Thanks for all the thoughtful replies. It seems that there are two factors that need to be weighed against each other. The advantage of an air-cooled outboard(only Honda)-VS-more capable outboards that are water-cooled. I've found some used 2-stroke motors that are similar in weight(i.e. 30#), offer more horsepower, and cost just $300-$400. OMC offered various 3-4 h.p. motors from the 80s forward. Yamaha and Suzuki likewise. Tohatsu/Nissan made a 2-cycle 3.5hp motor through '06 that weighed just 29# and offered forward/neutral shifting. http://www.marine-outboards.com/Toh...Tohatsu_Marine_3_5_HP_Outboard_Boat_Motor.htmThis has since been replaced by a 4-stroke version that weighs 41#. http://www.marine-outboards.com/Toh...arine_3_5_HP_4_stroke_Outboard_Boat_Motor.htmThey also make all Mercury motors under 30 horsepower. If I went new I could get a 4-cycle Tohatsu 3.5 for about $850.00 delivered to my door. That gets me nearly twice the power for $100 less than the Honda. Since the used Hondas are so rare and command such a high price I only compare them to new alternatives. If I should embrace water-cooling then I have many, many more options in the used market. So there I am. I know that storing a salted motor is destructive but I COULD view it as "disposable", accept the destruction, and plan on replacing it when needed. $300-$400 for a capable, used, disposable motor or $950 for a less capable, new, motor that will probably outlive me. NOW what do you all think ???
My New Inflatable Needs a Motor, But Which One ?
- Thread starter Adeline
- Start date
Chris Bulovsky
New member
Saw this in WM flier.
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... SiteSearch
Something to look at.
Chris Bulovsky
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... SiteSearch
Something to look at.
Chris Bulovsky
I use a 42 lb thrust salt water series trolling motor on a 12 foot aluminum skiff. I use two Golf Cart batteries (440 amp hours)--and have about 3 hours of good running--@ 3-4 knots. The cautions for underpowering outboards in winds, almost doubles for electric trolling motors. As long as you can use the dinghy in calm water, can live with the very restricted amount of power which you will have in a small AGM battery and have a good way of recharging the battery it will work. The AGM battery is not cheap--and you will probably have from 35 (garden tractor battery) to a group 27 (100 amp hours).
I have yet to have a dinghy outboard either wear out, corrode out, or salt up. I have usually sold the boat/ dinghy before this happened. I have owned some of these dinghy motors up to 10 years--where 4 out of that time was full time cruising, and two to three times a day use of the motor. --that is a lot of use/abuse--where the motor gave excellent service. Sure the impellor and spark plug had to be changed every couple of years. I have owned a couple of the rebadged Tohtsu 2 cycle 3.5 hp motors and they have been excellent--I own one currently.
I have yet to have a dinghy outboard either wear out, corrode out, or salt up. I have usually sold the boat/ dinghy before this happened. I have owned some of these dinghy motors up to 10 years--where 4 out of that time was full time cruising, and two to three times a day use of the motor. --that is a lot of use/abuse--where the motor gave excellent service. Sure the impellor and spark plug had to be changed every couple of years. I have owned a couple of the rebadged Tohtsu 2 cycle 3.5 hp motors and they have been excellent--I own one currently.
journey on
New member
Pete, I had an Avon dingy (as a matter of fact still do,) about the size of your Achilles. I got an OMC 3 hp (made by OMC.) It was a twin, with F-R. Lovely motor. Took it everywhere, So Pac, Alaska, back East. Great motor.
The problem was, that it was underpowered for the dingy. It would just plane with one parson on board. And your Achilles planes just great. Finally got an OMC 6 hp. It was just what that dingy needed. Don't get a small motor, because there will be places you will want the speed of a larger motor. And if'n you get a small motor (<5 hp, ) it'll be too late, cause OB motors aren't cheap.
By the, way, the Avon got old and I got an Achilles. It seems to be a great dingy, though we'll see after 10 years. One great advantage is that it's made of Hypalon, which is important for us'n in the South, mabe not as important for you. Comfortable, dry, fairly light. Just get a motor that will plane it with 2-3 people on board.
The Southern Boris
The problem was, that it was underpowered for the dingy. It would just plane with one parson on board. And your Achilles planes just great. Finally got an OMC 6 hp. It was just what that dingy needed. Don't get a small motor, because there will be places you will want the speed of a larger motor. And if'n you get a small motor (<5 hp, ) it'll be too late, cause OB motors aren't cheap.
By the, way, the Avon got old and I got an Achilles. It seems to be a great dingy, though we'll see after 10 years. One great advantage is that it's made of Hypalon, which is important for us'n in the South, mabe not as important for you. Comfortable, dry, fairly light. Just get a motor that will plane it with 2-3 people on board.
