Dingy motor recommendations?

[TylerFromEverett]

I have a small dingy (hah) and I’m in the market for a <5hp gas outboard. I prefer gas, four stroke. I’ve considered an electric motor, but I plan to hang it on my swim step rain year round and like that I know how to service a gas engine myself.

Does anyone have reconditions in brands and models? Any advice at all is helpful, even if you have a recommendation on a PNW retailer. I’ve had an old Mercury 2 stroke for years that has been pretty bullet proof. I’m looking for something super light and 4 stroke. I’m even looking at 2hp models as we never need to go far.

Thanks all!

 

[Kevin Lamont]

I have a small dingy (hah) and I’m in the market for a <5hp gas outboard. I prefer gas, four stroke. I’ve considered an electric motor, but I plan to hang it on my swim step rain year round and like that I know how to service a gas engine myself.

Does anyone have reconditions in brands and models? Any advice at all is helpful, even if you have a recommendation on a PNW retailer. I’ve had an old Mercury 2 stroke for years that has been pretty bullet proof. I’m looking for something super light and 4 stroke. I’m even looking at 2hp models as we never need to go far.

Thanks all!

Hey Tyler,

Hope all is well with you and you have had some time to enjoy your R21.

I would recommend the Yamaha 2.5hp kicker, light weight, gas tank on top and is a four stroke engine. We can sell you one direct if you are interested. My folks had one for their dink and it worked great for anything we were doing away from the boat. I might be interested in that Merc if you still have it and selling it...you have my info. Hope this helps!!

Take care,
Kevin Lamont

 

[Severum88]

I rolled with the Tohatsu 5hp Propane. Too convenient with propane already onboard in the C26.

Severum

 

[BB marine]

I purchased a 6 hp Suzuki from porta-bote.com, Mountain View California. I viewed the prices on-line good price, free shipping and no sale tax. It took about a week to receive it. It weighs 53 lbs fuel option built-in and remote. It is a good running motor we use it on a 8'10" Gala F270 and it pushes it ok, planes with one, displacement with two or more passengers. It has full shift. There is a 4hp which is the same motor derated, weighs the same and they also sell a 2.5hp that weighs 29 lbs. I have a davit for taking the motor on and off. The 2.5 probably would have been a better choice but we use the motor for longer runs when Lake Michigan is calm. Personally I think all the name brand little 4 strokes are comparable. Mercury,Yamaha,Tohatsu,Suzuki. My choice for Suzuki it is the lightest for Hp range.

 

[Chili Pepper]

Presently have a 2.5 HP Tohatsu 4-stroke. Works great. Would recommend.

Tried one of the cheap China 2-strokes. Cheaply built. Corrosion was a problem. Lasted one outing. Don't waste your money.

 

[RichBirk]

I love our 2.5 Suzuki. Much easier to set on and take off the dingy by yourself, much easier to start with its smaller displacement, and if you have kids you'll worry less about them getting too wild. Looking back on it, this is where I picked up a life long love of boating. Same with all three of our kids. I'm working with the grandkids now. Great babysitter, great entertainment.

 

[doke01]

I was of the same mindset regarding electric until very recently. I just got tired of carrying gas and cleaning carburetors because of crap gas.

I just bought a Torqueedo 503 CS from Defender. They are the only one that sells this model with the extended 915WH battery https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794283|1794310&id=4386372. It was on sale for $200 less when I bought it a few weeks ago.

Long story short, no more gas cans, no more carburetor maintenance or oil changes. I took it out for a test run over the weekend and at a top speed of 4-5 mph the range was 6.5miles. Drop it down to 3mph and the range jumped from 18-20 miles. Drop it down to 1.5 mph and the range was around 30 miles. Drop it down to 1mph and it was hitting over 40 miles in range.

It has plenty of power to get to and from shore doing the normal things I do, and with that kind of range will last several months before I need to charge it again. I could also go super slow, so coming back to the dock/boat was the least stressful experience I have ever had. It's light, easy to operate, has great range, and minimal maintenance. It does take a while to recharge to full capacity when depleted, but the range is so good that its easy to find time to do so. If you need it they also have a separate fast charger too.

