I wanted to chime in here. I run a 175 Verado Big Tiller on 2010 Pro Guide. I will tell you that this motor is a top shelf choice. I love Yamaha also and have owned them in the past. So i do have experience with both brands but not a 150 Yammie 4 stroke in particular.
I want to start with fuel efficiency. I have Merc Smartcraft guages and as far I can see from fuel burn #s and refilling at the pump they are pretty close.
Backtrolling dialed down 550 rpm .3 gal per hour
40 mph full tournament load 10-10.5 gal per hour
WOT 48-49 mph 6400 rpm tourney load 17-17.5 gal per hour
In my personal opinion I’d have to say those are good fuel burn #’s for the hull it’s pushing. Back off the throttle 400-500 rpm’s and you’re down to 13-14 gal per hour.
Reliability is real good too. I have had one problem with the harness but we pretty much determined it was a rigging issue and was zip tied too tight to the hydraulic steering mech and that part of the harness acted as a hinge.After 370 hrs a wire broke.
Power and speed- I’d put it up against any other 175 4-stroke. I’d have too say it will most likely rival most 2-strokes also. The best part is no smoke and alot less noise.
Gearcase and Prop selection – Merc is #1 As a matter of fact I always ran Merc props on my Yammies.
I know it sounds like I get my Equipment for Free. I don’t. But when I believe in a product I’m going to tell you about it. Just like my Marcum Flashers
Jon Tennessen