Boreades
Well-Known Member
Thinking of adding a 2hp outboard to our tender. Would prefer four stroke, not sure where to get the best deal from. Can anyone recommend a good discount source?
2hp outboard - recommendations?
- Thread starter Boreades
- Start date
FullCircle
Well-Known Member
I have a Honda BF2.3 Air cooled so no waterway blockages, but a bit noisy, and not quite as light as the 2 strokes.
Also the fuel cap can get lost easily as the retaining bar is plastic and bends. But very good package overall, and very frugal, no oil mixing to be done.
5 year warranty, but only if you have it serviced at a squillion quid a year in an approved centre. Stuff that.
£399 from Mailspeed at the moment, better if you buy a inflatable/engine package.
Also the fuel cap can get lost easily as the retaining bar is plastic and bends. But very good package overall, and very frugal, no oil mixing to be done.
5 year warranty, but only if you have it serviced at a squillion quid a year in an approved centre. Stuff that.
£399 from Mailspeed at the moment, better if you buy a inflatable/engine package.
Stemar
Well-Known Member
If your mind isn't made up on the 2-4 stroke issue, have a look at the Tohatsu 3.5. IIRC, It's the same mechanically as the 2 hp, but with extra grunt if you need it.
It's light weight, reliable and isn't fussy about how it's stored. As long as you don't go flat out too often, it's pretty economical too. You should be able to find one for about £350.
No commercial interest, just a satisfied customer.
It's light weight, reliable and isn't fussy about how it's stored. As long as you don't go flat out too often, it's pretty economical too. You should be able to find one for about £350.
No commercial interest, just a satisfied customer.
G
Guest
Guest
Little grey Mariner job ....
Same as Tohatsu, Yamaha etc. etc. All based on same engine.
One to avoid .... the little white Johnson .... why ? It gets swamped easily and cuts out ..... o/bd dealer I know hates 'em - he gets them in regularly for sorting out and often owners wnat to trade them in ... he doesn't want them. But he'll take mariners any day !!
Mine was second-hand serviced with 3 months g'tee ..... £150 and its still going strong 4 yrs later ..... Mariner. It's not noisy - only sips fuel .... no neutral though that's only drawback ... but it turns 360 so you can reverse / ahead whatever.
Oh forgot .... I'm told that the 2 is the same engine as the 3 ... with a restrictor fitted .... don't aks me where - I don't know !!! Wish I did though !!! Water-skiing anyone ?
Same as Tohatsu, Yamaha etc. etc. All based on same engine.
One to avoid .... the little white Johnson .... why ? It gets swamped easily and cuts out ..... o/bd dealer I know hates 'em - he gets them in regularly for sorting out and often owners wnat to trade them in ... he doesn't want them. But he'll take mariners any day !!
Mine was second-hand serviced with 3 months g'tee ..... £150 and its still going strong 4 yrs later ..... Mariner. It's not noisy - only sips fuel .... no neutral though that's only drawback ... but it turns 360 so you can reverse / ahead whatever.
Oh forgot .... I'm told that the 2 is the same engine as the 3 ... with a restrictor fitted .... don't aks me where - I don't know !!! Wish I did though !!! Water-skiing anyone ?
jerryat
Well-Known Member
Re: Little grey Mariner job ....
Hi Nigel,
I have the Yamaha 2 (identical to the Mariner 2) and rate it very highly. I'm not convinced of the 'advantages' of 4 stroke at this level, and doubt the Honda is as light as the Mar/Yam 2's.
Love to know if there really is a restrictor, and how you remove it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Does anyone out there know?!!
Cheers Jerry
Hi Nigel,
I have the Yamaha 2 (identical to the Mariner 2) and rate it very highly. I'm not convinced of the 'advantages' of 4 stroke at this level, and doubt the Honda is as light as the Mar/Yam 2's.
Love to know if there really is a restrictor, and how you remove it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Does anyone out there know?!!
Cheers Jerry
reeac
Well-Known Member
I've just sold my 6 year old Honda BF2 as we got fed up with its various displays of temperament -yes, I know that they're super-reliable so maybe it's my fault. Bought instead a new Suzuki 2.2 2-stroke for £254. We mostly use an o/b just to get to our swinging mooring and back and probably only do 20 hours per year so increased fuel costs are negligible. It's smaller and marginally lighter - only downside compared with the Honda is the need to flush with fresh water after use.
bigmart
Well-Known Member
I've got the Honda BF2. It's a great piece of kit & no mucking about with Oil. You just have to be careful which side you lay it down on. The wrong way round & the Crankcase Oil leaks out through the breather. They warn you in the documentation.
It pushes my Flubber along as fast as my Old Mariner 4 Hp 2 Stroke & it starts 1st time everytime.
I wouldn't change back to the bad old days.
Martin
It pushes my Flubber along as fast as my Old Mariner 4 Hp 2 Stroke & it starts 1st time everytime.
I wouldn't change back to the bad old days.
