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17-09-2012, 07:02
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#1
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 5,009
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Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
Right now have a 1984 Johnson 2hp, two-stroke outboard for our little sailing dinghy. Wife worries because it often takes several pulls on the rope to get it to start. Thinking about a replacement.
So, any recommendations for a super-reliable, easy-to-start, small outboard? I'd be willing to go bigger than 2hp, but definitely not bigger than 10. Probably 4-5 hp would be ideal.
Thanks.
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17-09-2012, 07:44
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#2
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Hong Kong
Boat: Bertram 46.6 FBMY
Posts: 260
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Hello
I have had really good luck with Tohatsu 4 horse outboards... The are the same as Mercury 4 horse (both made at the same factory in Japan).
I just rebuilt the 2004 Tohatsu (4 horse) from top to bottom for a few bucks and she is just like new.
Why not rebuild the motor you have now and save some money ?
Alan
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17-09-2012, 10:46
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#3
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Registered User
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Oriental, NC
Boat: Mainship Pilot 34
Posts: 1,461
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
I would try to keep the old two stroke running. They are smaller, lighter, less troublesome than 4 strokes. The only downside is mixing oil and higher fuel consumption.
David
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17-09-2012, 10:51
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#4
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Registered User
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: Cruising NC, FL, Bahamas, TCI & VIs
Boat: 1964 Pearson Ariel 'Faith' / Pearson 424, sv Emerald Tide
Posts: 1,531
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
Stick with what you have, nothing better on the market right now.
WHATEVER you get, don't get a Honda 4 stroke (2hp)... do a search here, but they are the worse!
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17-09-2012, 10:52
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#5
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Registered User
Join Date: Apr 2011
Posts: 2,492
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
Quote:
Originally Posted by denverd0n
Right now have a 1984 Johnson 2hp, two-stroke outboard for our little sailing dinghy. Wife worries because it often takes several pulls on the rope to get it to start. Thinking about a replacement.
So, any recommendations for a super-reliable, easy-to-start, small outboard? I'd be willing to go bigger than 2hp, but definitely not bigger than 10. Probably 4-5 hp would be ideal.
Thanks.
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One thing to consider is the force of the pull. My 6hp Yamaha 2 stroke starts on 2 pulls, but it's really easy to pull the cord. My 2.5 4 stroke Suzuki also starts on 2 pulls, but it requires much more force to pull the cord. This can be an issue in a crowded dinghy.
Try this to start the Johnson. One pull with the choke out. Put the choke in, set the throttle to start position. Should now start on the second pull.
My Yamaha 2 stroke was quite hard to start warm, but it was a simple matter of a low idle speed.
You might be due for a carb rebuild.
Do you run the motor dry and put stabiliser in the gas?
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18-09-2012, 06:02
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#6
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Registered User
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 5,009
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
You see, the problem is that I'm happy enough with the old Johnson, but my wife has lost confidence in it. Even if I got it completely rebuilt, I'm not sure she would be happy.
And anyone who has been married for as many decades as I have knows... happy wife, happy life.
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18-09-2012, 06:32
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#7
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Registered User
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Alaska
Boat: Truant Triad 37 Cutter-Alaska, Leopard 40 Cat, Bahamas
Posts: 364
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
I have two mercury motors over twenty years old that are near perfect and very low repairs over that span. Couldn't be happier.
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18-09-2012, 06:52
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#8
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Registered User
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Panhandle of Florida USA
Boat: Bristol 34
Posts: 328
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
I have a ten year old Johnson (OMC) 6hp 2 stroke. Starts on the second pull when cold and first pull when warm.
You can generally find them used for under $500, which leaves a margin to have it serviced and still have a bargain.
I'd like to upgrade to a 9.9hp to get the 10' RIB on plane with more than just me onboard, but it's hard to give up such a reliable motor.
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18-09-2012, 07:43
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#9
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Resin Head
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Seattle WA
Boat: Nauticat
Posts: 7,205
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
I'd be looking at the Lehr propane outboards...
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18-09-2012, 08:48
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#10
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Registered User
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Boston, MA
Boat: 1968 Ohlson 38 Sloop
Posts: 1,054
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Re: Most Reliable Outboard < 10 hp
wouldn't part with my 1968 Evinrude mate 1.5 hp for the world! simple. reliable. durable. Many parts still available! Best part is the weight..super light. more than enough power to dinghy to shore (won't be pulling a water tube!)
Plus at a dinghy dock, it is the MOST unlikely one to get stolen with all the other, bigger, newer, shinier motors to pick from!
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