The Southern Boris
About older 2 stroke motors in salt.
I bought a 2 hp Evinrude in 1979, ran it hard in dingy service in salt water, I sold the 79(still a running motor) in 84, when I bought a new 1984 Johnson 2 hp(same motor). I used the 84 till I overheated it bad in 2004.
This long time service was not repair free. I had to replace the water pumps, ignition points, spark plugs, do several carb overhauls, and replace some small metal parts which were not ss steel, and clean, sand and repaint. Being in the o/b repair business, this wasn't too difficult or expensive.
I think these small 2-stroke motors can give good service if several things are attended to.
Carefully mix good quality 2-stroke oil with the gas at the correct ratio. Flush the motor by running in fresh water periodically. Clean, sand, and repaint any corrosion. Change the impeller and gear oil every couple of years.
Run the carb dry after use and use storage fogging oil before storage.
Don't turn the motor upside down as water can run into the cylinder.
When buying a used motor, get the seller to demonstrate that the motor runs(in water), and doesn't overheat. Inspect the paint, a motor which has been overheated will show paint burn, or discoloration on the cylinder head or block. Most outboard dealers have a test tank and can demonstrate a motor. Look for obvious signs of abuse.
With the motor clamped onto a stand, and the throttle in the stop position, slowly pull out the starter rope. The motor should have definite compression pulses and the rope should not be badly frayed. Stay clear of the prop as the motor could fire.
Motors which are hard to start usually have been frantically pull started till the rope is frayed or broken.
The fact that a 2-stroke motor has oil mixed into the gas means that the internal parts(the crank, rod, piston, rings, and cylinder walls) have been coated with fresh oil every time they are run. This prevents internal rust and corrosion.
So if it looks clean, starts and runs smoothly and appears well taken care of, you could get good service from a used motor.
I would stay with the known brands... Johnson, Evinrude, Tohatsu, Suzuki, Nissan, Honda and stay away from orphans and oddballs. Air cooled motors tend to corrode in salt water(maybe excepting Honda-I have no experience with air cooled Hondas). You should have access to a dealer of your brand for parts and advise.
Good luck in your motor hunt.
I bought a 2 hp Evinrude in 1979, ran it hard in dingy service in salt water, I sold the 79(still a running motor) in 84, when I bought a new 1984 Johnson 2 hp(same motor). I used the 84 till I overheated it bad in 2004.
This long time service was not repair free. I had to replace the water pumps, ignition points, spark plugs, do several carb overhauls, and replace some small metal parts which were not ss steel, and clean, sand and repaint. Being in the o/b repair business, this wasn't too difficult or expensive.
I think these small 2-stroke motors can give good service if several things are attended to.
Carefully mix good quality 2-stroke oil with the gas at the correct ratio. Flush the motor by running in fresh water periodically. Clean, sand, and repaint any corrosion. Change the impeller and gear oil every couple of years.
Run the carb dry after use and use storage fogging oil before storage.
Don't turn the motor upside down as water can run into the cylinder.
When buying a used motor, get the seller to demonstrate that the motor runs(in water), and doesn't overheat. Inspect the paint, a motor which has been overheated will show paint burn, or discoloration on the cylinder head or block. Most outboard dealers have a test tank and can demonstrate a motor. Look for obvious signs of abuse.
With the motor clamped onto a stand, and the throttle in the stop position, slowly pull out the starter rope. The motor should have definite compression pulses and the rope should not be badly frayed. Stay clear of the prop as the motor could fire.
Motors which are hard to start usually have been frantically pull started till the rope is frayed or broken.
The fact that a 2-stroke motor has oil mixed into the gas means that the internal parts(the crank, rod, piston, rings, and cylinder walls) have been coated with fresh oil every time they are run. This prevents internal rust and corrosion.
So if it looks clean, starts and runs smoothly and appears well taken care of, you could get good service from a used motor.
I would stay with the known brands... Johnson, Evinrude, Tohatsu, Suzuki, Nissan, Honda and stay away from orphans and oddballs. Air cooled motors tend to corrode in salt water(maybe excepting Honda-I have no experience with air cooled Hondas). You should have access to a dealer of your brand for parts and advise.
Good luck in your motor hunt.
One thing which we do with our two strokes is to run the gas out of the fuel line and carburator on shut down. This prevents varnish build up in the carburator.
I used to think that the little 2 stroke from OMC were good, but in the last few years I have gone with the single piston higher hp engines.
I used to think that the little 2 stroke from OMC were good, but in the last few years I have gone with the single piston higher hp engines.
Island Ranger
New member
I stopped by a dealer (Performance Marine) at the Everett Boat show Friday, and looked at the 30 pound, water cooled, 4 cycle 2.5 hp Suzuki. Holds 1 liter of fuel. He quoted $695, but I'm not sure if that was a boat show special or regualr price. I forgot to ask. I thought it looked pretty good - and will probably get one for our dinghy.
