Yamaha vs Mercury vs Honda vs Suzuki vs Tohatsu: Which Outboard Motor Brand Is Right for You?

If you’ve narrowed your outboard search down to horsepower and shaft length, the next question is almost always brand. All five manufacturers we stock — Yamaha, Mercury, Honda, Suzuki and Tohatsu — build genuine four-stroke engines backed by manufacturer warranty, so there’s no “wrong” choice among them. But each has a sweet spot depending on your boat, budget, and how you use it.

Yamaha (2.5HP – 150HP)

Yamaha has the broadest range we stock, from the entry-level Yamaha F2.5BMHS 2.5HP — a manual-start tiller motor suited to tenders and small tinnies — right up through mid-range workhorses like the Yamaha F9.9LEB 9.9HP and performance motors such as the Yamaha F90XB 90HP with remote mechanical control. Yamaha is a solid default if you want the widest possible parts and service network across Australia and don’t want to compromise between low-end range and high-end performance options.

Best for: buyers who want the largest range to choose from, from lightweight tenders to serious performance motors, all under one brand.

Mercury (3.5HP – 150HP)

Mercury’s range covers similarly broad ground, from small portables through to the Mercury 30ELPT 30HP and up to digital-control options like the Mercury 115ELPT CT 115HP. Mercury is often the pick for boats that already run Mercury-branded controls, gauges, or rigging, since matching the whole helm to one manufacturer simplifies parts and servicing down the track.

Best for: repowers on boats already rigged with Mercury controls, or buyers who want digital electric control options at the higher end of the range.

Honda (2.3HP – 250HP)

Honda’s four-stroke reputation was arguably built on outboards — the brand pioneered mainstream four-stroke marine engines well before it became the industry standard. The Honda BF20D3SH 20HP is a good example of the mid-range: manual-start, short-shaft, tiller control, and built for straightforward small-boat use. Honda’s range tops out higher than most at 250HP, giving it strong coverage at the offshore end too.

Best for: buyers who prioritise long-run reliability and a manufacturer with the longest continuous history in four-stroke outboard design.

Suzuki (2.5HP – 200HP)

Suzuki sits well-represented in the mid-range with motors like the Suzuki DF9.9BT 9.9HP, Suzuki DF50AV 50HP and Suzuki DF60AV 60HP, the latter two both with remote mechanical control suited to console boats. Suzuki outboards are known for lean-burn fuel management systems that adjust the air-fuel mix automatically, which can translate to lower running costs over a season of regular use.

Best for: buyers who do a lot of hours on the water and want fuel efficiency as a priority in the mid-range HP brackets.

Tohatsu (9.9HP – 115HP)

Tohatsu has the narrowest range of the five, focused squarely on the mid-to-high HP brackets rather than tiny portables or huge offshore V6s — the Tohatsu BFT150A 150HP with extra-long 25″ shaft and remote mechanical control is a good example, built for boats with deeper transoms like pontoons. Tohatsu also manufactures outboards under license for some other marine brands, so the engineering underneath is more widely proven than the badge alone suggests.

Best for: boats with deeper transoms needing extra-long shaft options, or buyers who want a simpler, no-frills range without wading through dozens of variants.

So Which One Should You Buy?

In practice, the decision usually comes down to three things, in this order:

1. What’s already on your boat. If you’re repowering, matching your existing brand of controls and rigging (or at least compatible control types) saves money and hassle.
2. Your HP bracket. Honda’s top-end 250HP and Suzuki’s 200HP give them an edge for large offshore boats, while Yamaha and Mercury cover the middle most evenly.
3. Availability and price on the day. All five brands are genuine, warrantied, and four-stroke — so once you’re within your compliance plate’s HP rating, the “right” brand is often whichever model best matches your shaft length, control type, and budget.

Not sure which of the five suits your boat? Use our HP Finder tool with your boat length, transom depth, and preferred brand, or get in touch with our team directly — we’re at 85 Tope Street, South Melbourne, and happy to talk through the trade-offs before you buy. You can also browse the full range by brand or check our FAQ for more on financing, freight, and warranty terms.