Honda 2.3hp vs Suzuki DF2.5hp

[koks]

Hi
At the moment I got honda 2.0hp 4stroke engine but I'm thinking to upgrade it to 2.3hp or 2.5hp. It has to be light with tank built in. So choice is between honda 2.3 and suzuki 2.5. suzuki is more powerful and it is water cooled (more quiet), honda is air cooled (more noisy). which one is better in your opinion? which one is more reliable?

 

[DogWatch]

I have really enjoyed owning my DF25, it has been reliable and starts on the first pull after 3 years. I find a plug change approx. once a season keeps it running sweet.

I looked at the Honda, I liked the idea of air-cooled but they do sound like a wet-fart as people pass in their dinghies, we talk in the tender, they have to shout at each other.

The main reasons I did not buy a Honda, they are heavier and there are regular complaints about the gearbox, they use that friction type that engages gear as you throttle up, the trikes had similar. From what owners have said, they drop out of gear too soon and you have to fight the engine to get alongside as the box drops in and out of gear. With the suzi, I decide when to drop the gear... though I would love a slip on the throttle I do prefer the control a clunk of gearbox gives.

I have to go and change the oil in my engine in bit, thank you for the reminder.. oil changes are quite simple; I can't speak for the Honda. But there is one thing on my suzi that is bothering me, the grease from the leg connector to bracket is seeping grey grease and the exhaust is particularly dirty.. I know it is an engine exhaust, but this is the worst outboard I have owned for getting black hands if you grab the leg. But, I have never owned a 4st small engine before, I don't know if this is relevant.

I would definitely recommend the suzi, it is the lightest in class, easy to maintain, reliable.

 

[steve6367]

I have a Honda BF2.3 and Yamaha 2.5 both 4 stroke.

The Yamaha is a better engine, quieter / smother and slightly more powerful - but I use the Honda 90% of the time as it saves all the hassle of flushing with fresh water and is lighter.

The Yamaha gets used if I am off for a long explore by dingy and want the peace!

Steve

 

[Leighb]

I looked at the Honda, I liked the idea of air-cooled but they do sound like a wet-fart as people pass in their dinghies, we talk in the tender, they have to shout at each other.

I have had the Honda for several years, generally no problems and I find you quickly get used to the clutch system. To me it seems quite quiet, but then I had a Seagull 40+ before

 

[sailorman]

Hi
At the moment I got honda 2.0hp 4stroke engine but I'm thinking to upgrade it to 2.3hp or 2.5hp. It has to be light with tank built in. So choice is between honda 2.3 and suzuki 2.5. suzuki is more powerful and it is water cooled (more quiet), honda is air cooled (more noisy). which one is better in your opinion? which one is more reliable?

the Honda started life as a lawn mower engine
a 3.3 2 stroke is much nicer

 

[wiggy]

I had Honda now have Suzuki, my main gripe with the Honda is the noise and the fact that the bolts under the head rust withing 200yrd of sea water (including carb drain)

 

[PetiteFleur]

I would go for the Honda - you'll soon get used to the centrifugal clutch - virtually no maintenance as water cooled. I visited our local engine and compared them both, they are the samew weight, the Honda being slightly more bulky and our local agent sells 10 Hondas to 1 Suzuki. I was looking as I have an early Honda 2 HP and thinking of upgrading. My friend has the 2.3 Honda and loves it.

 

[NUTMEG]

Mud plugger

After my Seagulls were stolen I went for the Honda as, boat being on a drying mooring, I often sneak off in the tender a bit before I ought to. Air cooled no problem but how long would rubber water pump thingy last, pumping mud? Auto clutch is a bit of a pain but you soon get used to it

 

[Cliveshep]

Well, I've got a 3.3 Mariner, hardly ever use it so never get to drain and fill the tank. I guess I start it up once a year. I've had it from new, it always starts on it's annual run-up which is generally when the other engine on the tender has a senior moment and lets me down. The Mariner with it's 3-4 year old fuel always goes and it's a 2-stroke. All I do to look after use is turn off the fuel and run it dry and give it a hose down at home later if I do have to use it.

Oh, and it doesn't care which way up in the car it goes either!

 

[DogWatch]

Well, I've got a 3.3 Mariner, hardly ever use it so never get to drain and fill the tank. I guess I start it up once a year. I've had it from new, it always starts on it's annual run-up which is generally when the other engine on the tender has a senior moment and lets me down. The Mariner with it's 3-4 year old fuel always goes and it's a 2-stroke. All I do to look after use is turn off the fuel and run it dry and give it a hose down at home later if I do have to use it.

Oh, and it doesn't care which way up in the car it goes either!

So what are you suggesting he does, build a time machine, swoon at your buying prowess, what?

 

[Cliveshep]

So what are you suggesting he does, build a time machine, swoon at your buying prowess, what?

Absolutely, all of the above. Sarky boy!

Actually, what he COULD do is buy a 2-stroke s/hand and there are also still a few new ones from old stock left kicking around. Hardly rocket science and nothing to do with time machines or buying prowess.

At least you don't get oil all over the boot with a 2-stroke, and it's lighter for old farts (like me, possibly you too,) to lug about.

 

[FullCircle]

Hate my Honda, but not likely to get rid, as it just sits there.
Do remember to run it out of fuel every time you run it though, as the jets clog very quickly.
Centrifugal clutch means out of control approaches to pontoon.
Noisy too.
And be careful how you stow it,
The anti theft device is expensive too.
Good thing is no impeller.

3.3hp two stroke Mariner/Tohatsu is probably better.

 

[TamarMike]

I think I am probably typical of Honda owners:- always berating it but wouldn't change it due to the ability of an air cooled engine to be neglected (I have memories of trying to clear the waterways of my old Seagull with an electric drill).

 

[sailorman]

So what are you suggesting he does, build a time machine, swoon at your buying prowess, what?

The Honda is very good for what it was originally designed for

Cutting Lawns