I searched, but I don't really find much discussion on this topic. My question is, what are the best brands of outboard to use? My dealer is recommending Honda 4 cycle, is this a good choice? If you bought a new motor today, what would you get? Thanks, Kevin
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4 stroke
With out a doubt I would buy a 4 stroke engine.As far as what brand I have a honda (15 years old still going strong)that I am very happy with. That said most of the engines today are good. I would buy based on dealer proximity,service,reputation and price.
With out a doubt I would buy a 4 stroke engine.As far as what brand I have a honda (15 years old still going strong)that I am very happy with. That said most of the engines today are good. I would buy based on dealer proximity,service,reputation and price.
motors
I have a Nissan 5hp 4-stroke that came with the boat and really like it. Although the second year it spent more time in the shop than on the boat. The valves had carbon buildup. From running cheap gas. The mechanic suggested either BP or Amoco Hitest and nothing else. When I am done for the day, I pull the gas line and let it run dry. Makes it easier to start next time. The motor runs great now and uses about 3-4 gallons all summer.
I have a Nissan 5hp 4-stroke that came with the boat and really like it. Although the second year it spent more time in the shop than on the boat. The valves had carbon buildup. From running cheap gas. The mechanic suggested either BP or Amoco Hitest and nothing else. When I am done for the day, I pull the gas line and let it run dry. Makes it easier to start next time. The motor runs great now and uses about 3-4 gallons all summer.
Outboard usage
Were you thinking of using for the sailboat or the dinghy? One consideration, as you shop, is motor weight. The 4 strokers can tend to be much heavier than the old 2 stroke models. If you have to take it out of the boat each day, or if there is a motor well that is tight and you have to lift it straight up and out be aware of the strain. I have a Honda 9.9 with the "rounded" housing. It curvy and slippery to grab, other than the handle, and it weighs close to 100 lbs. Its too heavy to mount on the pushpit bars when we cruise and too expensive to trust towing it, so I lay it on the deck in front of the dodger. Getting it on to the dinghy while at sea, sometimes is a comedy of errors, and I'm sure the spectators are greatful for the entertainment. They make lighter ones now that better suit the ups and downs of installing so keep that in mind. Even though you have halyards and tackle aboard to help with the lift, you do have choices on the weight of the motors. Hope this helps.
Were you thinking of using for the sailboat or the dinghy? One consideration, as you shop, is motor weight. The 4 strokers can tend to be much heavier than the old 2 stroke models. If you have to take it out of the boat each day, or if there is a motor well that is tight and you have to lift it straight up and out be aware of the strain. I have a Honda 9.9 with the "rounded" housing. It curvy and slippery to grab, other than the handle, and it weighs close to 100 lbs. Its too heavy to mount on the pushpit bars when we cruise and too expensive to trust towing it, so I lay it on the deck in front of the dodger. Getting it on to the dinghy while at sea, sometimes is a comedy of errors, and I'm sure the spectators are greatful for the entertainment. They make lighter ones now that better suit the ups and downs of installing so keep that in mind. Even though you have halyards and tackle aboard to help with the lift, you do have choices on the weight of the motors. Hope this helps.
Check Gear For Sale
There's a 5hp Honda (4 stroke) listed at $850 on this site. It's in TN, but at least it's a starting point in your shopping.
There's a 5hp Honda (4 stroke) listed at $850 on this site. It's in TN, but at least it's a starting point in your shopping.
...to trust towing it (?)
