Is there anyone out there with any experiences(good or bad) with Briggs&Stratton 4stroke outboards? I've been considering one of their 5hp models(short shaft) to replace the tiny 2.2 hp I've been using since i traded up to the V21.Is the weight balance too far astern for an adjustable motor mount(rated for 140lbs)to handle? This model has a hex nut for steering adjustment, making it necessary for me to find a substitute wing-style bolt if i want to have the motor locked forward for normal steering and loose enough to steer with the motor when in reverse (we all know how inefficient the rudder is in reverse). If it's rated for fresh water only, what are the likely consequences of an occasional foray into the bay (perhaps a few days out of several years in fresh water)? The boat is usually trailer stored even during season.
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Brigss
That a suprise to me, I never knew they made outboards. Will you have problems getting parts? I'd stick with a well known make with it's of dealerships. Everytime I buy something odd to think I'm saving money, and this could be: guns, stereo, electronics, cars, tools, etc.... I always take a beating in the end. Good luck.
That a suprise to me, I never knew they made outboards. Will you have problems getting parts? I'd stick with a well known make with it's of dealerships. Everytime I buy something odd to think I'm saving money, and this could be: guns, stereo, electronics, cars, tools, etc.... I always take a beating in the end. Good luck.
B
I was attracted to the 5 hp for my inflatable and then learned that it is designed for fresh water use. For the price - if I was in fresh water, I think I would give it a try.
I was attracted to the 5 hp for my inflatable and then learned that it is designed for fresh water use. For the price - if I was in fresh water, I think I would give it a try.
Air cooled
I've never seen one of these, so I'm not speaking with any firsthand knowledge. You may void the warranty by operating in salt water. On the other hand, it's air cooled, so it's not pumping salt water through it. They probably use cheap metals and fasteners that will experience serious galvanic corrosion in salt water. If used only occasionally in salt water, and thoroughly rinsed afterward, you *might* not see any appreciable corrosion. (Maybe soak the entire outboard w/ WD40 top to bottom, inside and out, after the freshwater rinse.) But it's still a gamble.
I've never seen one of these, so I'm not speaking with any firsthand knowledge. You may void the warranty by operating in salt water. On the other hand, it's air cooled, so it's not pumping salt water through it. They probably use cheap metals and fasteners that will experience serious galvanic corrosion in salt water. If used only occasionally in salt water, and thoroughly rinsed afterward, you *might* not see any appreciable corrosion. (Maybe soak the entire outboard w/ WD40 top to bottom, inside and out, after the freshwater rinse.) But it's still a gamble.
B
Check out the web site below. Lots of information on the motor along with the admonitions "This motor is not designed for saltwater" and "Briggs and Stratton will not honor the warranty if this engine is used in saltwater".
Check out the web site below. Lots of information on the motor along with the admonitions "This motor is not designed for saltwater" and "Briggs and Stratton will not honor the warranty if this engine is used in saltwater".
I think that I would get . . .
I think that I would get a Tohatsu. With all the zinc built into it - I would be pretty confident that it is good for salt water (check first of course). More money - but salt really eats stuff. 4-5 HP is fine for your size boat - that is what the J22 that I sail has and it works well. The link below will give prices and features for Tohatsu and Nissan motors.
I think that I would get a Tohatsu. With all the zinc built into it - I would be pretty confident that it is good for salt water (check first of course). More money - but salt really eats stuff. 4-5 HP is fine for your size boat - that is what the J22 that I sail has and it works well. The link below will give prices and features for Tohatsu and Nissan motors.
Works for me
I bought one as I got fed up up with buying used ones that only worked for a while.I sail a Catalina 22 on Lake Michigan.The Briggs will push the boat along at 5.5 knots going into 3 foot waves.It has been reliable and great on gas.About the only negative is that it is a little louder than other motors.I believe that this is due to being air cooled.No more water pumps to self destruct.I'd give Briggs an A minus for this being thier first out board.Make it quiet and able to handle saltwayer and it would be an A plus
I bought one as I got fed up up with buying used ones that only worked for a while.I sail a Catalina 22 on Lake Michigan.The Briggs will push the boat along at 5.5 knots going into 3 foot waves.It has been reliable and great on gas.About the only negative is that it is a little louder than other motors.I believe that this is due to being air cooled.No more water pumps to self destruct.I'd give Briggs an A minus for this being thier first out board.Make it quiet and able to handle saltwayer and it would be an A plus
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