Five or so years ago, I think I was right not choosing electic, but today, from my recent personal experience, I can't say that anymore.

...and I replaced my 2.5 HP Suzuki with it.

 

[Chimo]

I have just moved from a 2000 vintage Mercury 3.3 (built by Tohatsu) 2-stroke to the 2.5 Suzuki. So far I have about a dozen hours on the motor on our roll-up floor 8' 6" Zodiac. Interestingly I was asked about the change while at the Montegue Harbour dock last week. My summary:

I loved the old Mercury. Sure it smoked and I needed to carry 2-stroke oil and a gas can but that didn't seem too much of a chore. This motor really was bullet proof. I once left it for two years and more with stale gas. With a quick brush at the spark plug it started on the second pull. It always started easily. I changed the impeller once in 20 years. When I did it certainly had a set from sitting but was still spraying well from the tell-tale. It hung on the aft rail and didn't get any flushing, maybe twice at season end over the last 10 years. If I sat just right in the bottom of the dinghy I could actually plane. I paid $950 US for it originally and after 20 years it owed me nothing.

Making the change was something of an impulse. The Suzuki and the 2.5 Yamaha were on sale locally for just shy of $1,000 Canadian ($750 US) and I was thinking that I should not be making the change when I am 80. Reviews on this board said good things about both motors and praised easy starting, quiet and lack of smoke. Both offered 6 year extended warranty as an special incentive. Though I have enjoyed great success with Yamaha in the past I finally chose the Suzuki because it weighed 30lbs compared with 37lbs for the Yamaha. That was exactly the same as the old Mercury and I find it quite enough to be lifting on and off the dinghy. That task isn't going to get easier over time.

I did consider Torquedo but it was very expensive in comparison, meant a long time to recharge on the tug, was a lot heavier to transfer unless disassembled and the local dealer didn't offer any service, only return back east. Range did bother me. Though it is excellent on a full charge I have battled some interesting currents in the dink and range gets consumed quickly with any power choice. Carrying a gas can that can easily be refilled is, for me, a better option. Probably the best choice in my next lifetime.

The new Suzuki seems to start easy enough. I threw in premium gas because that was what I was putting in the car and it was nice not to be adding oil. The twist grip throttle is more convenient than the Mercury. Though it's only 2.5 hp instead of 3.3 it moves the dinghy OK, good enough for trips to shore.

The downsides compared to the Mercury? This thing is nowhere near as solidly built.

The tilt mechanism is flimsy and adjusting tilt (not that you do it often) is a pain.

The twist levers to clamp the motor to the transom are simple bits of finger hurting metal rod compared with the cast pieces that could be locked with a padlock to prevent theft. (I think the Yamaha still has those).
If you hit a bit of debris or the beach you're looking at replacing a prop rather than a shear pin (something I could do in the dinghy). The dealer actually smiled as he explained that was so that I had to buy and carry a spare prop., good for sales!

I have to remember to lay the motor on one side only, the one with the throttle lever. The brochure says it can be laid on any side but the manual says not. I checked with Suzuki and they confirmed the one side, emphasizing how screwing up on the swim platform while transferring the motor could void my nice 6 yr warranty.

Though the one carrying handle is certainly good, picking up the motor vertically means embracing it as the hand grip at the opposite end is non-existent.

This motor is certainly at least as noisy as the Mercury but it's nice that it doesn't smoke.

At 12 hours I am looking at an oil change which is no problem. I am also looking at checking valve adjustment and there's no instructions for doing that or a current shop manual available without buying one from Suzuki or a third party seller. Kind fellow tugnuts have provided links to the user manual and even an old shop manual but apparently there have been significant changes in the last couple of years. I am hoping YouTube will help.

I am expecting the motor to potentially last 6 yrs as long as I am religious with flushing and maintenance. I am that way with the Volvo diesel but I have come to expect 'use and abuse' with the outboard.

In summary, I got $250 for the old Mercury and I really miss it! :cry: If I still had it I would put the money into a rebuild and run it until I croak. Maybe why someone is offering to buy your old one?

