Outboard dimemma

Iain C

Iain C

Well-Known Member
Joined
20 Oct 2009
Messages
2,366
Visit site
So I need to let one of these outboards go with my my old boat, and keep the other. The question is which one to keep...the Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke, or Tohatsu 3.5hp 2 stroke?

My boat is kept on a swinging mooring so the outboard gets used every time I go sailing. I often sail short or singlehanded so it's often just me carrying/transferring the outboard. It always goes home with me in the car once I'm done. Both engines have killcords.

Pros & cons of each...

Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke

4 stroke so no mixing of fuel
Economical
Quiet
Owned since new in 2009 (although not in the best cosmetic condition to be honest)
Twist grip throttle so easy to use
Heavier than the alternative
Can spill oil if not kept the correct way up
Fuel cap is a pain...always seems super tight no matter how gently it's fitted
N-F gearbox, 360 reverse
Recently serviced


Tohatsu 3.5 2 stroke

Lighter
More power
N-F gearbox, 360 reverse
Noisier than the Suzuki
Up down throttle slider on engine, no twist grip
Needs fuel to be pre-mixed
Does not seem to be pumping water that well (presumably a DIY fix)
Probably less range and economy than the Suzuki
Unknown as came with my new boat but seems OK bar the water issue
Nice tidy cosmetic condition
Fuel cap needs sorting as no chain


Probably worth adding that I have another engine that will be kept regardless...a Yamaha 5hp 2 stroke longshaft. It is quite heavy and not ideal for dragging between tender and car, and is a right pain to lift from dinghy to boat if I am on my own, although it does make my Avon R3.10 plane at 12 knots. :)

So, which to keep...Suzuki or Tohatsu?
 
Iain C said:
So I need to let one of these outboards go with my my old boat, and keep the other. The question is which one to keep...the Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke, or Tohatsu 3.5hp 2 stroke?

My boat is kept on a swinging mooring so the outboard gets used every time I go sailing. I often sail short or singlehanded so it's often just me carrying/transferring the outboard. It always goes home with me in the car once I'm done. Both engines have killcords.

Pros & cons of each...

Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke

4 stroke so no mixing of fuel
Economical
Quiet
Owned since new in 2009 (although not in the best cosmetic condition to be honest)
Twist grip throttle so easy to use
Heavier than the alternative
Can spill oil if not kept the correct way up
Fuel cap is a pain...always seems super tight no matter how gently it's fitted
N-F gearbox, 360 reverse
Recently serviced


Tohatsu 3.5 2 stroke

Lighter
More power
N-F gearbox, 360 reverse
Noisier than the Suzuki
Up down throttle slider on engine, no twist grip
Needs fuel to be pre-mixed
Does not seem to be pumping water that well (presumably a DIY fix)
Probably less range and economy than the Suzuki
Unknown as came with my new boat but seems OK bar the water issue
Nice tidy cosmetic condition
Fuel cap needs sorting as no chain


Probably worth adding that I have another engine that will be kept regardless...a Yamaha 5hp 2 stroke longshaft. It is quite heavy and not ideal for dragging between tender and car, and is a right pain to lift from dinghy to boat if I am on my own, although it does make my Avon R3.10 plane at 12 knots. :)

So, which to keep...Suzuki or Tohatsu?
Click to expand...

Tohatsu.
 
Provided I didn't have doubts about the overall reliability of the Tohatsu, I think that's the one I'd keep. Best take the bottom off and have a look at the impeller, to see if it's that or blocked-up water channels.

Fuel economy doesn't seem very relevant where sub-5hp outboards are concerned, the overall amounts will be small either way. Likewise, mixing fuel is no problem when you're dealing in 5l cans (buy some 100ml plastic bottles off eBay, cheap as chips, and decant all your oil into them. Empty one into the can when refilling it for a no-fuss 50:1 mix.)

I guess quieter is nicer, but it's not like either is going to be silent. Twist throttle is easier, but it doesn't seem like a deal-breaker. You have to reach back to the engine for the gear during manoeuvering anyway.

