Outboard for Tender

jforgan

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17 Sep 2006
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Hi,

I got a 2.3m inflatable tender when I bought Wave Runner and need to get an outboard for it. Would a 2.5hp be the right sort of power?

A recent review of 10hp engines gave the nod to Mariner. Would that be a good choice for me, or are there any other options? Should I go for a 4 stroke or try to get an older 2 stroke?

So many questions, so little knowledge /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

Thanks

John
 
I have a similar sized inflatable and I bought a Yamaha 2B two-stroke because it was the lightest I could find. It has been very reliable and I'm glad of the light weight when lifting it off the dinghy up to the pushpit rail. It pushes the dinghy along at a good speed; in fact speed is usually limited by spray coming over the bow.
 
While you dont need the power, the slightly larger engines have better props and gear selection (by and large). You might do well with a 3.5 or a 4, be mindful of the maker's max rating though.

You can still get two-strokes, if you need any help please PM me.
 
I would go for a 2 stroke-lighter and less difficult to store.

Keep the weight as low as possible, even 20kg is a lot of a handfull when trying to put on the transom of a small inflatable moving around in the swell.

I found the Yamaha Malta a decent engine, but Mercury/Mariner 3.3/5 get good reviews on the pontoon as well.

Mark
 
I don't think you'd need more than 2.5hp. Our Merc 2.2 pushes a 10ft fibreglass tender along nicely. It would be worth going up a size to get F-N controls though. Its a pain that we can't start the engine in neutral, or stop without stopping the engine. So if it were me buying now I'd go for the Mercury or Mariner 3.3 two stroke.
 
Hi, We've got a 3m inflatable with a 3.3hp Mercury 2 stroke on the back. Pushes it along nicely with 2 in but when going solo it manages to planes!! great fun /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Best advice is check the weight before buying!!
 
I have a 2.6 Zodiac. I started out with a Yam 4hp 4-stroke but found that it was SOOO heavy lifting to the car and very unsteady getting it on to the transom each time. I swapped it for a Suzuki 2.5hp and I have been very happy.

I would say that it is probably a little under powered when with more than 2 people but it has never been a problem and we are never in such a rush to need speed.

I am glad we went 4-stroke. yes, you do have to store them on the correct side but again, once you are used to it, it is never a problem and there is no messy oil to add or mix. Quieter too.

I think that it is probably a very personal thing whether you go for a 2 or 4 stroke but for me I would never have a 2 stroke now that I have had a 4 stroke (said the bishop to the actress ... oh... that is a different story - sorry /forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif )
 
2.5hp should be fine for just pottering about. I've just bought a Mariner (Mercury/Tohatsu) 3.5hp 4stroke and I get about 4-5kts with it.
This is on a 4.4m aluminium dinghy weighing about 85kg plus the weight of 3 adults in it.
BUT BEWARE - photo of the fuel on/off switch in the ON position has been printed as a mirror image in the handbook. No wonder I failed to get the engine to run last week /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

I've also got a Honda 2.3 for my 2m inflatable which again, three up, goes quite well, albeit with a noisy exhaust note.

If you are not going to travel long distances, and the engine will be on and off the dinghy frequently I'd go for a Marina/Mercury/Tohatsu 2.5hp 2 stroke 'cos of the restricted way the small 4 strokes have to be handled and stored. They are also about a kilo lighter than the Honda but 2-3kgs lighter than the Mar/Merc/Tohatsus. If you want Forward and Neutral gears then go for the same mfrs 3.3hp model - same block and same weight.

Have Fun.
 
Best option would be an almost-new (or new if you can get it) Merc 3.3 2-stroke with the gearshift: much easier than the 2.5hp that starts, and ooops, off you go.

I've got a Merc 5hp with a 2.4m slatted floor. It just about planes with me and pup aboard! Downside is the 20kg weight.

dv.
 
Merc or Mariner 3.3 - same size and weight as the 2.5, but has the added power and neutral.

The new Merc / Mariner 4-stroke is a lovely engine, but a wee bit heavy, as are most 4-strokes.
 
Thanks for the advice all.

The outboard will be kept vertical in the engine bay when not in use. Will that be an OK way to store a 4 stroke?

If so I think I will go for a 4-stroke Mariner 2.5Hp as, unlike the 2-stroke, it appears to have forward and neutral. I'm also a bit lazy and unleaded seems an easier option than having to remember to mix the 2-stroke.

John
 
In the case of the 2.5/3.3 then yes, same engine design, different colour paint job and hood. Not all from the same factory: some small mercs/mariners are made in Belgium, whether that's a good thing or not.

dv.
 
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