Best small new outboard?

Discussion and advise about the purchase, care, maintenance and operation of boats

Moderators: JimC, jw

Message
Author
wibblywobbly

Best small new outboard?

#1 Post by wibblywobbly »

I'm usually a lurker on here - my very amateur angling efforts are nothing to write home about - but I respect the opinions and the quality of the info offered in general so I wanted to pick a few brains if possible. My 2HP Honda 4-stroke no longer has the reliability I need after 15 years, and anyway I fancy something with a clutch. Max 4HP, pref 2-3, must have integral fuel tank. I will only buy new for peace of mind (in a stiff offshore breeze, next stop from SW Cork is Spain, if you're lucky...). I'd be interested to hear any recent experience and recommendations. Thanks in advance.
User avatar
MAC
SAC Treasurer
Posts: 4331
Joined: Tue Jun 29, 2004 1:47 pm
Location: Too far from Water

Re: Best small new outboard?

#2 Post by MAC »

You have quite a few options. I can only comment on Tohatsu as I bought a 4 stroke 5hp recently. The smaller models are excellent and meet all your requirements. I've used mine in fresh and salt water. One service and it still starts every time. The 4hp do have internal tank.

Tohatsu make the engine for Mercury and a few others up to 10hp and the Tohatsua are a wee bit cheaper as well.

Good luck,

Kev
><º> ><º>

><º>
TubeNFish
SAI Bait Ball
Posts: 110
Joined: Sun Jun 10, 2007 3:43 pm
Location: Dublin

Re: Best small new outboard?

#3 Post by TubeNFish »

If your old Honda never let you down during all that time, should you let anyone dissuade you from buying a new Honda?

I would suggest either a new Honda or a Yamaha for the size you mentioned.
Norm
wibblywobbly

Re: Best small new outboard?

#4 Post by wibblywobbly »

I'm shortlisting Honda (though I read differing views on centrifugal clutch) Suzuki, yam, tohatsu. I have a Yamaha Malta that is giving great service, but it's on a different boat. I'd buy another of them if I could. I hear the 4-stroke yam isn't quite the motor the malta is/was. Maybe the question should be "which outboards would you avoid like the plague?"...
janie tyler
SAI Bait Ball
Posts: 90
Joined: Sun May 27, 2007 5:34 pm
Location: Belfast

Re: Best small new outboard?

#5 Post by janie tyler »

I had a 4hp 4 stroke Yamaha a few years ago brilliant little engine I thought it was very quite and was reasonable priced as well.

Maurice
bitsinbobs
SAI Bait Ball
Posts: 53
Joined: Thu Mar 12, 2009 8:20 pm
Location: belfast

Re: Best small new outboard?

#6 Post by bitsinbobs »

:D a thing to bear in mind with intergal tank is theft :evil: :evil: remote tank theft needs a bit more planning..... though saying that if the c...s want it :cry:
hugo
SAI Sea Dog!
Posts: 904
Joined: Sun Sep 02, 2007 11:02 am

Re: Best small new outboard?

#7 Post by hugo »

Honda. Definitely. Ultra reliable.
User avatar
junior conger
SAI Sea Dog!
Posts: 835
Joined: Mon Sep 14, 2009 4:48 pm
Favourite Rod: shakespeare k2 red metal twin tip o
Favourite Reel: shimano 800 navi xsb
Favourite Fish: conger eel or cod
Location: cork

Re: Best small new outboard?

#8 Post by junior conger »

i have a 2.5 yamaha 4 stroke
brilliant engine
species 2010:20
wishlist:
cod over 5lbs!
a new match rod!!(accomplised k2 red metal!)

west cork and district sac
best fish 2010: 25lb conger eel

SPECIES 2011:= 2 species of rockling, colaie,codling whiting,pollock,gurnanrd,throback ray,grey gurnard
best fish 11 7 pound thornback ray

Return to “Boat Maintenance, Equipment & Tips”