Which Outboard?

[DKnight]

My sweet Yamaha 2B has died, (blocked water ways), and i've been advised that it will be more cost effective to replace it. But with what?
It will be used for an inflatable only a dozen or so times a year and needs to be in the range of 2- 3.5HP. I would like a Gearbox or aleast Forward & Neutral so it can be left running for the family to use.
Like the Honda 2.3 - 4 stroke but have heard poor reports, oher option is the Tohatsu 3.5, but have not heard much about this engine, but it seems to be competativly priced, is it worth paying extra for a Merc, Marina O.B??
All comments appreciated.

D>K


<hr width=100% size=1>DK

 

[sailorman]

i have the Honda but hate the centrificial clutch + noise.
i would go for a 2 stroke with either direct drive or g/box with lever

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[steve28]

why not have a go at repair yourself, they dont really represent a challenge.most outboard repair centers advise against repair because of the labour charges involved.
In your case simply removing the head and descaling inside will probably revitalise yours for another 4 years


steve

i think others will agree and even ask to buy your old one !

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[Talbot]

I had a 2B and replaced it earlier this year with a Tohatsu 3.5 - a really good engine. However, cleaning the water passages on a 2B is an easy job (done it lots iof times) so unless you have cooked the engine due to lack of cooling suggest you have a quick go at cleaning out the passageways. Make sure that you have a replacement set of gaskets then take off the engine cover, undo the 6 bolts under the engine that hold the power block onto the shaft cover, struggle like mad for about an hour to persuade the shaft and engine to part company (supposed to be a push fit!) make sure you take off the plate that fits between the power block and the shaft cover, and finally take out spark plug and turn engine until the piston is at tdc, then remove the cylinder head, now start scraping! I used a light brass brush on a small grinder to clean eevrything, then applied some paint before putting it all back together - but before you do, might as well change the impellor and the points while everything else is apart.

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[Joe_Cole]

If the engine is otherwise OK then I'ld go along with Steve's comments. Get a manual and do it yourself. A small engine is easy enough to work on.

Joe

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[cliff]

I have a pair of yamaha 4 stroke 4 hps great wee engines no problem so fat. one is about 4 year old and the other is only a year old. only two down sides for me are the weight - a little heavy to lug about - and the need to lay them down in a particular way to prevent the oil running out of the sump - not really a problem once you get used to it. Oh yes forward / neutral and reverse is handy.
Having said that I do like the tohatsu 3.5, but as others have said why not clean you own out - you have nothing to loose by having a go.

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[KeithH]

I have a Honda 2 HP, and like it. Especially the centrifugal clutch - Previous engine was a direct drive Johnson 2HP, which made coming alongside in the inflatable exciting when my son was on the controls. He could never judge cutting the engine at the right time to prevent pinging into the jetty. Cannot say that I was much better, though. The centifugal clutch seems to work well, as a lower cost alternative to gears.

I do agree that it is very noisy though, but having no water channels in the cylinder head saves another problem.



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[willothewisp]

Why not try- if all else fails - a Yamaha Malta (3hp) 2 stroke- it has a neutral and forward. Great performance and very reliable. They don't make them any more on account of emissions, so seondhand would be your best bet. As for the Honda 2hp. No performance, and the noise is appalling.
good luck, coby

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[philip_stevens]

The Suzuki 2.2 has plenty of power for its size, but no gear lever. It is only 11kgs in weight, and I have seen them new for £335.

The smallest Merc with a gear lever is the 3.3hp, and the Johnson 3.5hp also has gears, but a bit better clutch arrangement.

<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[whisper]

There have been quite a few posts over the last six months re the pros & cons of small outboards so may be worth while doing a search. Tohatsu 3.5 is the base for a number of other brands but is cheaper.
Yamaha do a 2.5hp 4 stroke with gears but it is noticeably heavier than either the Honda (which quite a few people like - very light) and other 2.5 - 4hp 2 strokes.

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[poter]

Think about PX for a merc 3.3 with a neutral/gear lever you can get some good deals currently.. Shop around.


poter


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[philip_stevens]

I don't think he will get more than £10 in px if the motor is defunct. All it is worth is scrap value as it is.



<hr width=100% size=1>regards,
Philip

 

[Rick]

I'd go along with the cleaning suggestions, but if replacement is the go, I'd suggest the Tohatsu 3.5 is worth the look. I bought a new Merc 3.3 last December, as I could get it cheaper than the Tohatsu at that time - they are the same engine in all respects bar colour and decals.

I really wanted a 4 stroke, but the Yammie 2.5 was too dear and heavy. I was talked out of the Honda by friends who say the clutch makes coming alongside very difficult when wind and tide are at work.

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[swan]

I recently bought an Oslo Jolle (5.5m), and am now also looking for a small lightweight, outboard motor 13kilos - for the sake of the boat and strength of my girlfriend.

The replies here are very interesting as ive been searching like hell for reviews or tests
maybe you know of some sites which have tested these class of engine for noise and efficiency?
I was looking at
Honda 2hp
Tohatsu 2.5 / 3.5hp
Johnson 3.5
Mercury 2.5 / 3.3hp
Mariner

Is the new Honda 2hp that noisy as you stated - asccording to some *honda sites it quieter etc...

Yes The Johonson is faster and lighter - i dont get why its cheaper?

Anymore tips or advice is much appreciatted

Its difficult to choose if you havent tested them all

Thanx



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[StephenW]

Tohatsu 3.5 pulls well and has been reliable in my experience

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