Maximum Heel Angles For Four-Stroke Outboards

[tedbarnes]

I am considering changing to a four-stroke outboard, but I am concerned about the heel of the boat when sailing or when the boat settles unevenly in the mud, especially as the outboard would be tilted up under such circumstances.

Is this likely to be a problem?

Does anything drastic happen if you go to far, or do you just have to add more oil before you use it?

 

[yotphil1]

Judging from my motorcycling days, 4 strokes still run fine even when horizontal!

 

[graham]

I have recently changed to a 4 stroke Suzuki as an auxillary. normal heeling will not worry it .

You can store it or transport it almost horizontal provided you lay it down on its port side with the prop slightly lower than the engine.

For a given hp the 4 strokes are heavier and bigger but quieter.

The Suzuki has a window so you can check the oil level before starting without unscrewing anything.

 

[Razorfish]

I have a 4 stroke 5hp Suzuki and can recomend them. Quiet, clean and has never let me down, touch wood. As for max heel angle, I would guess that if you were horizontal for a prolonged period it would be a problem as oil/water (?) would get places it shouldn't.

Sorry I can't give you a diffinitive answer.

 

[Lakesailor]

I have a Honda 5HP. Reading the handbook I cannot find any mention of heeling problems, despite the fact that there are warnings highlighted on every page. The only note of caution they offer is that if the cooling water is not drained off (gravity does the job) then it could enter the engine through open exhaust valves. But that is with it laid horizontally.