I purchased. Allot quieter than the older Suzuki (140) that I replaced with the new. Lots MORE power. I have had zero problems. Use it here in Baja Sur, MX - Sea of Cortez. Trolls nice and zooooms great from here to there. I am just posting for reference - I have no complaints. The cost from a dealer here in MX - almost 16K. That includes shipped and installed. PLUS - I got $3.5 K trade in on my old Suzuki 140 (10 years old). I am an old guy now 72 - so I want to run something new - so I re-powered the used boat I purchased. Not wanting to squeeze every bit of life out of an older engine.

I run a 239 Sea Pro with a 300 Suzuki, my buddy runs a 239 Key West with 2 150hp ETEC's, his boat is lighter by just about 500lbs, i blow him out of the water as far as fuel mileage goes, i get just shy of 3 miles to the gal, with him combined at 1.6 to 1.8 miles to the gal...... On a side note, we have alot of dealers for both Yamaha and Suzuki here on Long Island, definitely been seeing more Suzuki on the water the past couple years tho, had a friend price out a 300 Yammy compared to Suzuki and they wanted over 10k more for the Yamaha..... thats insane ....

I owned a Yamaha for 25 years or more... Hard to beat the reliability of Yamaha... But saying that Suzuki's are really good too

I'm a simple guy that uses smaller outboards. Recently, I was in the market for a repower, preferably, a 25-40hp four-stroke tiller. Given the weight of a 40hp motor and the size of my boat, I dropped my considerations to a 25-30hp four-stroke option. Well, I found that Honda and Suzuki use the 25hp block to construct their 30hp outboards, where Yamaha uses the 40hp blueprint. The weight difference is significant so that dumped Yamaha from my consideration in a 30hp motor. I really wanted the Honda, but no one had one in stock, and no one could give me a timeframe on ordering one. No one had a Suzuki 30hp in stock either, but I found a 25hp option, in stock, for $1200 less than Honda or Yamaha 25hp motors. It was 25hp or risk not having a set up for the 2023 fishing season, so I bought the Suzuki. I have friends that have owned the brand and they have zero complaints. I have owned Yamahas myself and have zero complaints, but all in all, the price point won over and I went with the Suzuki, which is also my current motorcycle brand, and has been since 2005, problem free. So far, I'm pleased as punch!

I work with rental boats/club boats (like freedom boat club) and we all run suzuki. The engines on our oldest and beat down boats still run great with the regular maintenance we do. The rest of the boat falls apart well before the engines do. Pretty sure they have over 1200 hours on them in 3 years time. Never used to care for suzuki till i started working with them. Id definitely consider them up there with some of the best outboards right now.

Seems like a very balanced, honest appraisal. Good video.

They are both great products. Generally. I got trip Yamaha 425s on my yellowfin. Resale is a big consideration when repowering at this price point. And for that reason alone I cannot see switching out to Suzuki. The market is what it is.

The length of Manufacturer's Warranty tells you everything you need to know about the manufacturer's faith in the quality of their products............

This was one of your best videos. Thanks.

i have had a yamaha 6 horse for 30 years. it is the best motor i have ever had, BY FAR. it still starts with one pull and runs smooth.

I have a Yamaha F150 on a 21 ft sea hunt with no issues But I think Mercury is on the cutting edge

The real key with outboards is to take care of them. Check and change the lower unit oil, especially if any fishing line or grass wrapped around the prop shaft. Oil is cheap as compared to a full rebuild of the lower unit. Change the water pump impeller every other year if you use it regularly. As for flushing, I prefer to put the lower unit in the tank and not just hook up the hose. The hose may circulate through the internals of the engine, but it doesn't remove all of the salt from the outside of the lower unit. Salt and aluminum are not friends. As for buying second hand, try and get freshwater only engines.

Bubba is awesome, Jetts will always take care of you. Can't wait for my zuk 90s rigged. Can't say enough about their customer service. LKA VA

After spending 14 plus years around the family owned fishing resort on a remote part of Vancouver Island, Suzuki outboards dominate the area, water taxi services, logging camps, guides and personal boats. They have a bullet proof reputation in the area i am familiar with. There are plenty of other motors too. They are all good....

