2 stroke outboards

YACD · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 6:08 pm Post subject: 2 stroke outboards

Does anyone have experience with outboards from

http://www.smalloutboardengines.com/index.html

Their 2/2.5hp engines are light (20#), cheap ($500) and very easy to maintain. They are low emission engines as measured by meeting the EPA CARB Tier 2 EPA standard. Their return policy is very easy to understand: returns not accepted - period Crying or Very sad

CW · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 7:12 pm Post subject:

It looks like a weedeater with a prop... If it is a Stihl engine, I bet it would work great on a light inflatable or dinghy. I know the use of weedeater engines has also revolutionized the cost of remote controlled model airplanes. C.W.

C-Nile · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:05 pm Post subject:

YACD: I was in Cabelas yesterday, and was looking at a 2.5 pound, $650 water cooled Suzuki 4-stroke outboard that was only 29 pounds! The problem with air cooled motors is that may overheat in temperatures above 90 degrees F. Another consideration is noise. What is the DB output of the motor at full throttle? If it is like a weed whacker, it could be quite loud. What about reliability over the long haul? I'd put my money on the 4-stroke.

Rich

YACD · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 9:36 pm Post subject:

Rich: Thanks for this info. I even found it for $550 here

http://www.edsmarinesuperstore.com/suzuki_outboards.htm

Looks like great value compared with the 2hp Honda.

Adeline · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:08 pm Post subject:

Here is what $350 can buy on Craig's List. 1999 Johnson 4hp-Twin Cylinders-Twist Grip Throttle-F/N-Emergency Cut Off-33#s-Used Twice. This one is mine and isn't for sale. Other gems are out there if you're patient.

Valkyrie · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 10:37 pm Post subject:

Weedeater with a prop is right. Years ago (like 25) a company that made made weedeaters came out with a small line of lightweight 2 stroke outboards that they called Cruise N' Carry.

I had a 2.7 horse model that weight 12 pounds and 7 ounces. It had lots of torque and ran like a champ on my Achilles and canoe, albeit loudly as it was air-cooled. I ran it for about 15 years with no problem.

Nick
"Valkyrie"

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:19 pm Post subject:

Actually, you can take it back if it is in within 30 days and you have not used it. At least that is what I read in the later nomenclature. It looks kinda cool. But, it also looks a little fragile in design. As someone mentioned, it seems to look more suitable for light lawn duties than marine usage. However, my weed eater is really tough.....it just might surprise a guy what it could do.

journey on · Posted: Mon Jun 02, 2008 11:53 pm Post subject:

Wow, another Curse n' Tarry (aka Cruise N' Carry) owner. I thought that was the neatest motor ever. Started out on a Sevlour (sic). We must of been the only ones with one of those cheap inflatables with a motor mount. Then used it on an Avon inflatable when we had a 25' sailboat. Small and light, WITH a neutral. You could start it without ramming something.

Finally outgrew it, and gave it to a missionary who took it to Africa, in the Congo. Left it there when they evacuated in a hurry. Hope someone is making use of it.

Upgraded to a 3 hp Johnson twin, also mentioned above. That one went through Mexico, the So Pac and Alaska. Way better than the Oriental brands, and just as cheap. Couldn't figure out why they weren't more popular. Made in Belgium, so OMC could import their bigger motors there.

Boris

T.R. Bauer · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 3:09 am Post subject:

Sea Wolf · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 4:55 am Post subject:

matt_unique · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 8:11 am Post subject: 2-stroke

I use a 2003, 3.5 hp Merc 2 stroke water cooled on my small inflatable dinghy. It's a single cylinder, and unfortunately not very environmentally friendly, but I burn just 1-gal of gas the entire season. I bought it brand new in 2004 (leftover special). I use it to get back and forth between the dock and my mooring and for island excursions. It's relatively light, as I recall about 29 lbs.

The next time I need one I will go 4-stroke just to be a bit better on the environment.

journey on · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 10:18 am Post subject:

T. R. Bauer;

I didn't mention it, but I got rid of the 3 hp Johnson for a 6 hp Johnson whilst we were touring the west coast of Florida. That, sir, is the best motor I've ever owned. Still have it. Unfortunately, it isn't big enough to serve as a back-up on the 25, so it just sits. Can plane a 10" inflatable with 2 in it, it's light, and uses about the same gas as the 4-stroke Honda.

Got a great deal on it (new) in Sarasota, Fl. Next week I read that OMC was going bankrupt. Thank heavens, never needed any service. Suppose I'll have to sell it, but it's a great motor.

Boris

Wefings · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 2:14 pm Post subject:

Matt, are you sure thats not a 3.3 Mercury ?? I just got one too . Its really a Tohatsu in Merc clothing . Great little 2 stroke .
Marc

CW · Posted: Tue Jun 03, 2008 7:23 pm Post subject:

I know, it is a skosh heavier etc. but I got a great used Johnson 7.5 horse 2-stroke (1980s version) that had bright yellow, unstained foam inside the cowling indicating near-new condition for $569. It runs great, trolls great and can (unlike a 6 hp) get my 12 ft. aluminum Mirrocraft duck boat up on a plane with two guys, a dog and gear. Extremely reliable. C.W.

thataway · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:36 pm Post subject:

Marc,
At one time Merc made (rebadged as you say) both a 3.3 and 3.5. As I recollect one had the shift to neutral, the other no shift.

I have one of the Suzuki 2.5 hp 29 lb 4 strokes (from Wefings)--and it works fine.. For dinghy motors is is as close as the 2 strokes in lightness and ease to handle.

Not all loved the "cruise and carry" engines. I would be very leary of the "weed eater" type of outboards. They are not made for salt water. Corrorsion will be a major factor, as will service. Also there is no substitute for displacement and torque in pushing a dinghy. 1.5 to 2 hp is marginal at the best if you get caught in a real blow in an inflatable.....you may not be able to make headway against the wind and waves....

I agree that mid 80's to early 90's OMC outboards were outstanding. I had one of the 4.5 hp 2 strokes and had several thousand hours on it--still running like a top when I sold it.