5hp outboards: easiest to start?

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Ronald_M

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Interesting article in this month's YM, page 88.

The article compares a variety of 5hp outboards, and describes the Suzuki model in particular as starting with "the lightest of pulls" on account of its "automatic decompressor".

How much lighter a pull?

My reason for asking is that I may need to replace my trusty Honda BF5. This has been a smashing little motor. It powers my small trailer-sailer more than adequately. The only problem is that it requires a pretty hard yank to get started. The poor memsahib has a rather weak back and finds it impossible to do. Could be a bit of an issue in a MOB situation!

I appreciate that in the absence of scientific data, any comparison of "lightness of starting" is bound to be subjective. I suppose one could try to find a friendly dealer who might offer to line up a few different models to try, but I doubt that many would agree to this.

So, would any kind forumite care to proffer a view? Anyone lucky enough to own both a Honda AND a Suzuki? Is the Suzuki really that much easier to start? What does the panel think?

TIA

Ron.
 
I have the Suzuki 6hp, and it does seem very easy to start. The engine turns over smoothly without the usual stiffness as it reaches a compression point - they are not gone completely but the engine turns past them easily. Probably not explained well but it is as easy to pull over as my Tohatsu 3.5hp (not as light to lift though!). I also think it is quieter and smoother running than a Tohatsu 6hp 4-stroke I used to own.

One drawback to its use on a trailer sailer (I use mine as an auxillary on a small motor cruiser) is that I have been unable to find a saildrive prop for it.
 
I have a Mariner 4hp 4 stroke (which is a Tohatsu). I think it's the same motor as the 5 or 6hp with different carb.
I used to have a Yamaha 4hp 4 stroke and have had a Honda 5 hp.

I would say (subjectively) that the Yamaha was the easiest pull and the Mariner and Honda are about the same.

None are Suzuki, as you will have spotted, but here is a tip.

My motor is on the port side of the transom so I stand facing port, take the cord in my right hand and as I pull it out I put my left hand on the cord and press it down as I pull I follow across as I pull (don't let the cord slip through my hand).

As I swing across the left had pushes down on the cord which the right hand is
trying to pull upwards.

Don't ask me how, but this seems to reduce the effort considerably.
 
Thanks for the thoughts, chaps.

If only manufacturers would offer an electric-start option with their 5hp units (as many do on their 8/9hp ones)! Strange that they don't, particularly as Honda, for example, are happy to offer turn-key starting on their small garden lawn-mowers (similar size engines?).

Of course, the main issue with recoil starting is being able overcome the cylinder compression resistance; it wouldn't be a very good engine if it had none! Maybe Suzuki's Automatic Decompression is the answer. I'm assuming that this works on the principle of venting the cylinder until the pull-cord has built up a good few revs, then restoring compression at the last moment??

Ron.
 
Starting 5 h.p. Outboards.

If you are looking for electric start in a small h.p. outboard - consider the Selva 4T range - to order they supply electric start on their 6 h.p. model - however, they also supply a 7.5 h.p. model with electric start which is the same weight as their 5 & 6 h.p. models.
 
mikeshrimper said:
If you are looking for electric start in a small h.p. outboard - consider the Selva 4T range - to order they supply electric start on their 6 h.p. model - however, they also supply a 7.5 h.p. model with electric start which is the same weight as their 5 & 6 h.p. models.
Click to expand...

Wow! Missed that one - Cheers! Looks as if my problem might be solved!

Selva..........aren't they a sort of clone of Yamaha? Or am I imagining this?

Ron.
 
'Ronald M.

The information below is from the Italian Selva Web site:

"The guarantee of our product quality and durability is also that Selva S.p.a. supplied with first installation components for outboard motors the OMC Europe, manufacturer of the brand Johnson and Evinrude for more than 10 years. At present we produce finished aluminium die casting and steel first installation components for the small YAMAHA 4 stroke outboard engines which are produced in France for worldwide markets. We're also suppliers of the Japanese company YANMAR: we produce their complete Sail Drive Unit which is shipped directly to their European distribution center in the Netherlands for the distribution all over the world."

Both Yamaha and Yanmar own part of the Selva company so all the twin cylinder 8, 9.9 and all 15 h.p. upwards 4T engines are Yamaha models with the Selva name on the hood.

The smaller single cylinder 4T model are Selva own design and manufacture.
 
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