Honda 2hp 4 Stroke - Any good and can you store lying flat?

[med_nauticat42]

I am looking at buying one of the small 4 stroke Hondas (used).

I have heard some people say they are noisy...any thoughts?

Also can thye be stored lying flat?

 

[fireball]

Got one, yes, yes !!

 

[bobgosling]

I've heard that they are v noisy and vibrate like mad.

I have a Suzuki DF2.5 and it is lovely. Seems much quieter than other outboards in the harbour ( but then they were mainly seagulls ! )

/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[Goldie]

I've had 2 (don't ask!!!!) - but would suggest that you try one before buying. Yes, they are noisier (air cooled) but the most likely cause for dissatisfaction (IMHO) is the centrifugal clutch. Unless you get the throttle just right, the engine can start 'in gear' and you lose the drive suddenly as you throttle back to manoeuvre. My wife hates it for these two reasons. otherwise, a good little engine.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

Funny that, because loads of people have mentioned that... and I inherited one with my new boat recently, and i get on just fine with the centrifugal clutch...

Mind you, I do agree that they are noisy!

 

[AngusMcDoon]

[ QUOTE ]
Also can thye be stored lying flat?

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes, but only one way up. They leak oil into the cylinders if stored the wrong way.

It's not hard to lay it down the right way up. There are obvious feet to lay it on.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

But if it is laid the wrong way round by some numpty (note to the previous owner about storing the engine the right way up), just turn the fuel off, pull it gently on the start cord 30 or 40 times, and after that it'll start just fine (don't forget to top the oilup!)

 

[michael_w]

POS engine.

Noisy, crappy centrifugal cluch means your boat handling is now rubbish. compression recoil tweaked SWMBO's elbow badly. Titchy fuel tank, so you are forever having to top it up.

Best bit was palming it off on an unsuspecting Frenchman in px for a Yamaha 4hp 2-stroke.

 

[Sinbad2222]

Agreed, a disgrace to the Honda name. A b-----d to start. Got my money back and bought a Yamaha 2hp 2-stroke - a proper outboard!

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

surprised at that... mine starts first pull every time.....

 

[fireball]

Obviously it is the dinghy sailors that like can cope with the centrifugal clutch then ... That is the reason we purchased it to start with - easy approach to boat or slipway.

Gives us plenty of range (don't open the throttle all the way - you'll just consume fuel and loads of extra noise for no extra speed!)

Starting needs to be considered - gentle pull until you reach the compression stroke, release the handle and give it a good pull.

We don't lay ours down - it sits vertically on the pushpit ...

I've tried geared engines (got a selva 6hp), but having to take it in and out of gear all the time is a PITA ... although I admit reverse is a little easier.....

 

[fastjedi]

Starting - No problem

Clutch - Only a problem when easing off to approach a pontoon / boat. Easily overcome by blipping throttle to maintain steerage

Noise - A small price to pay for the benefits of air cooling

Range - Goes forever on half throttle, no point in using more

 

[sailorman]

the best Honda 4 stroke is a Tohatu 3.3 hp 2 stroke

 

[Genie]

Hi NaudiCat
I was on the verge of buying a 4-stroke 2.5hp but storage on board would have been an issue and would have meant lying it down.
Having spoken with a good cross-section of folk (including some good feedback from this Forum), I was eventually steered towards a 2 stroke 2.5hp.
I initially thought it might be a retrgrade step (surely 4 stroke technology is better) but the more folk I speak to, the more seem to endorse the simplicity of the 2-stroke.
Clincher for me was being able to lie it down in any position and lightness (although to be fair the suzuki df2.5 is hadly any lighter).
I have chosen a 2-stroke because of the ability to lie down, simplicity of design (and cheaper servicing) and because if you're a bit clumsy like me, if it does go in the drink they are easier to sort out. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
So, butterfingers me with a penchant for lying engines down any old how has gone down the 2-stroke route.....No doubt there are some who would disagree, but each to their own.
I do appreciate that the 2 stroke is a bit peakier and frenetic to operate and that perhaps the 4 stroke is a bit easier to manage and low speeds.
Contact Malthouse (regular forumite) /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif who may have one left at a good price - he's very efficient and on the ball - I was going to buy one off him but at the last moment stumbled over one locally at an extraordinarily good price.
Good luck

 

[wooslehunter]

Got one new four years ago. Yes it's a bit noisier as it's air cooled. Air cooling IMO is a big advantage as there are no channels to block & no sea water to corrode any of the passages - there aren't any. Run down is a quick wash off with no need to sit running in a bath of fresh water.

4-stroke is an advantage as it takes normal unleaded. No need for 2 stroke oil & pre-mixing.

I have to admit to one full service & it's absolutely fine. Never a problem starting & the clutch is better than none at all. You can feel it starting to bite and happily stop the boat.

You can lay it down as long as it's on the right side.

The only problem I have is the throttle cable corroding and also the return spring is not a tight as it should be. Result is that the engine sometimes sits slightly above idle with the clutch engaged. If I thought it was a big problem, I'd have fixed it by now.

 

[med_nauticat42]

Based on the comments so far I have been looking at 2 strokes still available .... I have just spotted a Suzuki DT2.2 for £299 new ... does anyone have any experience of this model?

 

[sailorman]

Try to get a Tohatsu 3.5 its the same physical dims as the 2.5 but loads power.
most small o/bs are made by Tohatsu & re-badged

 

[bobgoode]

The 2 is harder to start than the 2.3. They are typical Honda, well engineered but need lots of TLC. (Do NOT let the fuel dry in the carb etc etc.) that said the lack of water cooling is a big PLUS..no impeller to go wrong, no pipes to salt up or corrode.

Had one, bust it...boughyt another.

 

[Oldhand]

Has a DT 2 for many years, super little engine but you must fush it out with fresh water regularly, the cooling channels block with dried salt easily.

 

[davidfox]

So does mine start first time, had it 3 years, no problems, it is noisy on full chat but you only go a nano knot faster so I dont bother, but no sea water inside is good.