 

[Cutwater28GG]

i think the only answer to your question ends up being the Suzuki 2.5hp
its light. quiet. easy start 4 stroke and $750 delivered if I recall from onlineoutboards.com
nothing this small displacement will be as quiet as a purring six cylinder. the 2.3 honda is air cooled and much louder and has no gears.

just use ethanol free fuel and you will have no problems.

i change the oil once a year, check the anodes and it starts second pull after 6 months of no use over the winter.

 

[SgtAlf]

https://suzukioutboardteam.com/product- ... hp-motors/
Ordered same, had it in a week, shipping was free.

 

[Martin610]

Love my Suzuki 2.5HP 4 stroke. Lightweight and reliable. Had it over a year now.

 

[iggy]

I had a 3.5 and then bought a 6hp. Will never go back!! When I need a new one, a 9.9hp will be in order.

The big thing for us, if we get a slip or a mooring. We can zoom around that harbor. Case in point, When we get a mooring in Edgertown, Ma. it take us 15 minutes with a 6 to go to the mud flats to go claiming.

But thats me..........

 

[Remedy2]

I have a small dingy (hah) and I’m in the market for a <5hp gas outboard. I prefer gas, four stroke. I’ve considered an electric motor, but I plan to hang it on my swim step rain year round and like that I know how to service a gas engine myself.

Does anyone have reconditions in brands and models? Any advice at all is helpful, even if you have a recommendation on a PNW retailer. I’ve had an old Mercury 2 stroke for years that has been pretty bullet proof. I’m looking for something super light and 4 stroke. I’m even looking at 2hp models as we never need to go far.

Thanks all!

Hey Tyler,

Hope all is well with you and you have had some time to enjoy your R21.

I would recommend the Yamaha 2.5hp kicker, light weight, gas tank on top and is a four stroke engine. We can sell you one direct if you are interested. My folks had one for their dink and it worked great for anything we were doing away from the boat. I might be interested in that Merc if you still have it and selling it...you have my info. Hope this helps!!

Take care,
Kevin Lamont

Hi Kevin-
I'd be interested in buying direct from you; you can PM me the details. I have a C24- curious if you have a suggestion on where to store the motor. I have the dinghy in the center locker of the cockpit.
Thanks!
Dwight

 

[Captain Nice]

I have the 2.5hp Suzuki also and like it very much; it's used on a 12' aluminum Lund v-hull. It won't plane, but maxes-out at about 5mph @ half-throttle. Only problem I've had is it won't always return to idle even though the twist grip is all the way off. Anyone else experience this?

Thx
CN

 

[knotflying]

I was of the same mindset regarding electric until very recently. I just got tired of carrying gas and cleaning carburetors because of crap gas.

I just bought a Torqueedo 503 CS from Defender. They are the only one that sells this model with the extended 915WH battery https://www.defender.com/product3.jsp?path=-1|215570|1794283|1794310&id=4386372. It was on sale for $200 less when I bought it a few weeks ago.

Long story short, no more gas cans, no more carburetor maintenance or oil changes. I took it out for a test run over the weekend and at a top speed of 4-5 mph the range was 6.5miles. Drop it down to 3mph and the range jumped from 18-20 miles. Drop it down to 1.5 mph and the range was around 30 miles. Drop it down to 1mph and it was hitting over 40 miles in range.

It has plenty of power to get to and from shore doing the normal things I do, and with that kind of range will last several months before I need to charge it again. I could also go super slow, so coming back to the dock/boat was the least stressful experience I have ever had. It's light, easy to operate, has great range, and minimal maintenance. It does take a while to recharge to full capacity when depleted, but the range is so good that its easy to find time to do so. If you need it they also have a separate fast charger too.

Five or so years ago, I think I was right not choosing electic, but today, from my recent personal experience, I can't say that anymore.

...and I replaced my 2.5 HP Suzuki with it.

