2.5hp 4 stroke outboard

[sjreib]

Considering a small outboard motor to push a small inflatable dingy which we won't use often. More for safety than tooling around. Read on internet how temperamental they can be if not run often, needing fresh gas to avoid carborators getting clogged up etc.
Don't really want to spend 2K on Torqueedo, but that may be best option. If outboard, any strong feeling about Yamaha vs. Suzuki? All boating to be done in PNW if that makes a difference.
Your advice would be appreciated

 

[Markl]

Both Yamaha and Suzuki make excellent outboards. Overall, Yamaha seems to be the engine of choice from my observations but that could be marketing and dealer networks.
The biggest problem I've had with tiny outboards is breaking sheer pins while shifting or hitting stuff near shore so if one had a slip clutch on the prop instead of a sheer pin I'd choose that otherwise go for the Suzuki as it is the lightest for transferring from your swim platform to the dingy.
I wouldn't worry about lack of use for these modern engines.
Mark

 

[Brian B]

If you decide to go with gas make sure you always use a fuel stabilizer. If you are not going to use it for a month or so I would drain all gas from the tank and carb (most have a drain valve on the carb) and then start with fresh gas again with stabilizer. The biggest problem is the ethanol in the gas that clogs the orifices in the carb when not being used.

 

[Spinner]

Yes, I totally agree about the fuel stabilizer! It makes a huge difference...

 

[Scuffy]

I think the Suzuki's used to be a little lighter than the Yamaha. But Yamaha has revamped their 2.5 so I think the Yamahas lost some weight. Both good motors. I have a 2.5 Yamaha which has been great for the limited use it has had. It has a fuel shutoff which I shut off and I put the lower unit in a bucket of fresh water and let it run until the gas runs out. I always dose the gas with Marine Stabil. Every spring dump all the old gas and add some new treated gas. I do the same with all of our small engines, lawn mowers, chain saw, rototiller, snow blowers, leaf blowers.

 

[jcarrdive]

We have a little Suzuki 2.5 and it is light, easy to use and keeps us under the speed limit in a harbor even if it is 4 MPH>
It is not fast, but it is a good little kicker. No need for help in putting it on and off of your dinghy.

 

[Namaste]

We use a Lehr 2.5. It is propane so avoids the problem of gumming up a carborator. The Lehr is a quirky engine, for sure, but once I got the hang of it, it works well.