Tender outboard

[RMHM]

I want to purchase a small, lightweight and reliable outboard motor for a QuickSilver QS260 softtail 3 person inflatable tender.

The max rating for the tender is 4hp (3kw).

I'm considering a something in the 2.5 to 3.5 hp range.

Are Forum members able to recommend particular models? Ideally I'd like an outboard that can be stowed in a cockpit locker (on its side).

I think I'd prefer a 4 stroke motor (better economy, lack of smoke) but if there are good 2nd hand 2 strokes available I'd be interested in those too.

The motor will have infrequent use.

Many thanks for any recommendations.

RMHM

 

[RichardS]

I have a Suzuki 2.5 four stroke. It's the lightest 2.5 outboard on the market and is so light it can be easily carried with one hand and stored on the handle side.

It's currently on offer at both Gael Force and Force 4 and the current 2014 version has ditched the shear pin for a cush drive.

If you buy the Gael Force bundle with stainless steel outboard lock and engine oil, you effectively get the oil for free. You need to modify the outboard clamps to make the lock effective rather than cosmetic but I give you details of how to do this if you are interested. The modification is completely reversible and does not affect the clamps.

Richard

 

[RMHM]

Many thanks Richard. I assume that this has been a reliable motor as well?

 

[RichardS]

Many thanks Richard. I assume that this has been a reliable motor as well?

I've only had it for a couple of months but it has always started first pull. I did a lot of online research before I bought it and it appears to have a very good reputation and is one of the most powerful 2.5s. I modified mine with a cheap £4 in-line fuel filter as I have had dirt in the carb with previous outboards and wanted to avoid such problems in the future.

Richard

 

[nathanglasgow]

Yamaha 2.5hp 2011 model on our boat tender.Always starts on first proper pull with the last years petrol in it.I know its still a very modern motor and quite expensive to buy new but so far on the occasions it been used its utterly reliable.We do however run it in freshwater in a bucket for a few minutes after every saltwater trip,bit of a pain but keeps the cooling system clear.Owner happy with its performance.

 

[westernman]

Yamaha 2.5hp 2011 model on our boat tender.Always starts on first proper pull with the last years petrol in it.I know its still a very modern motor and quite expensive to buy new but so far on the occasions it been used its utterly reliable.We do however run it in freshwater in a bucket for a few minutes after every saltwater trip,bit of a pain but keeps the cooling system clear.Owner happy with its performance.

+1

Mine does not get such tender loving care. I nearly fell in the water when it started first time on three year old petrol having been dumped in the forepeak of my boat for two years without being used at all (and without having been washed down).

Marginally heavier than the Suzuki - but I was told better made by the guy at "Outboards Direct". (Incidentally very competitive prices and fast delivery - satisfied customer).

That said I have not seen any complaints from anybody who bought the small Suzuki.

 

[NUTMEG]

I have a 2.3hp Homda. Air cooled so good here in the east coast mud, which is why I chose it. Reliable etc BUT noisy and has an automatic clutch that is a PITA. I was told I would get used to it but three years in I still hate it.

 

[Tam Lin]

I have posted before about my Suzuki 2.5. It stalls when you put it into gear, buy a Honda.

 

[Evadne]

Well if you're not going to use it very often you could consider the Torqueedo electric motor: 2-4 hours of range, charges from 12V, never spills petrol into the boot of the car or the bilges, can be stowed in any orientation. The larger one will drive a dinghy at 3-4kts for 2 hours or 5kts for 1/4 the time. It also costs about twice as much as a petrol one.

 

[Eyore]

I'd stick with a two stroke for weight saving alone. My 3.5 Tohatsu 2stroke is a great starter and totally reliable, weighs 12kg and has a neutral with is a huge advantage on a small engine.

 

[dylanwinter]

I have posted before about my Suzuki 2.5. It stalls when you put it into gear, buy a Honda.

agree

Honda wonderful

on my 18 footer

www.youtube.com/watch?v=lv1-HSrYtY8

on my 23 footer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qki9jz8B2tA

 

[lw395]

For a dinghy, I'm very happy with my 2hp Yamaha.
It's about the only outboard SWMBO has reliably been able to start.
But it's 10 years old now and getting one in such good condition will be hard.
People end to hang on to them if they are reliable.

But these things are all prone to dirt and particularly water in the carbs, they are only as good as the maintenance they get.
Comments about stalling when engaging gear sound like poor adjustment to me, but some engines are easier to get right than others.

 

[dancrane]

View attachment 40246

 

[FWB]

Well if you're not going to use it very often you could consider the Torqueedo electric motor: 2-4 hours of range, charges from 12V, never spills petrol into the boot of the car or the bilges, can be stowed in any orientation. The larger one will drive a dinghy at 3-4kts for 2 hours or 5kts for 1/4 the time. It also costs about twice as much as a petrol one.

+1

 

[Ripster]

I bought a Suzuki 2.5 4S to replace a 4S 2.5 Mariner that was just too heavy. It performs fine, starts immediately and does not stall when it is put into gear. Easily moved about and nearly as light as the 2S ones (which is what I was going to buy) or close enough. No messing about mixing fuel. It will push our 2.5m 3D tender along at about 6-7kn with 3 adults in. Looked at the Honda but didn't like the clutch system at close qtrs and they are a too noisey - IMHO of course!

 

[Bluetack]

Had a nightmare with a Suzuki 2.5. Within weeks it was stalling when put into gear, the service engineer said they are supplied with undersized jets, there was no questions from Suzuki UK who supplied a new carb without question. The engineer had another in at the same time as mine needing the same treatment, do they do this deliberately to hit some emissions rules? Was a pain to be out of use for a month, even if they did fix the problem.

 

[Ravi]

Hi.

I have been researching the same subject with a view to buying just such an outboard.

I discounted the Honda 2.5 which I have used extensively because of (a) the noise and (b) I hate the centrifugal clutch. It is light, though and reliable.

Asking around various dealers and suppliers, this is a summary of the gen that i have got...

Suzuki 2.5 - Disregarding the Honda, the Suzuki is the lightest option but dealers seem to have a high failure rate compared to other similar outboards.
Yamaha 2.5 - Seems to be generally well regarded as a quality piece of kit but at 17kg is heavier than the Suzy.
Evinrude 3.5 - Only 1 kg heavier than the Yamaha and plenty more poke. A good reliable engine which has that extra poke that will get your dinghy up on the plane and flying along. (Under your 4HP rating, so should be OK.)

Also, consider the service requirements and costs when you are buying. To maintain the warrantee you could require a require a ?25? hour / 6 month year service and an annual service that will, effectively add about 20% on to the cost of the engine!

Personally, I am going to look around for a 2nd hand O/B in Greece.

 

[tudorsailor]

I thought that you cannot buy a new 2 stroke as they are now illegal in the EU?

TS

 

[Ravi]

I thought that you cannot buy a new 2 stroke as they are now illegal in the EU?

TS

You are correct. You can't. But the OP said he would consider a "second hand" 2 stroke. (As will I, if I can find a good one at the right price)

 

[NickRobinson]

I love my 2hp 2s Mariner 'New Old Stock' as it had <90 mins use in freshwater before I got it.

It's tiny and boring in a good way ie no surprises- starts- idles- runs- stops....

(even the dodgy plug cover flap is intact...)