Hmmm... I suspect I have something to learn here. "Too expensive to trust towing it", what does that mean? Theft? Fall off the boat? Kevin
Hmmm... I suspect I have something to learn here. "Too expensive to trust towing it", what does that mean? Theft? Fall off the boat? Kevin
I am shopping today
I would entertain either a Merc or a Honda. I will probably wind up with a Merc for the reasons Pete suggested: Plenty of Merc dealers in the area, and no Honda dealers (at least, haven't found any). I have a number of Honda generators, and they have been ultra-reliable in a huge range of conditions (I love when the ones up in Alaska fire up first try in -30F after sitting for 3 months). Never stressed the Merc as much, but with a completely dead battery and 4 weeks of inactivity, it has reliably started on 2 pulls. My parents say they swear by Evinrudes, but as far as I can tell, they spend more time swearing at it. While I agree that 4 strokes weigh more, the combination of lower pollution (water, air, and noise) and not having to remember to oil the gas makes me shun the 2-strokes.
I would entertain either a Merc or a Honda. I will probably wind up with a Merc for the reasons Pete suggested: Plenty of Merc dealers in the area, and no Honda dealers (at least, haven't found any). I have a number of Honda generators, and they have been ultra-reliable in a huge range of conditions (I love when the ones up in Alaska fire up first try in -30F after sitting for 3 months). Never stressed the Merc as much, but with a completely dead battery and 4 weeks of inactivity, it has reliably started on 2 pulls. My parents say they swear by Evinrudes, but as far as I can tell, they spend more time swearing at it. While I agree that 4 strokes weigh more, the combination of lower pollution (water, air, and noise) and not having to remember to oil the gas makes me shun the 2-strokes.
What horsepower are you looking for?
The Tohatsu 9.8 is a light 4 stroke. Tohatsu makes many, if not most, of the smaller motors that are marketed by companies such as Nissan
The Tohatsu 9.8 is a light 4 stroke. Tohatsu makes many, if not most, of the smaller motors that are marketed by companies such as Nissan
Best Engine for Small boat
Actually, this is a very common discussion topic in the archives. Assume you are looking at 9.9hp four cycle. Rather than talk about the mfgr, I'd focus first on what options I wanted. My priority list: (1) four cycle, (2)Long shaft, (3)alternator, (4)tiller, (5)power tilt. Think about why these features might be useful, ask the dealer to price an engine with those options and do the benefit/cost tradeoff analysis.
Actually, this is a very common discussion topic in the archives. Assume you are looking at 9.9hp four cycle. Rather than talk about the mfgr, I'd focus first on what options I wanted. My priority list: (1) four cycle, (2)Long shaft, (3)alternator, (4)tiller, (5)power tilt. Think about why these features might be useful, ask the dealer to price an engine with those options and do the benefit/cost tradeoff analysis.
trust towing
I'm a bit on the conservative side and the 9.9 is heavy. I would hate to see it and the dinghy upside down in the water, or tear off the dinghy's transom. It probably would never happen but with choppy seas, anything is possible. It would be one thing that I wouldn't have to worry about.
I'm a bit on the conservative side and the 9.9 is heavy. I would hate to see it and the dinghy upside down in the water, or tear off the dinghy's transom. It probably would never happen but with choppy seas, anything is possible. It would be one thing that I wouldn't have to worry about.
I had a honda...
...then someone else decided they needed it worse than I. As it turns out, it was a bressing (despite the fact that my West Marine insurance only paid half it's value). The honda was getting hard to start - despite regular tune ups and good compression. A friend suggested I look at Yahama. Boy am I glad I did. I got a 8hp (Hunter 26) with the high thrust prop, electric start and the power tilt. What a great motor. Much quiter than the honda and the increase in thrust is noticable. I was compelled to lock it to the transom with three different locking systems and built a new transom with embedded stainless cable to keep someone from cutting off the transom (it's been done). Also through bolted the transom to the boat. Short of me sitting in the cockpit with the shotgun, it's about as secure as I can make it.
...then someone else decided they needed it worse than I. As it turns out, it was a bressing (despite the fact that my West Marine insurance only paid half it's value). The honda was getting hard to start - despite regular tune ups and good compression. A friend suggested I look at Yahama. Boy am I glad I did. I got a 8hp (Hunter 26) with the high thrust prop, electric start and the power tilt. What a great motor. Much quiter than the honda and the increase in thrust is noticable. I was compelled to lock it to the transom with three different locking systems and built a new transom with embedded stainless cable to keep someone from cutting off the transom (it's been done). Also through bolted the transom to the boat. Short of me sitting in the cockpit with the shotgun, it's about as secure as I can make it.
