Small ourtboards

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Keiron

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I have a small (2.3m) inflatable I would like to get an outboard for. I am thinking of a 2.5 or 3.5hp probably the larger. I own a Duette (23ft) sail boat and would like to be able to use it in the outboard well in an emergency if the main engine fails and we are becalmed. Has anyone any recommendations on small engines? Anyone know of a recent mag review? Also who offer competetive prices on outboards in the UK? Any advice gratefully recieved. Any engines to avoid!

Cheers Keiron
 
i have been sailing with a friend who has a heavy 25 foot yacht.We have been using a Tohatsu 3.5 while he is sorting out the main engine. It pushes it surprisingly well .It has fwd and neutral and can be rotated 180° for going astern.

Definitely recommend it starts easilly and is light enough for a dinghy..
 
Worth taking a look at the new suzuki 2.5 four stroke. Just brought one and I am delighted with it.
Very light (13kg) and seems plently powerful enough (although I'm still running it in) even at quarter throttle. its driving a 3mt inflatable tender with three adults and luggage so should be alright for your needs.

Ron Hale at Portsmouth seems to be doing the best deal at £380.

Remeber too that you won't be able to buy 2 stroke engines from new soon...
 
I'll second the 3.5 Tohatsu - it's robust and light enough to lug about. It won't quite get my 2.3m rubber duck on the plane, but the duck has a slatted floor, so it probably would plane with an inflatable floor.

It also does a decent job of pushing my Snapdragon 24 along - 4kts with a bit in reserve in smooth water (and with a clean bum!). Any short shaft OB will spend more time with its prop out of the water than you want if things get a bit bumpy, but even then, it's better than nothing if the wind dies as some big b*gg*r starts to bear down on you!
 
Check if the Tohatsu or other short shaft will fit your boat as if it is lifting out of the water it will very quickly get knackered! Don't be tempted by a standard or long shaft for the dinghy as it will be murder coming into the shore, on a shallow slope you could be rowing from 100m out.
 
I also have the new Suzuki 2.5 four stroke. Very impressed with it - quiet and the twist-grip make going astern particularly easy. Same weight as the 3.5 Mariner/Mercury/Tohatsu that I almost bought before seeing the Suzuki. Ron Hale reckons after 40 engines sold not one returned (so far).

Most places will knock something off the £399 rrp.
 
2.3m Inflatable ... prob. has max 3 - 4HP anyway. Actually putting a 3.5 - 4Hp on it would be uncomfortable ... My 2.8m Avon had a 4.5 Johnson on it - soon changed to a 3hp Mariner - much better.

The Duette will move with literally any outboard in suitable seas ... even a Seagull will do it. But a 3.5 - 4 would be ok as a back-up .... even the lower 2.5 -3hp.
The shaft length is going to be an issue - as a long shaft is not advisable on a dinghy - it puts extra stress-twist on the transom / engine mount. Given that you'll probably go for the max rating - that adds also.

There are tons od bargain 2T engines out there - for me - 4 strokes are nice on the bench and look good, usually quieter ... but sorry - I am a 2T user and will quite happily accept 2T when they go for their 4 stroker ...
A 2 stroker is a simpler, usually lighter engine ... has more get up and go per kilo .... even SWMBO - and she's a lightweight - can pick up my Mariner 3 .....

I also have a Johnson 3.3 out here in latvia ... pushes my 6m weekender ... at 4 - 5kts on the river ... excellent machine - again SWMBO can pick it up.

These smaller o/boards - 2T ones that is - many are based on the Tohatsu base - so they are all similar performance - price is only real decider !!
 
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