I suppose I'm Yamaha loyal since I'm on my 3rd Yamaha motorcycle. I'm planning to buy a small boat soon, and I will look at both brands. I've heard good reviews on the Tohatsu brand as well.

Both great motors I've had both I prefer the Yamaha

Yamaha has a timing belt, $1800 or more to change if you can find a mechanic, and a Suzuki is a timing chain.. you pick it

Crankshaft to Driveshaft is engineered differently between these engines in the higher horsepower range. The Susuki power head sits forward of the leg centre line, shifting weight forward.

Had a Yamaha 90, for several years. Now have a Suzuki 350, love both , my 350 is patented for a couple improvements. . My Yamaha was super dependable. The Suzuki is newer, but so far flawless. Had a Mercury 250, no issues but never felt good about it over 3 years I had it.

I always liked Mercury, owned many and never had any issues. My yamahas I have owned have had some issues, F150 with a bad balancer took out the crank shaft, out of warranty but still fixed for free. I have seen loads of Suzukis and yamahas with severe corrosion that destroyed the powerhead, usually around 15+ years old. That said I just boat a new suzuki and am happy.

I had a boat built and shipped to the Philippines. Before I powered it, I went to a service center in Florida and explained where I was shipping it and what would they recommend since service centers are non existent. The guy told me that both are good, but when he sells a Yamaha he tells the guy I will see you later. When he sells a Suzuki he tells the guy by. As long as you do general maintenance on a Suzuki they just don't break. All the off shore fishermen are switching to Suzuki. I put on twin 140's and have not had a single problem.

My Yamaha 300 gave up after 5280 hours with no major issues till the very end. I replaced it with a Suzuki 300 and started having issues the first 200 hours. I'm attempting to keep the Suzuki alive until my Yamaha gets delivered.

I've worked in the marine business for 12 years. Parts and Service Department, and engine warranties. I believe Yamaha is a superior engine. Yamaha powerhead have painted water passages. Suzuki doesn't. Suzuki blocks have more corrosion powerhead issues. Suzuki engine will cost more for oil changes. V-6 engines take 9 quarts of oil. One good on the Suzuki engine is the timing chain. Versus Yamaha timing belt.

The "white" Yamaha is their saltwater series, it's more than just a paint color that adds the money

One thing I will say is the Suzuki is extremely quiet. If that's an important factor for you, I don't think you'll find a quieter engine.

Did they speak for nearly 20 minutes without mentioning the service costs? That the Yamaha has a timingbelt that needs to be changed (at a high price) and that the Suzuki has a good old fashioned timingc hain that will last "forever?"

Did Yamaha fix the expensive corroding issues had 2 with rotting bellhousing/exhaust guides 2006 and 2008s?

Growing up, my father had two boats with Suzuki engines on them. Both engines left us stranded multiple times or simply wouldn’t start. Due to that experience, I will never buy a Suzuki engine. With that being said, the best engine is the engine that has the closest dealer/maintenance shop…. 😀

So, I just went and looked at both Yamaha and Suzuki, to have both of them in WHITE, in a 25hp "portable" tiller, with same options and whatnot, there's only a 70$ difference between the 2. I even tried a few other sizes, and I haven't had a 2000$ difference in price for a white Yamaha vs its grey counterpart... I think you should make a revised version of this video with the added bonus of talking about accessories. Often times, it comes down to accessories. Which company has the best gauges? the most versatile gauges? the most versatile remote or tiller handle? the largest choice of options... etc.

What's quieter a 70hp Yamaha or Suzuki on open wide throttle?

Suz is on fire there great engines w great warranty but being a Yamaha guy and a 4:12 60 tlra 2 stroke I just rebuilt it for 3.500 done hopefully I’ll get another 10 out of it it’s a 02

We bought two boats a Alumacraft with Yamaha and a Lund with Mercury. The Mercury 150 didn't even make it through break in without blowing up. Warranty replaced it with a new engine after the computer verified that break in procedure was follwed. The engine failed due to a ChineseMade main bearing. Mercury may be made in America but the parts are outsourced fromChina. Yamaha is bulletproof. I will take Japan metalurgy over chineseJunk anyday!

Friend recently repowered boat with Suzuki 250hp, at 20% more the Yamaha didn't get a look in,. Price difference was worth few years of running costs. Honda was slightly more expensive but not enough to count it out, Suzuki had more CCs and better features. Given how reliable Yamaha are why don't they match competitors on warranty.

