Which outboard - 9 to 15 hp?

[Duffer]

My father wants a new outboard around 9 to 15 hp. Does anyone have any recommendations/models to avoid? He is looking at 4-stroke Mariners. Thanks in advance.

 

[waterboy]

A lot depends on what he wants it for. A 15hp would be probably too much for a dinghy outboard to be used for normal cruising. However, if it was to be the main sources of power on a trailer sailer or some other similar sized boat, 15 would be lovely but a 9 would be fine. Will the motor need to be lifted or would it be more or less pemanently mounted on brackets? Let us have some more info and you will soon see how useful this forum can be. BTW Mariners make very good reliable motors.
ATB

 

[Duffer]

Thanks for that - it is to permanently mount on a trailer sailer. I've told him the 15hp is a lot heavier (50kg) than the 9.9 (38kg) even if it only costs about £100 or so more. He wants electric start and charging. I'm really after advice on reliability/value for money etc so thanks for your comment on that - apparently the RNLI use them which is a pretty good endorsement!

 

[andy_wilson]

I would recommend a Mariner 4-Stroke 9.9Hp or 15Hp. Short or Longshaft, manual or electric start as required.

Would I get the sale?

 

[alistairedw]

I have a Mariner 15HP Bigfoot on my 14 foot motorboat. It is reliable, quiet and economical. Electric start makes life easy. I am very happy with the engine.

 

[Duffer]

Many thanks for that - no-one seems to have a bad word to say about them! I know a bit about small outboards (my Honda 2.3 is very good and the Merc 2.? before it was pretty good too) but I haven't experience of Mariners or any other makes at this larger size hence your comments are very welcome!

 

[StanFolds]

I have a Mercury 8 (same engine as the Mariner 8-15HP) on a Shetland 570 used on the broads. It has never missed a beat but the spark plugs cost an arm and a leg when the manual called for their replacement at the first service. At the river speed limits it gives just over 4 miles per litre which is much better than I got from a 25HP 2 stroke.
Stan

 

[Duffer]

Thanks for that /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[BillyBloater]

For what it is worth this year I bought a Suzuki 9.9 four stroke. Apart from the weight I have been very pleased with it - 30 hours so far.

At the time of purchase it was a toss up between a Mariner 8 and the Suzuki 9.9 both were the same price. Pacer Marine in Aldershot were doing a very special offer, I don't know if they are still doing it but at the time no one could get near them for price.

Cheers

Billy

 

[migel]

I have a 1995. 15hp long shaft two stroke Suzuki (oil injection)
Took me through the french canals from Calais to Sete then when no wind on to marbella in spain,used it frequenly in spain for 4 years then ,returned home to england same route.
have serviced it annualy
still going strong,fantastic engine.uses app half gall petrol p/hour at 4/5 knotts half throttle

 

[pessimist]

We use a 15hp Tohatsu 4 stroke on the dory. Its now into its third season and has never missed a beat. Electric and manual start with charging. Highly recommended and a bit cheaper than the Mariner equivalent.

 

[Duffer]

Many thanks for all the replies. The two-strokes are quite a bit lighter than their 4 stroke equivalent but less economical. I'll tell him the Mariners are good but there is a choice!

 

[Channel Ribs]

If you do go for a Tohatsu look for a price of around 1540 for the 9.8HP and 1695 for the 15HP.

As you probably know, two-strokes are getting very thin on the ground but there are some out there still.

 

[No Regrets]

I have just switched from a Mariner 20 to a new Mercury 9.9 four stroke, and it's perfect for the Thames.

Sweet, quiet, and it steers better too!

Very happy, but boat now for sale at T&K.