According to the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 Marine Engine Competitive Information Study, released today at the Miami International Boat Show, Evinrude, Honda, PCM and Volvo Penta rank highest in their respective segments among marine engine manufacturers in satisfying new-boat owners.
The study is now in its eighth year and measures overall customer satisfaction with four marine engine types: outboard DI two-stroke; outboard EFI four-stroke; sterndrive EFI; and inboard EFI. Overall customer satisfaction index scores are based on performance across seven factors: starting ease; quietness at cruise; reliability; fuel economy; shifting smoothness; lack of exhaust fumes; and ability of boat to accelerate rapidly.
Here is a synopsis of what J.D. Power and Associates reports…
Demonstrating considerable improvement in both satisfaction and quality in 2009, Evinrude ranks highest in the two-stroke DI outboard segment and performs particularly well in shifting smoothness, fuel economy and reliability.
Honda ranks highest among outboard EFI four-stroke engine manufacturers, performing particularly well in starting ease, shifting smoothness and reliability. Yamaha follows Honda in the rankings, while Suzuki ranks third in the segment.
For a second consecutive year, Volvo Penta ranks highest in the sterndrive EFI segment, performing particularly well in the fuel economy and lack of exhaust fumes factors.
Satisfaction has increased considerably in the EFI sterndrive segment in all seven factors, with the most significant improvements occurring in the areas of lack of exhaust fumes and ability of boat to accelerate rapidly
Pleasurecraft Engine Group (PCM) ranks highest in the inboard EFI four-stroke engine segment for a fourth consecutive year, performing particularly well in the fuel economy and lack of engine fumes factors.
The study finds that the average number of problems has steadily declined for both DI and EFI outboard engine types since 2005. In 2009, DI engines average 73 PP100, compared with 87 PP100 in 2005. Additionally, EFI outboard engines perform notably better in 2009 with 51 PP100, compared with 73 PP100 in 2005.
Source: J.D. Power and Associates
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