I have a 15 hp Yamaha kicker and it has freshwater port on the starboard side. Have owned 2 250 Yamaha outboard motors and never an issue. I wouldn’t care which motor came on my boat between these 2.

I have a mercury 115 pro xs. Absolutely nihilates any other motor on the market. So powerful, gas efficient and a 4 stroke. Awesome motor hands down.

They’re both excellent. I wouldn’t walk away from either if they were on a boat. My last boat had a 2007 Suzuki df200 v6. It had around 2000 hours on it when I sold the boat in 2021. The engine was still quiet as a mouse. My new boat has a 2018 Yamaha F300. Only 400 hours on it but it’s excellent. Can’t go wrong with either. If I was repowering a boat I’d go with whoever gives you the better deal in the HP you’re looking for. 🤷🏻‍♂️.

It’s usually harder to get parts for Suzuki. There is also not as many aftermarket parts for Suzuki i.e lower units.

I don't know about motors in the last 15 years, BUT fishermen in the north atlantic using the boat tear round will go through three Suzukies for every one Yamaha. They like the Yamahas because of low to very low maintenance. The others are in constant need especially the Mercuries (very sensitive)

I own both and so far I'd say the yamaha seems a little more reliable but I swear the Suzuki has way more power

They did not mention the relation between HP and Torque and gas consumption on both etc, also did not mention how high Susuki goes up in HP, I was expecting all that. Now that being said Yamaha is a superb motor but if I have to chose it would be Susuki. They’re simply awesome noiseless beautiful motors. Here is a better explanation of the new Suks ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-uGK9EiqDZw4.html

I run with Yamaha, because that is all I know. Thanks for sharing.

Down here on the Texas coast a lot more people are running Zukes. They got better hole shot bc of their lower gear ratio which is need when getting up shallow. Both are great engines and way more reliable than mercury. I love my df175 and for 5 years its been nothing but amazing in saltwater.

My comment for what it’s worth. I have a 2011 50hp Yamaha on my Bennington Pontoon with 448 hours on it. I change the Oil & Filter along with the Lower Unit. I also grease all of the Zerks at the end of the season in Wisconsin. Knock on wood Zero Problems. Love my Yamaha so much I bought a 16.5 foot StarCraft Fishing Boat and put an F70 HP on it with now about 30 hours of service. And Yes Zero Problems.

My Suzuki 15 HP 2018 Lean burn EFI has external flush port

Team Marine Service did this video. Andy knows all!!!!!

Suzuki has chain driven timing. Yamaha, Mercury, Tohatsu - belt. Suzuki it is.

In Sweden we got 7 years warrantie on Suzuki.

Interesting they did not mention the different gear ratios in each brand. The better efficiency of the Suzuki. And the timing chain vs belt. Those are kinda key.

Will Suzuki make an outboard bigger than their 4.4L DF350?? Hope they do bring out a V8 with HP north of 400

my experience with yamaha is horrible. after one year my lower unit started leaking water into it. the dealer said i needed a new lower unit. after they replaced it yamaha refused to honor the dealer's diagnosis. the dealer tried to hold my boat hostage and charge me $1,200 . we went round and round until i threatened to take them to small claims court. i would never consider buying another one.

My 2022 Suzuki 9.9 has a freshwater flush same as my 175

Got a Suzuki 200 with 20 hours, ask local dealer to upgrade to a 250 and it was a $14K upgrade. Crazy right?

Yamaha has the reputation for being reliable in New Zealand though my local volunteer coastguard runs twin Suzuki outboards and they love them and they do big hours

Ok guys great video. I am going back into the market after raising 3 kids and now want to enjoy my later years back on the water. I am up here near Cleveland. I am going to buy a place in Hilton Head so I am going to fish Erie ( fresh water ) and going to fish in the Hilton Head area ( salt water ). So I plan on keeping two places and fish in both places for the foreseeable future. As I look at boats and have a plethora of options on power units are there certain models in both brands that are more saltwater friendly as opposed to freshwater? I know corrosion is going to happen but I want to make the right choice. Also as I look at the available choices of power units I am a little confused with all the suffixes that are tied to each model of motor. Can you help me understand the differences? Example Yamaha VF250XB , F250XCB. Thank you!

