Outboard - smallest, lightest, best - petrol or electric?

[Robert Wilson]

]I thought the point of this exercise was to end up with something smaller, lighter, and simpler than a 2st outboard?[/B]
Whilst it might be fun, and not ocerly expensive, to bolt a big DC motor to an old leg, and wire it up to a speed controller encased in DIY waterproofing, powered by some old car batteries, I doubt it is going to work out as a more practical proposition than simply buying a little peteol engine,

Correct. Was primarily thinking about an electric motor on Scavenged shaft.
Then the "long-tail" strimmer-powered came to mind as well.

 

[Robert Wilson]

So last century. It was done in the 1930s by Atco, the mower people. Could not compete with the Seagull. For all its simplicity and crude engineering (or because of it!) the Seagull set the standard in terms of configuration.

That's a thought - anyone got a spare short-shaft "original-type" Seagull?
Simple to drain the fuel out once aboard, prior to stowing in the lazarette.

I well remember they can be sods to start (can't we older mariners well remember) but would be fine for the inflatable tender.

 

[Tranona]

That's a thought - anyone got a spare short-shaft "original-type" Seagull?
Simple to drain the fuel out once aboard, prior to stowing in the lazarette.

I well remember they can be sods to start (can't we older mariners well remember) but would be fine for the inflatable tender.

Plenty still around, usually selling at under 3 figures. However as an ex Seagull employee I would keep the Honda - for all its faults!

 

[Kelpie]

Keep a handy cordless drill dor starting it maybe? Works for model aeroplane engines anyway.

 

[Robert Wilson]

Keep a handy cordless drill dor starting it maybe? Works for model aeroplane engines anyway.

Ah, the joy of cut and bruised fingers from the dreaded back-fire...........!