Martin
Talbot
Well-Known Member
Re: Little grey Mariner job ....
There is an engine size difference between the 2hp and the 3.5 50cc to 75cc IIRC.
There is an engine size difference between the 2hp and the 3.5 50cc to 75cc IIRC.
nordic_ranger
Well-Known Member
Re: Little grey Mariner job ....
Love to know if there really is a restrictor, and how you remove it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I believe it is the carburator jet. you just get the bigger size from the dealer.
Jim.
Love to know if there really is a restrictor, and how you remove it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I believe it is the carburator jet. you just get the bigger size from the dealer.
Jim.
G
Guest
Guest
Re: Little grey Mariner job ....
I think its a greta little engine ... pick it up one hand .... only thing I'm not so happy about on mine is the throttle lever has lost its stop to hold full throttle ... so if you want more thajn 1/2 throttle you have to hold the lever up ... but thats my fault.
It does it's job, has pushed my avon through some pretty rough stuff when mopst engines would give up !!
The restrictor .......... it was a comment I picked up from a guy long time ago - but can't remember where it is ... I assume it must be in the fuel / air system somewhere ....
I think its a greta little engine ... pick it up one hand .... only thing I'm not so happy about on mine is the throttle lever has lost its stop to hold full throttle ... so if you want more thajn 1/2 throttle you have to hold the lever up ... but thats my fault.
It does it's job, has pushed my avon through some pretty rough stuff when mopst engines would give up !!
The restrictor .......... it was a comment I picked up from a guy long time ago - but can't remember where it is ... I assume it must be in the fuel / air system somewhere ....
pappaecho
Well-Known Member
I would discount the Suzuki 2.2, because in lowish temperatures you get clogging of the carburettor, so it wont start. In March had problems, but now OK, due to the higher ambient air temperature affecting the oil/petrol, resulting in a clear gel like substance at lowish temperatures (Never had any problem with my Seagull)
On the same subject, never had any problem with the waterways "salting up", but then the Seagull put a reasonable amount of water through the system. The Suzuki send such a small amount of water through the system and slight salting up, and you have problems. Not properly designed in my opinion - stick with Mariner/Tohatsu, which seem to be better designed.
On the same subject, never had any problem with the waterways "salting up", but then the Seagull put a reasonable amount of water through the system. The Suzuki send such a small amount of water through the system and slight salting up, and you have problems. Not properly designed in my opinion - stick with Mariner/Tohatsu, which seem to be better designed.
bigmart
Well-Known Member
Stick to the Honda. It ain't got any waterways to clog up.
Martin
Martin
pampas
Well-Known Member
Buy an outboard where the leg does not have to be stripped in order to change the water p/p impellor.ie: like a mariner. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
boatbuilder
Well-Known Member
Re: Little grey Mariner job ....
the restrictor is in the air flow to the carb. manufactures say that if you remove it then the jetting will be wrong. Allways worked ok on the engines that I have changed. nothing ventured etc.
the restrictor is in the air flow to the carb. manufactures say that if you remove it then the jetting will be wrong. Allways worked ok on the engines that I have changed. nothing ventured etc.
misterg
Well-Known Member
Re: Little grey Mariner job ....
[ QUOTE ]
Love to know if there really is a restrictor, and how you remove it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I believe it is the carburator jet. you just get the bigger size from the dealer.
Jim.
[/ QUOTE ]
On our mariner 2.2 (black), the restriction is the throttle slide, which is too long to raise completely.
For those that want to know /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif, it is possible to cut it down, and bend the throttle linkage to give full travel. Definitely adds more 'pep', but I believe the 3.3 has a different final drive gear ratio - certainly experience cavitation if pushing it.
Don't know if jets are different - ours seems happy enough doing the regular 5 minute journey to/from mooring, but not at anything like full throttle.
Would recommend the engine - irritations are that the carb needs to be run dry, or it leaks petrol when the engine is laid flat, and that some of the bits & bobs inside the casing seem to be made of mild steel and are rusting.
I believe Suzukis are good engines, too, but would check price of spares and availability - I believe there were problems a few years ago - not sure if this situation persists. Believe Tohatsu also OK.
It's taken us 2 seasons to use a gallon of 2-stroke, so oil-mixing not a problem!
Andy
[ QUOTE ]
Love to know if there really is a restrictor, and how you remove it!! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
I believe it is the carburator jet. you just get the bigger size from the dealer.
Jim.
[/ QUOTE ]
On our mariner 2.2 (black), the restriction is the throttle slide, which is too long to raise completely.
For those that want to know /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif, it is possible to cut it down, and bend the throttle linkage to give full travel. Definitely adds more 'pep', but I believe the 3.3 has a different final drive gear ratio - certainly experience cavitation if pushing it.
Don't know if jets are different - ours seems happy enough doing the regular 5 minute journey to/from mooring, but not at anything like full throttle.