I have had the Torqeedo for 7 years. I love it, but it is a love hate relationship. Pros are: no gas, very light weight, pretty powerful. The cons are: Battery will eventually need to be replaced - expensive. limited run time, service is difficult. I have had to have it serviced twice since purchase. first time was I needed a new battery, second time (now) they need to replace the motor. $850. Pick your poison.

 

[Toki]

Tried one of the cheap China 2-strokes. Cheaply built. Corrosion was a problem. Lasted one outing. Don't waste your money.

I heartily second this! A few years back, my sailboat partner was enamoured with a dirt cheap 3.5 HP outboard on Amazon, I believe the brand was Ancheer. He couldn't resist so he boaught it. Most miserable little POS I've ever experienced. We discovered that that motor would get us anywhere we wanted to go, but would crap out on the return trip. We were so frustrated we put it by the marina dumpster with big note warning people against actually attempting to use it. It of course got snapped right up. I feel bad for the poor SOB who claimed it, hopefully he's using it as a stern anchor or some such thing. We ended up getting a Yamaha 2.5, and it's been serving us faithfully ever since. Also got a Yamaha 2.5 for the tug dink.

We did however keep the owners manual for that miserable outboard. Here's the operating instructions (no, I am NOT making this up):

1. Start preparations

1.1 Press to move the carburetor to ascend of note the button, until the oil arrive transparent pipeline coping.

1.2 Let the choke hand handle place in the close position. If hot machine, can the choke hand handle place in all open the position

2. Start

2.1 Pull to start

The slowly pulls to start the hand handle four to six times, again slow-moving pull to begin the handle until pull the rope to stretch tight, then makes an effort to quickly pull to move, start to launch the machine.

While starting, if the inhalation gasoline is excessive to result in starting difficulty, and can dismantle the spark plug. All open the choke door to pull the hand handle five to six times, then pack the spark plug, and press above method to afresh start.

2.2 After the outboard motor starting, low speed to resolove to prepare the heat three to five minutes, turn according to what need, adjust to the acceleraator homologous position.

3. Shut down the machine

Let the engine turn to the lowest rotating speed, revolve 30 seconds is above, then shut down.

Please not to close the choke to shut down, otherwise result the first and the engine damage.

 

[TylerFromEverett]

Thank you, everyone. I am leaning toward a Suzuki 2.5. The Yamaha is tempting, and probably worth the extra $150 as it feels more robust, but the <30 pounds of the Suzuki and the raving reviews make it winner in my book. We're on a 21ec so size and weight are usually the deciding factor.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

I have the 2.5hp Suzuki also and like it very much; it's used on a 12' aluminum Lund v-hull. It won't plane, but maxes-out at about 5mph @ half-throttle. Only problem I've had is it won't always return to idle even though the twist grip is all the way off. Anyone else experience this?

Thx
CN

on mine it initially doesnt drop the revs to idle after coming from higher power, but after 3 or so seconds it slows down to idle - i.e. its not instant. my guess is your idle screw is not correctly adjusted or at least not adjusted with the engine warm and choke off.

 

[Chimo]

Just as an update to my overly long reminiscing.

I have bought the service manual. $50. I’m sure I will be happy with this 2.5. I just need to get my mind to accept the disposable motor concept.

 

[BB marine]

Just as an update to my overly long reminiscing.

I have bought the service manual. $50. I’m sure I will be happy with this 2.5. I just need to get my mind to accept the disposable motor concept.

The water cooled small 4 stroke motors are not considered "throw aways" or "disposable" actually I would expect the longevity to be as good if not better to a 2 stroke of old if maintained. I have always had small 2 stoke engines worked on them since I was 12 years old (8hp west bend my first outboard). I was one that said I'll take a 2 stoke over a 4 stroke. I purchased my first small 4 stroke this year. What we use it for, I like it, idles with no smoke, no pre mixing, and fuel economy is 3 times that of my small 2 strokes. We use our dinghy a lot. I am amazed at the difference in fuel use. I'm not talking $$$ savings I'm talking just not having to fill the 3 gallon can so often. I plan on using it with no intension of wearing it out and disposing of it.I think the 4 stroke will grow on you, I know its hard to give up those 2 strokes.