which small 2.5 hp outboard?

[snappy]

I need a small lightweight outboard for my tender and have been looking at 4 stroke 2.5 hp units by suzuki, yamaha and mercury/mariner. There doesn't seem to be much to choose between them on either price or spec so I am inclined to go for the lightest, which is the Suzy. Any feedback from users of the 4 strokes mentioned above?

many thanks

 

[PetiteFleur]

Consider the Honda 2.3hp. It is one of the lightest, 13kg from memory, aircooled so no water problems, has a centrifugal clutch which some people like and others don't, slightly more noisy than the watercooled ones, legendary Honda reliability.
Some of the other small outboards in this category weigh 17kg which I consider too heavy to lug on and off a tender transom.

 

[Kelpie]

If you can wait a couple of days, Sailing Today are doing a roundup of 2.5hp motors in the next issue.

(Am I allowed to say that on a PBO forum!?)

 

[TiggerToo]

I need a small lightweight outboard for my tender and have been looking at 4 stroke 2.5 hp units by suzuki, yamaha and mercury/mariner. There doesn't seem to be much to choose between them on either price or spec so I am inclined to go for the lightest, which is the Suzy. Any feedback from users of the 4 strokes mentioned above?

many thanks

I have a Suzuki, it works well, but it is a bit "flimsy" in its finishes - noticeable if, like ours, it gets a bit knocked about by Tigger's many charterers.

I had a Honda before, eventually its engine broke down rather dramatically...
I prefer the "On/off" clutch of the Suzuki to the spinning clutch of the Honda, but that is just my preference.

 

[johnalison]

Another vote for Suzuki. The Honda is just too noisy for me and the Suzuki is generally quite easy to handle in spite of the bulk.

 

[snappy]

thanks

Thanks for all the replies. Sailing Today also recommend the Suzi so just ordered one.

 

[bigdeepblue]

I have a Suzuki, it works well, but it is a bit "flimsy" in its finishes - noticeable if, like ours, it gets a bit knocked about by Tigger's many charterers.

I had a Honda before, eventually its engine broke down rather dramatically...
I prefer the "On/off" clutch of the Suzuki to the spinning clutch of the Honda, but that is just my preference.

I.ve a Honda and its been greatly reliable and learned to live with the clutch so therefore most alarmed to hear about dramatic breakdowns!! Something avoidable? Do share!!