Would recommend the engine - irritations are that the carb needs to be run dry, or it leaks petrol when the engine is laid flat, and that some of the bits & bobs inside the casing seem to be made of mild steel and are rusting.
I believe Suzukis are good engines, too, but would check price of spares and availability - I believe there were problems a few years ago - not sure if this situation persists. Believe Tohatsu also OK.
It's taken us 2 seasons to use a gallon of 2-stroke, so oil-mixing not a problem!
Andy
m1taylor
Well-Known Member
You could try a Seagull Featherweight - about 12 kilos. Cheap on ebay - you'll get a working one for under £100.
bigmart
Well-Known Member
Don't talk daft. Seagulls didn't work from new!
Martin /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Martin /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
G
Guest
Guest
In terms of reliability.....
I have yet to see anything take punishment like a Seagull engine ...
You can drop 'em in water and hose 'em off, dry em and they will start.
They are abused, left in damp lockers, stored in 'orrible dank corners ... brushed off... clamped to back of dinghy - started and go.
Two problems ..... the oily mixture ratio !! as I seem to remember 1-25 ? plus the unmistakeable sound of one early hours of morning !!!!
Actually there is one other thing ... be careful about the rope starter .... it flicks back and hits passengers when you don't warn them !!!! It hurts !!
Story is they were designed for Commandos to do beach raids ................ to put up with a soldiers abuse etc. Now I ask - how can you sneak up on a beach with a seagull engine making that racket ????
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I have yet to see anything take punishment like a Seagull engine ...
You can drop 'em in water and hose 'em off, dry em and they will start.
They are abused, left in damp lockers, stored in 'orrible dank corners ... brushed off... clamped to back of dinghy - started and go.
Two problems ..... the oily mixture ratio !! as I seem to remember 1-25 ? plus the unmistakeable sound of one early hours of morning !!!!
Actually there is one other thing ... be careful about the rope starter .... it flicks back and hits passengers when you don't warn them !!!! It hurts !!
Story is they were designed for Commandos to do beach raids ................ to put up with a soldiers abuse etc. Now I ask - how can you sneak up on a beach with a seagull engine making that racket ????
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
bigmart
Well-Known Member
Re: In terms of reliability.....
There are two types of Sailors in this world. Those who like Seagulls & those without a hernia.
You always hear " The good old seagull, you can take it apart & make it work any time."
This is because everytime you went to use a Seagull you had to take it apart to make it work.
Me I'd rather one of the modern, lighter, reliable motors. you know the ones that start first time every time & don't need to be taken apart. Like my Honda which is also a great deal more powerful than the equivalent sized Seagull.
Martin /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
There are two types of Sailors in this world. Those who like Seagulls & those without a hernia.
You always hear " The good old seagull, you can take it apart & make it work any time."
This is because everytime you went to use a Seagull you had to take it apart to make it work.
Me I'd rather one of the modern, lighter, reliable motors. you know the ones that start first time every time & don't need to be taken apart. Like my Honda which is also a great deal more powerful than the equivalent sized Seagull.
Martin /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif
G
Guest
Guest
When was the last time anyone took a Seagull apart !!
I certainly haven't and apart from service people don't know anyone else who has !!
The 40 featherweight is no heavier than the mariner 2.5 I have ...
Sorry - but I know lots of people who have had Seagulls, have Seagulls, actually I know people who want to buy a Seagull - well by time I get back to UK - they will have them ...
There is a school of thought about that considers that Seagulls and their like will be outlawed - well I won't change that view - as it means I will pick up a bargain !!
The comment I will make is generally reliability of the later recoil and 'semi-enclosed' engine seagulls was said to be less than the original open agricultural ones ....
I have had 4 Seagulls, ( 2 Featherweights, 40+ short, 40+ long) ... each of them abused, used and passed on in full working order ...
People may mock them, slag them off, quote all sorts .... but at end of day - there are an awful lot of them still puttering around on back of dinghy's .............. there is a story that the very first one is still in use .... along with most of its later brothers ....
Noisy, smelly, oily, but still working.
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif
I certainly haven't and apart from service people don't know anyone else who has !!
The 40 featherweight is no heavier than the mariner 2.5 I have ...
Sorry - but I know lots of people who have had Seagulls, have Seagulls, actually I know people who want to buy a Seagull - well by time I get back to UK - they will have them ...
There is a school of thought about that considers that Seagulls and their like will be outlawed - well I won't change that view - as it means I will pick up a bargain !!
The comment I will make is generally reliability of the later recoil and 'semi-enclosed' engine seagulls was said to be less than the original open agricultural ones ....
I have had 4 Seagulls, ( 2 Featherweights, 40+ short, 40+ long) ... each of them abused, used and passed on in full working order ...
People may mock them, slag them off, quote all sorts .... but at end of day - there are an awful lot of them still puttering around on back of dinghy's .............. there is a story that the very first one is still in use .... along with most of its later brothers ....
Noisy, smelly, oily, but still working.
/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif