Outboard recommendation

[Barry777]

I'm looking for a new outboard engine to use with my dinghy and would like to know if there has been any recent "good buy" guides in PBO or other magazine that I could refer to. A 2.5/3 hp should be enough to ferry SWMBO and myself to and from boat to shore....and to lift aboard without great difficulty....the outboard that is. Also, if anyone knows of any special offers on outboards at chandlers in the Solent area that would also be very helpful.

Thanks

 

[Talbot]

If you can find a 3.5 hp 2 stroke tohatsu, they are a good engine for a tender. They are also light enough for easy carriage.

 

[Csail]

Avoid Honda, i've had loads of problems.

 

[cliff]

Here for a 3.5 Tohatsu 2 stroke (while stocks last) forget the 4 strokes - too many problems with them IMHO and for a tender a light weight 2 stroke is ideal.

--------------------

"Artificial intelligence is no match for natural stupidity"
sailroom <span style="color:red">The place to auction your previously loved boatie bits</span>

 

[Aja]

If you are not planning on planing, get a 2.2 its even lighter and will still get you through a chop without getting too wet.

I can lift my 2.2 Suzuki one handed from the dinghy to someone aboard boat

Donald

 

[landyhubbard]

I bought a Honda 2 horse 4-stroke last year and I hate it. The centrifugal cluch is a gimmick, its heavy and hard to start, and it needs a lot of looking after- if you even think of putting it down the wrong way it leaks oil all over the place.Get a 2hp 2-stoke- the're all much the same. My old Mariner went for years on total neglect 'till some b**tard swiped it.

 

[srp]

Have to agree with Cliff, both for the type of outboard and for his suggestion of where to get one. A super little engine, and an excellent supplier to deal with. See this thread

 

[wanderlust]

Go with the Tohatsu. I would go for the 3.5hp. Very light and capable of pushing an 18 tonne steel boat in an alongside tow with dingy. Handy in an emergency.

 

[Aja]

Sorry. Was talking about 2-stroke.

Donald

 

[Barry777]

Thanks for all your advice on this. I have had separate recommendations to stick to a 2 stroke if possible so the comments here have only endorsed this.

The Tohatsu looked good (£450 plus shipping) but I'm not sure I need 3.5 hp with just 2 in the dinghy, so I have found a Mariner 2.5, 2 stroke for sale in Aladdins Cave for £350 and as it's close to my boat I can also pick up myself and save any shipping charges.

 

[catalac08]

I have a 3.5 tohatsu 2 stroke and I have found this to be totally reliable - if I remember correctly my reason for getting a 3,5 rather than a 2 or 2.5 is that some of the smaller outboards do not have a neutral and drive and are always in drive when going (excluding the more expensive auto clutch 4 strokes) in my opinion it is much safer to have neutral & drive option, the weight of a 3.5 is the same as a 2.5 and there is only a little cost difference.

I agree that the requirement to store a 4 stroke the correct way to avoid potential disaster to the engine helps the 2 stroke argument apart from the cost and weight benefits of 2 strokes

 

[Channel Ribs]

[ QUOTE ]
... I have found a Mariner 2.5, 2 stroke for sale in Aladdins Cave for £350

[/ QUOTE ]

You forgot to take the 5% off /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

At any rate though, the Aladin's price is a corker. Can you advise if they have many left once you have bagged your own?

 

[whisper]

In theory the Honda 2-2.3hp is lighter than any other outboard except the Suzuki 2.2 2stroke which is no longer made, I think.
Mine isn't a problem to start but I agree re. the centrifugal clutch as when one uses the choke for starting from cold it means that forward gear is engaged. In fact I've now got a Honda 2.3 and a Mariner/Merc/Tohatsu 3.5 4stroke. Whilst the latter is slightly heavier than the Honda I much prefer the controls and the sound of the exhaust.

 

[Barry777]

Malthouse.

I was told that they had "one or two" in stock. The price quoted was the lowest I could get, which I thought was pretty good compared with 4 stroke models. I have paid a deposit....and intend to pick it up tomorrow. Give the Swanwick branch a call....they were very helpful. i had hoped to pick it up from theirr Chichester shop but was advised that it closed down last week ....to reopen as Force 4!

Hope this helps