I run a couple of mercs and one OMC, I personally like my omc even though it is a prop, my bud has a newer omc ficht with a pump and loves it, I had my 225 go completely under (boat sunk) and after blowing the water out it ran fine, did'nt cost me a dime to fix! but for the sake of topic I fish all over and every place I go down south (mostly) Yamaha is the choice some of the guys I also respect in the biz say the same, as for me a good motor with a good running record is as good as any , as far me me a check, tighen , lube , flush, my motors every year.