Which on for small inflatable tender & dayboat

[Swg]

I'm in the market for a sub 2.7m inflatable and would like a solid, reliable and light OB. This is primarily for the tender and will back up the sails on my 1T displacement centreboard day boat - for windless evening returns to mooring.
Honda or Yamaha seem to set the standard at 2.3 HP. Any views on these vs a cheaper 2nd hand 3.? 2 stroke at similar weight?

 

[Kelpie]

I have a 2nd hand Tohatsu 3.5 2 stroke which, touch wood, has never let me down. Great little engine, has fwd/neutral, very lightweight, very simple. Shame you can't buy them legitimately anymore (cue inevitable debate on 2 vs 4 stroke outboards!)

From the little window shopping I did on new motors, I thought the Suzuki sounded pretty good. The Honda seems to be a good engine but centrifugal clutch and aircooling are not everyone's cup of tea.

It's amazing how much bulkier the 4 strokes are than the 2 strokes; even if they are nominally barely any heavier, it must make a difference to how easy they are to lift on and off the boat.

 

[CAPTAIN FANTASTIC]

Six years ago I bought a 6hp four stroke Tohatsu, it has been brilliant in every way. So a year ago I decided to buy a 3.5 Mercury (Tohatsu) four stroke; (the 3.5 is the same outboard as the 2.5 but tuned up and £50 more), very economical, mostly starts on the first pull, not the lightest, but robust.

Unfortunately, the ignition circuit went after one year but it was replaced free of charge by the Mercury dealer, so not too bad. I also have a Honda 2 hp four stroke, very old now, lighter (12kg) than the Mercury but not as durable. The 3.5 hp engine is very useful against wind and tide.

 

[Kelpie]

Thinking about power... you can always change the prop. When I bought my OB, the prop had been damaged in transit, and I found a slightly finer pitched one on eBay for a few quid, which effectively changed me 'down' a gear, giving less speed but more power.
I have very effectively used this on an alongside tow on an 18ft clinker dayboat... seemed like there was loads of oomph to spare despite strong headwind. Not bad for 3.5hp.

 

[Zagato]

This topic comes up alot and Tohatsu always seem to come out well and are very popular. Another vote for Tohatsu from me.

Didn't realise the 3.5 was a tuned up 2.5, that explains why they are the same weight @ 18KG!! Thanks for that Captain...