Outboards

[doris]

Am about to get myself a baby outboard. I am sure that there are plenty of you who know which is the best. My current plan it get a 2hp Yamaha or similar. It is not going to be used that much and I can't see the point of the extra bulk/cost of the Honda 4 stroke.
Any comments as to make and where to get one would be appreciated.

 

[Stingo]

You've made the right choice already. If you can get a 2nd hand one, even better

 

[starboard]

2HP Yammy the best for weight.....only 10kg a very neat unit.2nd hand still nearly £200 quid though, tried to get one on ebay the other day but went for £180.

Paul.

 

[pragmatist]

The best outboard we have EVER had is the 2hp 4-stroke Honda. Personally I would never go back to 2-stroke (and HWMBO who is rather more knowledgeable than me agrees). We also have a Yam 4hp 4-stroke and recently for the dory a Tohatsu 15hp 4-stroke. All are wonderful although I think the Honda has been best value. It really isn't that much heavier than 2-strokes of the same size and has been 100% reliable and given great value.

Personally I think 2-stroke anything is always fraught - but then I'm a bit of a 2-stroke luddite as I can't work the strimmer or hedge cutter ! Now a 4-stroke hedge cutter would be something to try and lift !

I believe the Honda 2 is now air-cooled and slightly noisier but if its anything like its predecessor I'd buy one tomorrow !

 

[FullCircle]

Big thumbs up for the Honda 2.3. It is air cooled, no impellers. It is centrifugal clutch, so sits at tickover without moving the boat. It starts 1st time every time. It uses a third of the fuel of the 2 stroke and there is no silly oil mixing to get wrong. Plugs live forever. It was worth every penny of the 395 quid I gave for it new. It doesn't weigh that much more than the 2 smoke. Downside is that it vibrates at full throttle, and needs a specific lock to stop having it pinched. I bet you will find the resale value is much higher on the Honda.
I had a 4 stroke Yamaha 4 HP on my Limbo and that was fantastic too.

Jim

 

[starboard]

Would agree regarding the Honda being a fine unit but if weight and size a consideration it would have to be the Yammy. Cant just fling a 4 stroke into the locker like a 2 stroke due oil and valves etc.

Paul.

 

[FullCircle]

Ah yes - downside, you can only lay the Honda over on its side one way. That would be the side with the knobby protector bits on. I put mine on the rail anyway, just to show I can afford one /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif


Jim

 

[billcowan]

yeh, if weight is the thing, and you dont use it much, go for the yam.

Great motors. only there is no clutch, so engine running = dingy going!

2 stroke aint a problem - just mix up a 5 litre can at 100 to 1 and it lasts all season.

One thing though, if you shut off the fuel 20 Metres before you arrive, so as to run the carb dry, then make certain the tank vent on the fuel cap is closed. You can tip it any which way when you dump it in the locker - cant do that with a 4 stroke.

Also, fit a lanyard with a clip, its easy to drop overboard as the carry handle is shite.

 

[[2068]]

The main problem is that the small air cooled Hondas sound horrible and v.loud, rather like my lawnmower. The merc 3.3 two stroke is much lighter, and has a quieter, softer, sound that is much easier on the ears at low to mid putter.

the merc 3.3 also has a proper clutch with a neutral, so you can start without shooting off. Weight=13kg. It's the same motor as the Mariner 3.3 (if you want a Silver cowling), or the Johnson 3.5 (if white is your thing).

dv.

 

[trouville]

On the question of outboards.Why is a say a 9HP outboard less effective than an 8HP stuart turner or 8HP yanmar? Is the difference becouse of the propeller?

Ive been down and up the French canals in a 5 ton sailboat equiped with a reliable (once it starts) stuart turner 8HP It pushed her along as well as a diesel, and although going astern was a bit hit and miss (often hit) when i used reverse coming into a bearth she would stop before the bows hit.And was in no way any different in use to a small diesel.

In a J24 with a 9.9 and later a 6 HP outboard she would go forward well enough but reverse was useless! My first attempts even coming in very slowly took gel coat off. It proved more effective to not bother with reverse at all and just go forward to fend off

Is it not possiable to fit a prop that would be effective in reverse, making an outboard into a real alternative to an inboard?? At least in terms of manovering??

 

[mirabriani]

I suggest that, with an outboard there is a trade-off with weight.
No body likes a heavy outboard, therefore the flywheel is just heavy enough.
An inboard can have a heavy flywheel and be tuned for the maximum possible torque (pulling power)
Then there is the propellor, an inboard will invariably have been fitted with the most appropriate prop. An out board tends to keep what it came with. However, it is often possible to specify a special prop.
(the one with Mickey Mouse ear like blades) Sorry cannot remember the name.
Others will no doubt expand on this

Regards Briani