6 horse outboard - Suzuki or Yamaha?

[Excalibur5]

Well after looking for months for a good used unit, it looks like I'm giving in and am about ready to pull the plug on a new outboard for my portabote. We are headed out for an extended (3+) year cruise in 5 months, so reliability and worldwide parts availabilty are key.

I am strongly looking at both the Yamaha F6 and the Suzuki DF6A. I understand parts may be a bit easier for the Yamaha, but the Suzuki is 8 pounds lighter and actually has an oil filter. Otherwise on paper they look pretty comprable. It looks like the Suzuki will be slightly cheaper as well.

I know outboard brands are a religion to themselves. What are your experiences trying to service a Yamaha vs a Suzuki while who-knows where?

[rbk]

Having owned both Yamahas and Suzuki’s both are top notch but I’ve found Suzuki’s easier to work on and maintain.