You mean suduki, just kidding. Both are very good motors. Find out which motor your local boat mechanic services and go with that one.

Great Video. The True for real.

It's about reliability. Yamaha has a 97 percent reliability rating. Not saying Suzuki is bad, but if I'm on the water, I want reliability.

I’ve been a fan of Suzuki ever since my 1986 DT-20 2-cycle’s motor’s water pump went out and overheated, smoked and froze the motor up and it even turned the engine block brown! Got it home took it apart lubricated the cylinders, made a temporary head gasket from cardboard -got things moving again and it fired right up and ran! I’m like wow! So I ordered all new OEM parts for it rebuilt it and it’s been a fine motor for many years after until I finely sold the boat. Ever since then I’ve been a fan of Suzuki -this is how manufacturers can build fan loyalty by engineering and building quality engines since then I’ve bought two Suzuki engines. One being their first four stroke Twin V 25 HP that runs like a Harley (I solved the vibration issue with that motor) and I also purchased the DF-90/115 HP engine.

I heard that Suzuki is the only one running a timing chain instead of a timing belt

Excellent video

I am looking at 225 , the Yamahas are 40 pounds lighter according to brochure, is that correct?

What I look for is reliability economy servicing and Price last. We had a Perkins Chrysler Crescent Johnson Yamaha. Yamaha beat those by a very very long way. Because there are others makes things hard for new outboards but Suzuki is kicking right way with something lighter and new 4 stroke engines. Here is what I found Mercury still going few other makes not Japanese then there is Honda that used to be the best 4 stroke but heavy. Now the difference Between the Mercury Johnson Evinrude and the jalapeno was HP at the head and Japanese engines were HP at the prop. Which Yamaha won until Suzuki as now all HP at the Prop. As said the Suzuki is lighter and a bit more economical but it is so close.

The only two outboard engines I’ll ever buy is a new Yamaha or an old Yamaha.

I’m putting a Suzuki 140 on my 18ft Hydra sport next week.

great review thanks.

Love my twin DF200 Suzuki’s.

And I’m still rocking my old hp 500

I like research and development. But more and more elements going all electronic creates more probability of failure. And last thing I want is my steering or throttle to go out 100 miles offshore

Buy the brand that has the best shop near you if you trailer. If you dock or dry buy the brand the marina service is most familiar with.

Excellent 👍. I would favor Suzuki for the longer warranty and a little bit cheaper but I would also be happy to own a Yamaha. I don't think you can go wrong either way. I would definitely take either of these two brands over Mercury. Thank you 👍

I'll be enjoying my 200hp Suzuki. Thanks 👍

I think Zuks are actually easier to service than Yams.. it's a really hard jump to Yamaha from Zuk these days. Reliability is the same for all practical purposes, and I see actual prices with more than a 10% variation. I think it's closer to 15% in reality.

shouldn't honda be in this mix? as good or better?

Great video. Thank you.

I am interested in purchasing either 70hp yamaha or Suzuki who can I check for purchasing

If you live near a Suzuki Service shop That's the answer to the question Yamaha's are also great But they're more expensive across-the-board even with regular scheduled maintenance You pay more just to pay more

What I find funny is that when bombardier bought evinrude/ johnson back in the day, I dont know how many years ago, they phased out Johnson and said we are not even gona make them anymore ( Johnson that is) then they bought Suzuki and quote started making Suzuki outboards. Which were pretty soso motors.Then when everyone was making 4 strokes Suzuki wanted to get in on the action. They already had a platform to make 4 stokes so painted them black and slapped a Suzuki sticker on a Johnson 4 stroke and called it a day. I will say Johnson 4 strokes were some of the best 4strokes you could get. So really the motors had nothing to do with the car maker they just shared a name. Bet a lot never knew that tidbit?

I regret not repowering with a Suzuki. I bought a 7 year old 75hp etec. I put more money into getting it running right than it would have cost me for a brand new Suzuki. 3 Years later the screw all 6 came out of the reeds into the engine and wiped it out.

I'm in Floridaand almost every charter boat has a Suzuki on them watch u tube fishing videos see what they got I have a yamaha love them

I’ll take the Mercury Verado!

Why didn't you bring Mercury into this?