Which Outboard?

[robmurray]

I need a new outboard for my tender. Tempted by Honda 2hp as it is aircooled so no blocked water-ways and it is 4 stroke so no old fuel problems. Ive heard horror stories about them though. Has anyone got any tips on which make to go for?

 

[gunnarsilins]

Check out...

...tests in PBO last year!

 

[Guest]

Replaced my somewhat knackered 15 year old mercury 2.2 with Honda 2hp last summer. Delighted with it, weight wise it is only slightly heavier than the mercury and the aircooled twist grip etc makes it pleasant to use. As I sail with a golden retriever it has to be reliable etc and thus far the Honda has proved OK

Pete

 

[claymore]

I have a Yamaha Malta. Love it.

 

[JeremyF]

The Honda 2hp is a great little engine, with little weight penalty despite being 4 stroke. If buying second hand, make sure it has had the tweaks to make it easier to start.

The centrifugal clutch takes a little getting used to. From cold you need some throttle plus choke. This means the clutch kicks in as soon as the engine catches. Just make sure you are tied onto something before you start!

Jeremy Flynn

www.yacht-goldeneye.co.uk
New pics 11.02.02
New pics 11.02.02

 

[bedouin]

I seem to recall a whole series of horror stories about this engine (I don't remember the details, but it was probably on this forum) - perhaps they have improved it since then?

Does anyone know anything about the 2HP Yamaha. (BTW if anyone is interested in a 2nd Hand 4HP Yamaha drop me a PM [yes I know this is the wrong forum for ads])

 

[steveh]

We brought the Mariner 3.3 last year - has neutral & forward - very useful when starting alongside - plenty of oumph and very light and easy to carry - can be put in the boot of the car with no problems of spillage. Have to be more careful with 4 strokes.
I seam to recall that the Honda has what looks like a handle but should`t be used as such. May be wrong on that point.

 

[longjohnsilver]

Excellent engine, light, easy to start, and not much vibration. Far superior to a Merc 2.2 I used to have.

 

[Goldie]

ReWhich Outboard

Having owned Seagull, Yamaha 2, Mercury 3.3 and Honda BF2, my opinion (for what it's worth!)of the Honda BF2 is as follows:

Plus points are easy to start, clean running,no mixing of fuel and air cooling means no blocked passages. Minus points are wider than average cowl (could be a factor on a crowded stern rail), and the sudden loss of thrust when the throttle is backed off a little too far when manouvering at slow speed (this wouldn't happen with a separate neutral gear) and the difficulty in starting from cold without engaging drive. With less throttle required on a warm start, this is not then a problem. There is a body of opinion that suggests the Honda is noisy - I disagree. The noise is different, but not necessarily greater. Have a look at the Decibel readings in the Sailing Today tests (sorry IPC!) in the August 2001 issue. As has been mentioned before, make sure the engine has been retrofitted with the mods to improve re-starting and to prevent the throttle linkage tube corroding. After severe corrosion problems with the Mercury and temperamental starting in damp conditions with the Seagull, the Honda has been 100% trouble free. My choice if you can afford it (and lift it aboard) is the Yamaha Malta. For a smaller. lighter, cheaper, option which uses less than half the fuel of the Malta, go Honda.

 

[david_e]

I bought a Mariner 3.3, light, easy to use, f/wd & neutral, powerful for size, noisy, bit thirsty - got 12.5% off (from a local dealer) which made it a bargain.

 

[jointventureII]

Re: Which Outboard

When we brought our boat in december it came with a 5hp yamaha that is one yr old.
Good engine and very light for its size. I suggest the 4 or 3hp(malta) engines if the 5 is too big.
Full of features, the best one being that you can change from integral tank to
external tank by turning a switch.

 

[ZEBEDEE]

Re: Which Outboard

Based on PBO artical last year I bought Suzuki 2.2 Great little engine, light, easy to start, quiet, economical and has a fair bit of power for its size. It is a 2 stroke but running on 100 / 1 who cares I can see why it did so well in the tests