I'm still struggling with this decision. One thing I'm certain of is that 40# is the absolute most I'll consider. New candidates are the Tohatsu 3.5(41#), Honda 2(28#), Yamaha 2.5(37#), and Suzuki 2.5(30#). Johnson offers a rebadged Suzuki http://www.brp.com/en-US/Products/Johns ... uctID=J2_5 I found the little 'Zuke online for only $600. It has F/N and a twist-grip throttle. The Suzuki website actually shows one planing(I think ?) a small Achilles. http://www.c-brats.com/albums/album340/ ... ized.jpgIf I go with a new motor it'll probably be this one. I'm also looking at a couple of used motors. A '77 Johnson 4 twin cylinder that is like new for under $400. And a 2000 Johnson 2 (I think) that was used once and looks showroom new. Under $350. Two things that I don't like about these motors are that the throttle is on the motor housing and they are direct drive. No neutral. Also, the 4 horse requires a separate tank. I've looked at so many motors that my brain is stuck and my head hurts. Analysis paralysis. Please chime in with your thoughts.
I solicited the Brats ((Outboards and systems - Honda BF2) a while back. I powered my Avon inflatable with a 2hp, 2 stroke (22lb) Yamaha which was ten years old and ran flawlessly. I could see maintenance looming (new impeller $20 and carb kit $80). I put it on Craigslist and it was snapped up first call. My new motor is a Yamaha 2.5 - a little heavier but has twist throttle, neutral and forward. One has to fish or cut bait.
Cheers - Dave
Cheers - Dave
I would not call the photos posted or in the Suzuki web site, "planing". The wake needs to be breaking clean aff of the transom. What you see there is a lot of weight in the back of the inflatable. Some very light boats/people and motor will semi plane in the smaller engiens--There are some who claim to plane with 4 to 6 hp--but our experience in both light inflatables and aluminum skiffs is that it realistically takes 9 HP to have a reliable planing boat--and even that depens of the load. For example we had an inflatable which would scoot along with a 4.5 hp--plane with one or two adults with a 15 but needed 25 hp to plane with 4 adults and diving gear. What you need is enough power to push you back against the wind or currents you will encounter.
I'm looking at an alleged never used '98(I think) Johnson 2 that can be had for $350. Larry H, it looks like something(s) might be missing on the starboard side. These pictures were taken by the seller.
I'm thinking that the left item may be a missing hood closure. I don't know what the center item is(was). Any ideas ?Attachments
Pete,
That motor is a Tohatsu or Nissan which was built for J/E and imported. I agree that the hood latch may be missing. The other item may have been a fuel shut off, but I am not sure.
These motors replaced the US built 2 hp and they weren't the greatest, but they do work.
Have you seen this motor in person? I would get the model /serial number and try a J/E dealer to see if the hood latch is available. If this motor is unused it should not be missing any parts.
Let me know if you have any more info.
That motor is a Tohatsu or Nissan which was built for J/E and imported. I agree that the hood latch may be missing. The other item may have been a fuel shut off, but I am not sure.
These motors replaced the US built 2 hp and they weren't the greatest, but they do work.
Have you seen this motor in person? I would get the model /serial number and try a J/E dealer to see if the hood latch is available. If this motor is unused it should not be missing any parts.
Let me know if you have any more info.
As a rule, I agree. However, this little Johnny was touted as new so I suspended my incredulity somewhat. I went over to Portland today and looked at a Yamaha 2.5, a Nissan(Tohatsu) 3.5, and a Suzuki 2.5. All 4-strokes. Weights are Yamaha 37#, Nissan(Tohatsu) 41#, Suzuki 30#. Prices are Yamaha $805, Nissan(Tohatsu) $892, Suzuki $700 w/ 6 year warranty or $650 w/ $50 rebate. My impressions are that the Nissan and the Yamaha are more robust. Heavier components. The little 'Zuke feels even lighter by comparison. Much lighter! Light is good, flimsy is bad. I'm not quite sure which it is. The search continues...
To all that chipped in, thanks! New motor is now home... 1994 Evinrude 4. E4RER. Twin cylinder. Twist-grip throttle. Forward and neutral gears. Remote tank. 33#s. Reputedly less than 30 hours. Original owner a 90 y/o gentleman that had her for 4 years. Running her from Ilwaco Boat Basin out to Sand Island in search of crabs, flotsam, and jetsom. 2nd owner a Fish/Wildlife officer in Chinook that used it to power HIS inflatable out to Sand Island in search of crabs, flotsam, and jetsom. And now, on the first day of spring, 2007, I've got her. 