Honda 9.9 vs Yamaha 9.9 Outboard?

[Parasite]

I'm looking for a 9.9 outboard, short shaft model and was looking for feedback on these two models.

[Stein]

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the big 3 these days.  I have a Yamaha and it's great, a bit hard to start cold but it purrs all day.  I prefer the Yamaha controls over the Merc, but haven't used a Honda newer than an '84.   

[Crunchy]

I think my Honda kicker ran better than my current Yamaha does.  BUT the Yamaha controls on the tiller are MUCH nicer.  Well it is just the shift linkage, but it really makes a difference not having to reach that extra foot.

[bigdub257]

I'd go with Yamaha.  I've had both and to me, the yamaha runs more smoothly.  The Yamaha wash out port is very convenient as is the shift lever on the tiller handle.

[huntnphool]

 Never have had a issue with my Yamaha.

[NRA4LIFE]

Same here.  The flush out port is really nice.

To be fair, I've never owned a Honda.

[huntnphool]

 There is a reason the Yamaha hasn’t changed in 20 years, no need!

[PolarBear]

Yamaha hands down.

[lokidog]

Had both, I'd go Yamaha any day.

[h2ofowlr]

I would go with Yamaha 9.9.  It was a bullet proof motor on my boat.  Never had issues.  Also the same motor you will see on most guide boats.

[Parasite]

I should have just created a poll. Sounds like it's resoundingly in favor of the Yamaha.

[huntnphool]

I should have just created a poll. Sounds like it's resoundingly in favor of the Yamaha.

 I own 6 Honda engines (shrimp or puller, 2 lawn mowers, weed eater, generator, pressure washer) and a Acura MDX, never had issues with any of those either, and I’ll still buy another Yamaha for my boat if I am ever in the market again.

[NRA4LIFE]

I guess I do own a couple Hondas.  One of them is on my log splitter and is probably 40 years old or better.  It starts easy, every time.  But don't get me started about the $94 muffler story.

[lokidog]

Either way, make a waterproof sleeve for the tiller handle, it gets splashed a lot. The shift cam on my yamaha, made from Al instead of stainless  corroded out on mine from splashing.

[NRA4LIFE]

Another thing to do on the Yamahas is to keep the tiller rotation point lubed.  Mine seized on me 5 years ago and it was a bear to unstick.