Honda 2.3 vs Suzuki DF2.5

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Genie

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Hello folks
As a newbie to boating, I thought I would tap into the collective knowledge of the forum to help me decide which outboard would be best for my new tender (Lodestar 195).
I have narrowed the engines down to the Honda 2.3 (with 5 yr warranty) and the slightly more powerful Suzuki DF2.5.
I think the honda is marginally lighter (12.7kg vs 13kg).
Doesd anyone have any experience (good or bad) of either of these two units?
The suzuki does have the extra power, but does that extra .2hp make a difference?
Are Hondas really that better made?
Any advice would be appreciated.
/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gifCheers muchly
Rob
 
Don't forget Tohatsu...they make a little 2.5 four stroke
The commercial Jap fishermen swear by them....cheaper than either of the other two mentioned

I'm partial to a 2 stroke myself....you can run them hard all day long ~every day.Parts are easier to find and the engines are relatively simple to fix....and they are much cheaper than a four stroke to buy and maintain
the downside is you mix your own fuel and they are noisier and smokier.

Here is my little kicker a 30 year old 4.5 HP Blueband Mercury.

Two pulls ~vroom.

I have two of these...one that purrs and one for parts.You can find them for like 100-200 Canadian ....so say roughly 50-100 Pounds....and a few bucks for a manual.
littleengine.jpg
 
Thanks Captct
I had thought of Tohatsu, but they are quite a bit heavier (same as the Mariner I think) at a hefty 17kg. The Honda/Suzuki are the lightest ones I can find, which will be ideal for my small tender.
Thanks for the info though! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif
Anyone else with any comments or advice before i part with my hard earned? /forums/images/graemlins/confused.gif
 
I actually sold my honda 4 stroke and bought a mercury 3.3hp 2 stroke for ease of storage. I was fed up storing the wrong way & having to drain cylinder of oil. this of course was before the ban
 
There are still a few 2.5 & 3.5 Tohatsu 2-strokes available new. These tiny engines are lighter than any 4-stroke, simple to maintain and just as powerful. They sip petroil and are not hugely polluting. While there MAY be a case for banning the big 2-strokes, and I am far from convinced, it's a shame these little darlings have to go too.
 
[ QUOTE ]
I actually sold my honda 4 stroke and bought a mercury 3.3hp 2 stroke for ease of storage. I was fed up storing the wrong way & having to drain cylinder of oil. this of course was before the ban

[/ QUOTE ]

What has been banned please? All two strokes?? Where can I find information about it.

Many thanks
 
There is no ban. Emission standards for 2 strokes were introduced in Jan 07. The same emissions standards that were introduced for 4 strokes in Jan 06
 
I believe the situation is that with the new emission standards for 2 strokes, many/most do not comply. It is illegal to sell new engines that don't comply. However, if they were in the country before Jan 1st then they can still be sold so there are still a few about.

Re. Honda -v- Suzuki - I've got a Honda 2.3 and have just bought a Mariner 3.5 4stroke - the latter is the same as the Tohatsu & Mercury version and is no heavier than the 2.5hp from the same makers.

The Honda and Suzuki are as light as any 2stroke with the exception of the Suzuki 2.2. However, beware of the quoted weights as they generally understate the true situation. You can easily add a couple of kilos in real life.

As others have said, the extra care needed in storing and handling the little 4strokes is a pain in the bum. But, you don't have to cart around 2stroke mixture. The Honda makes an horrible noise, tone wise anyway, and is not particularly quiet. The Mariner/Merc/Tohatsu makes a much better and slightly quieter noise. Little 2strokes seem to be noisier.

What is your dinghy rated at, HP wise? My Lodestar 220UL is only rated to 2.5hp. However I spoke to them at LIBS and they were happy for it to be used with the 3.5 I was about to buy at the time. It appears that the main factor that controls the allowable engine rating is it's weight.

If lightness is the most important factor to you then consider buying a 2nd hand Suzuki 2.2. Failing that then a Mariner/Merc/Tohatsu 2.3/2.5 2stroke would also be fine.

I actually prefer my new 3.5 Mariner to the Honda and it is available, as you say, in a cheaper 2.5hp guise. But you are also right in that it is a bit heavier than the Honda if you're feeling a bit knackered after a long day.

Eventual conclusion - if you are going to be using it a lot ( taking it on and off the dinghy) then I'd probably go the 2stroke or Honda way.

PS One of the mags did a comparative test of small 4strokes within the last 6 months. Either MBM or Sailing Today I think.
 
I bought a new 2.3 Honda for £ 450 and it was the most unreliable engine ive ever had
It was a pain to start nearly had me in tears a few times (im a grown man)
Used to cut out for no reason
After a month i part ex it for a mariner 3.3 starts 1st or 2nd pull every time and never cuts out
My son got to the stage where he called the honda just plain evil
regards
 
Thanks very much for the feedback chaps!
I think I will have another look at the Mariner as well as the Suzy (the honda seems to be not so reliable!).
I will also have a re-think on the 2-stroke way as storage upright will be a little problematic.
Cheers!
/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gifRob
 
Just sold my Honda 2.3 - Not a bad outboard I had two (minor) issues. The centrifugal clutch took a bit of getting used to as there was a delay between twisting the throtle and the damn thing reacting. Mine also disliked starting after it had been tilted up - especialy when it was hot. I also felt that the air cooling was noisy although it was nice not having to worry about the problems associated with water cooled engines.

I have bought a larger boat and ended up with a Suzuki DF9.9 - 25 hours on and am still very pleased with it (apart from the weight).

Cheers

Billy
 
Great choice with the Lodestar, on advice I bought a 230 with a 2hp Honda 4 stoke.

I deeply regretted the Honda, as said above, warm starting could be a nightmare. I think I worked out that if you tilt it up out of the water you should also turn it onto the correct side as for storage. Not doing this I think causes oil to leak somewhere it shouldn't that makes starting harder.

What else was wrong with it, ah yes the noise. How can a 2 HP motor make more noise than any other outboard I've seen, and that includes many 200HP+. They have a very distinctive sound, I honestly now pity others who potter buy me!

And then there's the vibration, I once took the tender from the Folly up to Newport and back, hand/wrist/elbow tingled for days afterwards.

My advice, forget about 4 strokes, buy a 2 stroke while you still can. In fact buy 2 or more so you have a spare!
 
Just recently bought a DF2.5 Suzuki. Wonderful ! Looks well made , started first pull. Great not to be covered in oil and grease every time you touch the outboard ( used to have a seagull ). Great not to have to bother about mixing oil & petrol. No big deal about not laying it down the wrong way - just lectured the crew about how much it would cost them if I saw them doing it wrong !
 
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