outboard for inflatable

[Spyro]

Looking to buy a new outboard for my inflatable, thinking about mercury 2.5hp 2 stroke or honda 4 stroke both about the same price, anyone got advice or recommendations regarding either engine.
Full consumption is not a factor considering the small amount of use it will have.

Thanks Ian

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[snowleopard]

there have been several threads on small outboards recently, search on 'outboard'. i would suggest for a soft-sterned avon etc max 2.5hp, for rigid transoms 3hp+ unless you only go short distances.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[tome]

I bought a Honda 2HP 4 stroke for my previous boat, having had the old one nicked. My impression was that it wasn't as powerful as the 2 stroke and was at least as noisy and heavier. Also heard a lot of disturbing reports about Honda 4S reliability, though we didn't experience any problems with this.

The larger 4S models are definitely quieter - we used 60HP Hondas on a lake survey Argentina to comply with local byelaws. They were very quiet and smooth running but you'll have guessed what the locals were using...2 strokes without exception!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[steve_cronin]

For a yacht tender..

..the little Mercury, without doubt.

I had one for amny years and intend to buy a new one later this year (old one sold with boat)

I had a Honda once although it was a 7.5hp. 4 strokes are much heavier and difficult to handle as you are restricted in the angle to which you can tip it without the oil escaping from the sump. This is of course particularly impractical when heaving the engine over the rail and down into the dinghy, let alone transporting the beast in the car boot. The only weakness I found on the little Mercury/Mariner/Yamaha/Suzuki/Force (they're all the same basic engine!) was the tendency of the water bypass rubber hose outlet to get clogged with salt. This requires attention a few times a season but fresh water flushing/running after use reduces this requirement considerably.

It is a good little motor and used to push our Avon Rover 260 through most chops with four adults aboard. With one teenager at the helm it just got onto the plane too!

Steve Cronin

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[SABREMAN]

Speak to Oakley marine in Brighton. (01730 265905) Thought about a Honda until after a chat when I got a Johnson 3.5hp which is performing exactly as I wanted. Delivery and backup OK so far as well.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[M_Russell]

The 2hp Honda comes with a five year guarantee for private users, doesn't require you to muck about mixing 50:1 ratios and is air cooled so no corrosive sea water circulating, but yes they are a bit heavier and bigger.



<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[dickh]

I have the 2HP Honda, the early model, and is heavier than the equivalent 2 stroke, but has a kill cord, and the latest versions have a centrifugal clutch which is excellent. But check to see if your other half can start it - mine can't start my Honda - ST did a test a few months ago and the ladies chose the Yamaha/Suzuki(I can't remember which) as it was very easy to start and lighter by 2Kg.

<hr width=100% size=1>dickh
I'd rather be sailing... /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

 

[Spyro]

Thanks for all the comments I hadn't thought about my other half being able to start it...I take it you don't mean my left arm!

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[whisper]

See current post on little outboards on Scuttlebut & Mobo chat - I have the same query.
For info the Honda 2 is lighter than the Tohatsu & clones 2.5 / 3.3 / 3.5hp models - 12.2kg -v- 13kg.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[andy_wilson]

Given all the articles I have read about Yam/Merc/Suz/Tosh etc. salting up...

..get an OMC (Johnson or Evinrude).

I've used them for years. My current Johnson 3.3 was new 15 years ago and whilst I have flushed the waterways with fresh water most Autumns, and given it a spray over with Duck Oil, I didn't have time last year. In fact I put it in the stern locker soaking wet in December and it still started after about 6 pulls in April, but the fuel was a bit stale by then.

It is on it's 2nd sets of plugs (and the ones I took out remain in the tool box as perfect spares) so p'raps it needs some new ones by now.

To be fair the starter cord is going a bit scraggy now but apart from that (and it's overall appearance) it can't really be faulted.

Of course whilst I've had it OMC have been through a bit of a crisis but seeing as though it never needs parts or attention I missed any issues in that regard.

A 4 stroke just means extra weight (and expense) teetering over the drink when shipping it.

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[poggy]

Re: For a yacht tender..

The Mercury 2.5hp 2 stroke is the same weight as the Honda 4 stroke 2hp at 12.5kg. Also no problems with any cooling as it is air cooled.

Poggy

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[poggy]

As most smaller outboard problems are caused by cooling, I would opt for the 4-stroke Honda as it has a 5 year warranty and air cooled, which means no impellor changes.

As for weight the Honda is 12.5kg and the Mercury 2 stroke 2.5hp is 12.5kg, so I don't know why everybody thinks the Honda is so heavy.

I am opting for the Honda as in PBO there was a recent article about servicing outboards and corrosion seems to be the biggest killer of smaller outboards. As the Honda is air cooled, there won't be as big a problem.

Poggy

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[PaulAG]

Re: For a yacht tender..

I obtained a Merc. 2.5hp by default from the bottom of the Hamble about 10 years ago. Following a good f/w wash and plenty of WD40 and change of fuel, it has gone well ever since. Started in the garage a couple of weeks ago on 3rd or 4th pull with stale fuel, old plug etc. after 1 year in store. Never a problem. Have only cleaned out the waterways once to cure slight overheating, but it pushes my 3m hard dinghy or inflatable quite happily in Chi. hrbr. nr Bosham, even against a strong Spring flood or ebb. Go for it!



<hr width=100% size=1>PaulAG