Tohatsu 2.5/3.5HP Outboard ?

[MacMan]

OK I think I have decided on getting a a new dinghy and weight is the main deciding factor. I think I am going to a Lodestar NSA 195 UL - only 17kg but 41cm tubes. If anyone thinks this is a terribly bad idea I would love to hear from them but that main reason for this post is to ask for some help on the matching outboard.

I know about the upcoming ban on 4 strokes but I think if I am quick I can get some stock whilst they remain. I am considering the Tohatsu 3.5 HP 2 stroke. As only 13 kgs I think this is one of the lighter ones.

Does anyone have anything good/bad to say about this ? or prepare to recommend a lighter/better alternative ?

Weight is one of my major considerations but price is always a factor.

Techincally the lodestar I am after is only rated for a 2.5 HP but from what I read the 2.5HP outboad is the same as the 3.5 HP just de tuned. The weight appears to be the same so I assume it is just a case of being sensible on the revs.

Also anyone's top tips on where I can get one cheapest would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for anyone's help

Cheers

 

[sailorman]

good choice on both

Bill Higham Marine for the engine oi got a good price + very quick delivery 2 yrs ago
01617907678

 

[Lakesailor]

Don't know about cheapest. Best value : I would go with the Bill Higham Marine suggestion. Genuine bloke. When I bought my Yamaha a clip was broken on the cover. He made me a new one.
http://www.billhigham.co.uk/billhighammarine.htm

 

[Kawasaki]

Tohatsu 3.5hp will do you.
Mirror Lakey's thoughts on Bill Bingham.

 

[doug748]

I have had a 2.5 from new and over the past twelve years it has had some dreadful stick, including spells of neglect, hard use and mistreatment. It has been totally submerged three times. It is now nackered..........No, No; actually it still runs like new. Excellent.

 

[Oldhand]

You should also consider the Mercury or Mariner 3.3. They are basically the same engine as the Tohatsu 3.5 but with a different cowl. The Tohatsu cowl is vertically split and held together by screws, the Mercury/Mariner version is horizontally split and the top is removed by undoing 2 simple clips making things much easier to get to.

The main advantage of the 3.5/3.3's over the 2.5 versions is the former have a neutral gear. Apart from making "take-off" and "landing" a more predictable exercise, it allows you to pull a bucket of fresh water up over the prop and cavitation plate and run the engine to flush the salt out after salt water use.

I got a very good deal on a Mercury 3.3 form here: http://www.yellowpenguin.co.uk/index.html

 

[MacMan]

Thanks

Thanks for all your help and suggestions. I did phone up the recommended Bill and one of his staff was very helpful. Recommending the Mariner and explaining the difference and advantage. I hope to take delivery next week. Thanks again

 

[seacat]

For what it's worth we bought a Tohatsu 3.5HP from Fairweather Marine in Fareham - their service was excellent and the engine the best little outboard I have every had - can't speak too highly of it in starting and performance and it's a lightweight.