Against that, your mode of use sounds like it involves lots of lifting, carrying, lying down, transporting in the car, etc. A nice light 2-stroke, where the only liquid is tightly sealed in the fuel tank, is far better for that.

Small 4-strokes are a renewable resource. Decent 2-strokes aren't.

Finally, the Tohatsu has, in my best Jeremy Clarkson voice, MOAR POWER!!11!

:)

Pete
 
The Suzuki claimed to be the lightest four stroke ever built. You would also carry a very high smug factor due to it's low emissions when compared to the 2 stroke.

Would you still be able to claw your way to a windward pub though ?
 
Having owned both the outboard types you have to choose between, I'm going to put the cat amongst the pigeons and say sell them both and get the best small outboard ever made: a Honda BF 2.3
 
Thanks guys...just to be clear, I am selling my “old” boat (Sabre 27) as a total ready to go package including a tender and outboard. I need to keep one of the outboards for the new boat (Bavaria 32). So it’s a simple keep one/sell one situation.
 
Toss a coin. Whilst it is in the air your mind will decide which way up you want it to land. Failing that, keep the two smoke.:D
 
Iain C said:
So I need to let one of these outboards go with my my old boat, and keep the other. The question is which one to keep...the Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke, or Tohatsu 3.5hp 2 stroke?

My boat is kept on a swinging mooring so the outboard gets used every time I go sailing. I often sail short or singlehanded so it's often just me carrying/transferring the outboard. It always goes home with me in the car once I'm done. Both engines have killcords.

Pros & cons of each...

Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke

4 stroke so no mixing of fuel
Economical
Quiet
Owned since new in 2009 (although not in the best cosmetic condition to be honest)
Twist grip throttle so easy to use
Heavier than the alternative
Can spill oil if not kept the correct way up
Fuel cap is a pain...always seems super tight no matter how gently it's fitted
N-F gearbox, 360 reverse
Recently serviced


Tohatsu 3.5 2 stroke

Lighter
More power
N-F gearbox, 360 reverse
Noisier than the Suzuki
Up down throttle slider on engine, no twist grip
Needs fuel to be pre-mixed
Does not seem to be pumping water that well (presumably a DIY fix)
Probably less range and economy than the Suzuki
Unknown as came with my new boat but seems OK bar the water issue
Nice tidy cosmetic condition
Fuel cap needs sorting as no chain


Probably worth adding that I have another engine that will be kept regardless...a Yamaha 5hp 2 stroke longshaft. It is quite heavy and not ideal for dragging between tender and car, and is a right pain to lift from dinghy to boat if I am on my own, although it does make my Avon R3.10 plane at 12 knots. :)

So, which to keep...Suzuki or Tohatsu?
Click to expand...
keep the 2 stroke... much more reliable and will go for years and years. I have just bought a new 9.8 hp 2 stroke. stick with the 2 stroke
 
Tohatsu - lighter, more power, spares are easy to obtain as there are so many of these engines around, whether badged Tohatsu, Mercury or Mariner the mechanical bits are identical. There are even some aftermarket clone parts available.
 
I must admit I am leaning towards the Tohatsu on the basis that nothing can leak out in the car, it's lighter and more powerful. The other benefits that the Suzuki offers are fairly inconsequential by comparison.

I've never really used a 2 stroke outboard much...can someone tell me what's involved on the servicing? I'm guessing gearbox/leg oil, spark plug, impellor and any disturbed gaskets...is that it?
 
I have two of the Tohatsu's -love them. Never fail to start. They are light enough for a single hand lift and carry.
You may have clogged cooling gallerys in the head if the flow is poor and the impeller is ok. I rebuild one of mine some years ago which had the same issue. I was amazed to find that most of the cooling gallerys in the head were clogged with a waxy gunge. I used to run the engine in fresh water for 10mins to winterise in the past, since that I've added "Saltaway" and for now,all sems well.
The engines are simple to strip and rebuild and parts are readily available. If not using the engine for some days , I always run with the fuel line closed off to to empty the carb , it seems to prevent oiling of the plug and poor starting.

Kinsale 373.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top