Greetings, I have a chance to buy a Nissan 3.5 outboard and a dinghy. The small engine is designed to ONLY go forward; no nuetral, no reverse. The entire unit spins 360 degrees to slow/reverse. Who has used these? Is this an OK design? While I'm at it the dinghy is an 8.6 Zodiac made for West Marine, roll-up floor, PVC. Both items were new in 2000. I've linked the boat I plan to use the dinghy to access the boat on a mooring. Richard
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Nissan 3.5, I have one
I have a forward only 3.5hp and it works fine on my 10ft dingy. Don't expect to plane but for getting around it works fine. Tom
I have a forward only 3.5hp and it works fine on my 10ft dingy. Don't expect to plane but for getting around it works fine. Tom
I have used this type of outboard
I prefer to have a neutral. For dinghy service I have never wished for reverse, but neutral is very convienent. However, if you have a good deal available, I would probably take it. The outboard will be quite workable if it starts quickly and runs at speed when cold-started without problems. It should do this. I have the Nissan 3.5B with a neutral and I have found the engine to be very reliable. BTW, the small Honda 4-cycle has a centrifugal clutch that is really neat. But it is much more money. Regarding the Zodiac- I have a 1997 FastRoller 285 which is about the same size as the one you are looking at. I have had two seams open up and I have a slow leak that I am having trouble finding. I have repaired the seams and I am looking for the leak now. My last dinghy was an Achilles and after 20 years it was tired but never had seam or leak problems. I guess I would not buy another Zodiac based only on my personal experience. But they are very popular and maybe I just have bad luck.
I prefer to have a neutral. For dinghy service I have never wished for reverse, but neutral is very convienent. However, if you have a good deal available, I would probably take it. The outboard will be quite workable if it starts quickly and runs at speed when cold-started without problems. It should do this. I have the Nissan 3.5B with a neutral and I have found the engine to be very reliable. BTW, the small Honda 4-cycle has a centrifugal clutch that is really neat. But it is much more money. Regarding the Zodiac- I have a 1997 FastRoller 285 which is about the same size as the one you are looking at. I have had two seams open up and I have a slow leak that I am having trouble finding. I have repaired the seams and I am looking for the leak now. My last dinghy was an Achilles and after 20 years it was tired but never had seam or leak problems. I guess I would not buy another Zodiac based only on my personal experience. But they are very popular and maybe I just have bad luck.
PVC Dinghy
I personally would avoid a PVC dinghy by Zodiac. I had one and while it was under warranty it was in the repair shop as much as it was out because the seams kept opening. When the warranty was up I donated it,took a tax deduction and bought a dinghy made of hypalon as was my previous Achilles that never gave me a bit of trouble. Not having a reverse or neutral on an engine is an inconvenience but not a necessity.
I personally would avoid a PVC dinghy by Zodiac. I had one and while it was under warranty it was in the repair shop as much as it was out because the seams kept opening. When the warranty was up I donated it,took a tax deduction and bought a dinghy made of hypalon as was my previous Achilles that never gave me a bit of trouble. Not having a reverse or neutral on an engine is an inconvenience but not a necessity.
outboard with no neutral
is a pain in the rear! I have a Nisson 3.5 with forward only and have found it very awkward to use. The end of last season I purchased a Mercury with forward and neutral and find it much easier to use.
is a pain in the rear! I have a Nisson 3.5 with forward only and have found it very awkward to use. The end of last season I purchased a Mercury with forward and neutral and find it much easier to use.
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