Weight of small outboards

[C08]

Looking at new 2.5hp 4stroke engines it appears that (say) Mariner/Yamaha weigh in at 17kg but the Suzuki is only 13.5kg. Where have the corners been cut - is the Suzuki a decent small engine that is expected to have a long life?

 

[Flica]

Suzuki produce the lightest 2.5hp 4-stroke motor. Unlike Tohatsu (who produce small OBs for re-badging for the other manufacturers), it is a stand alone 68cc power head. Tohatsu (Mariner and Mercury) use the same unit @ 123cc for the 2.5 and the 3.5 hp models. Relative weights are 13.15kg for Suzuki and 18.4kg for the 2.5/3.5hp Tohatsu.
I prefer to stick with the 2-stroke 3.5 Tohatsu (forbidden to be offered for sale in EC chandlers) @ 14.8kg.
Those users in Med waters with the Suzuki appear moderately happy - starting problems and non-progressive throttle opening appear to be the more common complaints. It is, however, comparitively light. The major difference between 2.5 and 3.5hp Tohatsu is that the latter has a stainless steel waterpump and therefore a more extended life.
If you want a 2-stroke, Mainbrayce on Alderney and a number of Maltese chandlers have them on offer.

 

[steve66]

Suzuki produce the lightest 2.5hp 4-stroke motor. Unlike Tohatsu (who produce small OBs for re-badging for the other manufacturers), it is a stand alone 68cc power head. Tohatsu (Mariner and Mercury) use the same unit @ 123cc for the 2.5 and the 3.5 hp models. Relative weights are 13.15kg for Suzuki and 18.4kg for the 2.5/3.5hp Tohatsu.
I prefer to stick with the 2-stroke 3.5 Tohatsu (forbidden to be offered for sale in EC chandlers) @ 14.8kg.
Those users in Med waters with the Suzuki appear moderately happy - starting problems and non-progressive throttle opening appear to be the more common complaints. It is, however, comparitively light. The major difference between 2.5 and 3.5hp Tohatsu is that the latter has a stainless steel waterpump and therefore a more extended life.
If you want a 2-stroke, Mainbrayce on Alderney and a number of Maltese chandlers have them on offer.

Honda 2.3s are approximately the same weight as the Suzuki 2.5

 

[Flica]

Honda 2.3s are approximately the same weight as the Suzuki 2.5

But of archaic design, noisy and fairly troublesome, being an air-cooled and splash-lubricated head . They are, in fact, slightly lighter than any other outboard, until you start looking at some Chinese ones!!!
Having been down the research path, I'd have chosen the Tohatsu-based 3.5hp - the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of portable outboards

 

[Sandy]

is the Suzuki a decent small engine that is expected to have a long life?

Cracking wee engine. Treated well it will out live you.

 

[steve66]

But of archaic design, noisy and fairly troublesome, being an air-cooled and splash-lubricated head . They are, in fact, slightly lighter than any other outboard, until you start looking at some Chinese ones!!!
Having been down the research path, I'd have chosen the Tohatsu-based 3.5hp - the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of portable outboards

Splash lubricated or brittle plastic oil pump drive. I know which I choose

 

[Topcat47]

Does the "plastic,brittle" refer to just the 4-stroke or are they all like this?

 

[RichardS]

Splash lubricated or brittle plastic oil pump drive. I know which I choose

I suspect it's probably the noise of the air-cooled engine rather than any technical design issues which is more likely to put buyers off.

That's the main reason I went for the Suzuki after trying both.

Richard

 

[steve66]

Does the "plastic,brittle" refer to just the 4-stroke or are they all like this?

Just 4 stroke. 2 strokes havent an oil pump

 

[steve66]

I suspect it's probably the noise of the air-cooled engine rather than any technical design issues which is more likely to put buyers off.

That's the main reason I went for the Suzuki after trying both.

Richard

I think your correct Richard

 

[Flica]

Does the "plastic,brittle" refer to just the 4-stroke or are they all like this?

Of course the 2-stroke needs no oil-pump, plastic or anything, hence my preference.

 

[steve66]

There are pros and cons with every outboard but the tohatsu based 2 stroke outboard is a very well manufactured world beater. So much so at least 2 manufacturers copied it. Only disadvantage for me against an aircooled is flushing after use

 

[Pete7]

Honda 2.3s are approximately the same weight as the Suzuki 2.5

Low hours one for sale at a good price on the "for Sale" forum at the moment.

 

[johnalison]

Low hours one for sale at a good price on the "for Sale" forum at the moment.

Both work, more or less. One deciding feature for some buyers is the Honda's centrifugal clutch, which some people dislike and others prefer. Having heard Hondas buzzing around me from over a mile away I went for the Suzuki. I find it as easy to manhandle as my old 2/stroke 2.2 because of the large handles, similar to the Honda.

 

[Arcady]

Asking for opinions on small outboards is almost as entertaining as asking for opinions on different anchors The 2 stroke/4 stroke or air-cooled/water-cooled debate inevitably brings out the lurkers and regulars alike.

FWIW - and just to keep things moving(!) - I've had 15 years of faultless service out of our last Honda and have come to like the centrifugal clutch too. In fact I liked it so much I bought another one...

 

[NormanB]

But what about an electric one?��

 

[macd]

I'd have chosen the Tohatsu...the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of portable outboards

There were no portable outboards before the mid-50s?

 

[Tranona]

There were no portable outboards before the mid-50s?

As an ex Seagull employee I also find that claim a bit odd - and Seagull were nowhere near the first, just the best at the time (mid 1930's)

 

[LONG_KEELER]

As an ex Seagull employee

Were you the male model in that sailor advert that gave the impression you could actually carry a seagull in one hand
and a kit bag in the other ?

 

[LONG_KEELER]

But of archaic design, noisy and fairly troublesome, being an air-cooled and splash-lubricated head . They are, in fact, slightly lighter than any other outboard, until you start looking at some Chinese ones!!!
Having been down the research path, I'd have chosen the Tohatsu-based 3.5hp - the world's oldest and largest manufacturer of portable outboards

Feel I have to defend the Honda 2.3. I have one and treasure it highly.

The first gender neutral outboard, with air cooling, 4 stroke with the ability to do 50 nm on one litre of fuel , and a clutch
which has probably saved countless lives. It proves that true progress only ever comes from outside the system.

Pity that originally, (mine) , had some of the stainless parts not suitable for the marine environment but would do well on a moped was unfortunate but has been put right. Dunked twice , horribly abused but still going strong.