Hi,

Thanks for all this :)

When I bought my 350 Sci back in 2011, I experienced a couple of problems - all related to battery issues. However, now and then the engine decided to go from 600 rpm to 1,500 without me doing anything... Each time I needed to reflash the settings with the computerprogram from Merc. When I sold the engine we discovered corrosion on the adapter plate.... , and we replaced it.

The 400R has been 100% reliable. 485 hours so far. No issues at all. A top notch engine. The only think I miss is accellation as the 400R does not pull as hard as 350 Sci.

This year is the last season with warranty, and for that reason I want to replace it. And ofcourse more speed. Ha ha :)

Cheeers, Toffen

I probably do not have good dealer support here in the gulf coast. However, I do not assume I need to have a "proactive" mercury racing mechanic check my motors each time I take the boat for a run...if that's what you are referring to. I follow the standard manufacturer recommendations for any service to the T. Unfortunately, I seem to have had issues with the motors well before any service is actually required. Diagnosing, Ordering parts, parts being on back order, then installing the parts, and testing the boat etc etc etc. That all takes time...to work on the boat, and away from my chance to enjoy it.

Bottom line, I think the 450's are badass-when they run 100%. The warranty is DEFINITELY needed, and if it was only good for 1 year, I would have sold the boat already. In 13 months, I've had more frustration and bad days of boating because of my "new" mercury racing 450's than I have had good days. Anecdotally, doing 3-4 poker runs this year, the majority of people with 450's have had issues and are frustrated. There are some however, who have NEVER had an issue and have plenty of hours. Consistency and reliability is what outboards are built for. I have consistently NOT had reliable motors. Not sure what my next move is but, it sure is getting old having the motors broken all the dang time.

Maybe poll the crowd: IF I had the option, I would NOT have purchased a trip 450 boat. I would've stuck with 400R.

It is amazing that Mercury is still using 2 piece prop shafts on their high performance outboards. in the mid 80's we raced a 30' Sanger Cat, the first few seasons we ran the 3.4 motors, broke a number of 2 piece prop shafts, the final remedy of that problem was Merc providing us with 1 piece prop shafts, problem solved, worst part of the prop shaft breaks was the prop was lost which was a bigger deal than the shaft. you think they would learn that the 2 piece shafts will break.

Gator, can you clear out your PM, have a question.

i cannot believe the cheerleaders haven't had this thread erased. when i stated in the past that the 450's have issues some of the cheerleaders on oso are now saying the truth in this thread. fact is if you run it, your going to have an issue of some sort along the way. prop shafts and propellers are the big thing in twins and mounting issues show their heads on multi engine installations. one has to see that it's an issue when you see that merc left the main part of the engines stationaly on the 600 as this helps to prevent the failure of the engine mount. theres no free lunch with outboards either. they have gained market share like no other but the cheerleaders can only lie to everyone for so long before the people who were taken in by the deception start to speak the truth. not saying they are the worst thing but far to often oso is the worst place for finding the truth due to the agendas of to many in the business side of things. this used to be a boater site and its turned into a dealer site with everyone pm their sales to members.

The one thing everyone seems to ignore is that a boat is a floating (most of the. time) money vacuum. The bigger and more powerful, the more hundreds it sucks. I have owned and spent God only knows how much money on them. I expect repairs and down time.The only reason I continue to keep boating is that I love it. Yes, people do have boat problems . Some times, it is caused by a defective product. Other times, a boat may not be suited for its use. Some people are just hard on machinery. Boats need regular maintenance and some people don’t take the time for maintenance. That being said, it is frustrating to have expensive new equipment fail. It pisses you off when you get the boat out of the shop and the same thing breaks again. Boaters have be resilient because you will have disappointing days on the water.

I have had boats that are pretty reliable. I have had others that spend more time at the shop than on the water. I don’t think that I will outgrow my passion since I will be 67 next month.

I hope everyone has a good safe boating season because I know that everybody is due some fun.

wise words.



I posted issues with my boat during late summer, as merc had parts on back order during COVID, understandable, I guess. Cheerleaders didn’t shut the thread down....

The boat is a vacuum but, if I was able to actually use the boat reliably whenever I wanted then, I wouldn’t care. As you said you love boating and we all do here. Having premium $ spent on motors should allow premium reliability and response to repairs.

I “hear” the recent motors being released are more reliable, and if so, at what point do lemon laws apply to marine motors. Because if they could just send me 3 new 450s. That my friends, would be great

Like nate said. Merc has the fastest lightest outboards and pushes new technology. And the motors get surfaced a lot on fast boats.

Plenty of Yamaha, Merc and Suzuki 300s out there racking up thousands of hours of normal use.

Don’t own one, but I have a big issue with the 450s... Way too quiet! From what I’ve heard the 400Rs sound better

LOL. You're kidding, right?