Capt. Clueless
Well-Known Member
Really what the question is...I have just sold my GRP dinghy, and now looking at getting an inflatable with an outboard, but unsure how well these things push you along please?
Electric outboards,,,any good for a tender?
- Thread starter Capt. Clueless
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Tranona
Well-Known Member
If you are rich enough to afford a Torqeedo then fine, but the cheapo trolling motors are a waste of space unless you only want to go short distances at slow speed and don't mind lugging a heavy battery around with you.
Stick to oars or if you can find one a 2 stroke 2-3hp outboard.
Stick to oars or if you can find one a 2 stroke 2-3hp outboard.
Capt. Clueless
Well-Known Member
It's oars I want to get away from, as I leave the Windermere ferry nab and have to row out, across the Hawkshead ferry lane and then into the back of sour pool wyke. A bit of a trek. Incidentally, interested to hear you mention a 2 stroke motor. It's these flamin things that I tend to see people drifting on the current trying to restart the thing. Isn't 4 stroke a better bet?
VicS
Well-Known Member
Some outboards, 2 or 4 stroke, are easier to start than others. 4 strokes need a different technique to 2stokes.
Get a two stroke that starts like this and you wont go far wrong:
TQA
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A Torqeedo is good bit of kit. Gives you a reasonable range and breaks down into three easy to handle pieces.
But they are outrageously expensive when compared with a used 2 stroke Suzuki or Tohatsu.
But they are outrageously expensive when compared with a used 2 stroke Suzuki or Tohatsu.
Mad Pad
Well-Known Member
Oh dear,I've got a Seagull in the shed..brings memories back ...need to dig it out ..if only for the sound ..and the fumes of the 10 to 1.
Best
Mad Pad
Mister E
Well-Known Member
I have an electric trolling motor that is used in Pwllheli harbor, using it on an inflatable. I have wheels on the back so do not have to carry the motot or battery.
It is faster than rowing and the 45 amp hour leisure battery gives about 1 hour use in between charges.
It does push the dinghy against any outgoing tide there, even against strong head winds.
It is faster than rowing and the 45 amp hour leisure battery gives about 1 hour use in between charges.
It does push the dinghy against any outgoing tide there, even against strong head winds.
jwilson
Well-Known Member
My Seagull 40 used to be startable like that too if you forgot the string, and with the string it started first time every time, and then you motored away from the oil slick from tickling the carb, leaving a pale blue haze behind you from the 10:1 mix. These days though I like a small two-stroke for light weight, though I'd have a Torqueedo if I was feeling rich......
Otter
Well-Known Member
We've had a trolling motor and it was painfully slow, we now have a 1003 Torqeedo and its is amazing, we have a dedicated battery and small solar panel which we use to charge it so not only no petrol on board but we make our own fuel. No servicing and rather easy to start. Pushes our 17 foot day boat with four of us in at a very good speed and obviously the tender no problem. About two hours run time from the battery at a decent lick, nearly silent and lightweight. But oh so very pricey.
H35
Well-Known Member
Even if an electric motor is light in its own, it's usually longer an takes up space just as a regular outboard. And then with the battery included, the whole package is heavier than an outboard. As an alternative with a little more power, and less carrying, my first choice for my use would rather be one of the smaller outboards. Unless you stumble across an unused 2-stroke, they are getting old now. So you might find less trouble in a new 2,5 hp 4-stroke. They are light and easy to maintain. Yamaha would be the better one. Suzuki the cheap one, but still good enough. The Honda is also very light. But I don't like that it's aircooled, and not at all the automatic clutch system.
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/marine-engines/portables/f2-5.aspx?view=featurestechspecs
https://www.yamaha-motor.eu/uk/products/marine-engines/portables/f2-5.aspx?view=featurestechspecs
H35
Well-Known Member
http://www.mby.com/general/ultimate-2-5hp-outboard-test-40258/2
Seems like Mariner is still marketed in the UK. Would be a good choice. It's still a Yamaha, isn't it?
Seems like Mariner is still marketed in the UK. Would be a good choice. It's still a Yamaha, isn't it?
steve66
Well-Known Member
Well built quality outboards are the little Yamahas, the only downside against Hondas are the weight difference, Hondas are a few kg lighter and the need to flush them regularly.
Capt. Clueless
Well-Known Member
Many thanks all, at least that has put electric outboards to bed once and for all as I'll never be able to afford a torqueedo (or whatever it is) saw one on ebay at nearly 1400 quid. So, I thought I was being oh so enviromentally friendly, but I now see that a small electric motor is just not up to it. I'm now looking at small 2.5 hp-ish motors, and will strike when I see the right bargain. Thanks.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
2 stroke are still easily available in Oz but I understand not available in the UK. Every other post appeared to suggest a small 2 stroke is a much preferred option - presumably than a small 4 stroke.
Why the preference?
We had a 2hp Honda 4 stroke (thought as the OP to be environmentally friendly). We had no fault with the 'engine' only the method of construction - too many critical mild steel bolts that simply corroded too quickly
Why the preference?
We had a 2hp Honda 4 stroke (thought as the OP to be environmentally friendly). We had no fault with the 'engine' only the method of construction - too many critical mild steel bolts that simply corroded too quickly
H35
Well-Known Member
Pros for the 2-strokes - less vibrations, and you can store it on the side without drowning it in it's own motor oil....
Pros for the 4-strokes - you can get a new one with a warranty(!), and not much smoke.
So unless you make a garage find on an "unused" 2-stroke, you are better off buying a brand new 4-stroke. Putting money in an old 4-stroke seems like the least attractive option here.
Capt. Clueless
Well-Known Member
I have to admit, that I am a little bewildered at the support for 2 strokes. They are the very engines I see people swearing/drifting whilst desperately trying to get them started again (I've been there myself). All the nice motors I saw hanging off the back of inflatables as I sat in the Windermere launch area were 4 strokes. What exactly is the "Pro's" of 2 strokes?.....................This was posted a second or two after the above post. They must have clashed.
Neeves
Well-Known Member
Here the 2 strokes are cheaper, but no-one raised that as a driving force to source one, and they are not that much cheaper and there is that awful issue of the oil, against 4 strokes (which again no-one mentioned) - but such consistent love of 2 strokes. And as for the smoke and haze - one truck must be the equal of 300 x 2 stroke outboards 
H35
Well-Known Member
Old motors are...... Old!
I can assure you that when Today's 4-strokes reach the age of those 2-strokes, they will not be any better. The number of Moving parts inside is so much higher, it will be wear and tear. I would prefer a new 2-stroke, if I could get my hands on one. But I can't.
ghostlymoron
Well-Known Member
I've got little outboards from both ends of the spectrum, a small seagull which I've adjusted to run on 20:1, and a Honda 2.3. I've also got a Honda BF5 for main propulsion.
I don't think electric outboards make much sense as they have limited range and charging needs an inboard engine or large solar panel.
Steve66 very kindly replaced the rust prone bolts on my little Honda for modest cost. So it's now more fit for marine use (what were they thinking?)
I don't think electric outboards make much sense as they have limited range and charging needs an inboard engine or large solar panel.
Steve66 very kindly replaced the rust prone bolts on my little Honda for modest cost. So it's now more fit for marine use (what were they thinking?)
steve66
Well-Known Member
Why is putting money into an old four stroke less attractive?
Not trying to push a sale but I sell Honda 2 and 2.3hp outboards fully serviced , stainless bolts fitted, new carburettor and with a full warranty.