Anti-theft measures
MABell, can you send a picture of your anti-theft arrangements? Currently working to replace my motor after a similar event. The general opinion at the marina is that I was targeted because I had the newest motor. Not at all comforting, since when I replace it I will still have the newest motor.
MABell, can you send a picture of your anti-theft arrangements? Currently working to replace my motor after a similar event. The general opinion at the marina is that I was targeted because I had the newest motor. Not at all comforting, since when I replace it I will still have the newest motor.
Honda for me
I don't know what size boat you have, but for my '81 H25 I chose a Honda 9.9 high-thrust extra-long shaft electric start. Reasons: Electric start is pure joy. No white knuckles when maneuvering in tight quarters-- motors only seem to stall when coming into the docks in high winds, and that's no time to be turning around to yank frantically on a rope. And the closer you get to other boats, the more yanks they take to restart. I had a Honda 5 long shaft, but it was far too difficult to reach the starter rope because of the sternrail and backstay and because the powerhead sat so low when the motor was down in the water. My wife has never even tried rope-starting, because she can't swim, and she ain't going to lean over the stern. She can't sail, either, so if I fall overboard she needs electric start or I'll be swimming for shore while my family and vessel drift helplessly out of control. The extra long shaft helps keeps the prop from kissing the air if the water gets too lumpy. High thrust keeps a heavily laden boat moving in high head winds and seas. I like system redundancy. The Honda has BOTH electric and rope start. Most other manufacturers delete the rope start on their electric start engines. Batteries die. I want a back up. Honda controls are all mounted on the extra long tiller: start/kill, forward/reverse, throttle. This means no distractions when docking-- one hand on the boat tiller, one on the engine tiller and both eyes facing forward. The long tiller also makes it easy to steer with both the rudder and motor in tight quarters. I've found over the years that I sail more when it's easy to get in and out of harbor. If I'm worried about the motor not starting or idling properly, I make excuses for not heading offshore. Every day becomes a "maintenance day". Pick the engine that is ergonomically correct for you and your boat, and you'll be much happier.
I don't know what size boat you have, but for my '81 H25 I chose a Honda 9.9 high-thrust extra-long shaft electric start. Reasons: Electric start is pure joy. No white knuckles when maneuvering in tight quarters-- motors only seem to stall when coming into the docks in high winds, and that's no time to be turning around to yank frantically on a rope. And the closer you get to other boats, the more yanks they take to restart. I had a Honda 5 long shaft, but it was far too difficult to reach the starter rope because of the sternrail and backstay and because the powerhead sat so low when the motor was down in the water. My wife has never even tried rope-starting, because she can't swim, and she ain't going to lean over the stern. She can't sail, either, so if I fall overboard she needs electric start or I'll be swimming for shore while my family and vessel drift helplessly out of control. The extra long shaft helps keeps the prop from kissing the air if the water gets too lumpy. High thrust keeps a heavily laden boat moving in high head winds and seas. I like system redundancy. The Honda has BOTH electric and rope start. Most other manufacturers delete the rope start on their electric start engines. Batteries die. I want a back up. Honda controls are all mounted on the extra long tiller: start/kill, forward/reverse, throttle. This means no distractions when docking-- one hand on the boat tiller, one on the engine tiller and both eyes facing forward. The long tiller also makes it easy to steer with both the rudder and motor in tight quarters. I've found over the years that I sail more when it's easy to get in and out of harbor. If I'm worried about the motor not starting or idling properly, I make excuses for not heading offshore. Every day becomes a "maintenance day". Pick the engine that is ergonomically correct for you and your boat, and you'll be much happier.
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