Recommendation on outboard for small dinghy

[Kumbaya31]

I'm thinking of buying an outboard for my 8' inflatable.
I've been looking at the Honda 2.3 hp, the Tohatsu and Suzuki 2.5 hp and maybe the 2.5 Yamaha.
I'm leaning away from the Honda because it's air cooled.
I want a four stroke. I think I'd prefer water cooled. I think all of these are four stroke now.
I like the idea that the Suzuki weighs only 29#.
The Tohatsu seems to have a good reputation but it's heavier @ 41#. It's also about $120 more expensive than the Suzuki.
I haven't seen a weight on the Yamaha.
I'd appreciate any comments and insights on these four motors.

[kmacdonald]

I have a Honda 2. It has a lot of hours on it and have never had any problems with it. It is noisy and leaks oil but great reliability. I have friends with the Suzuki 2.5 and they love them. They are much quieter than the Honda. Suzuki is less expensive also but you will have the impeller to change. Forget the Tohatsu. I'd buy the Suzuki if I ever need to replace the Honda.

[Mike OReilly]

I had a small 2hp air cooled engine for a while, but got rid of it due to the terrible noise. I can't recall if it was Honda, but I know they're loud.

I've had a Tohatsu 3.5 hp, 4-stroke, for many years now for my dinghy. It has been problem free for me, but others do report issues.

[kmacdonald]

The Suzuki doesn't leak oil like the Honda either. The Suzuki also has neutral and forward. The Honda has a centrifugal clutch to engage the prop above idle. I like the Suzuki setup better.

[406Columbia]

We had a small honda in the family for honestly about 33 years, ran like a top. Noisy but was a four stroke, we replaced with a Tohatsu. We now have two Tohatsu, one Yamaha and one Evinrude. My vote is for the tohatsu, but I tend to go a little higher on the power also.

[Warby12]

We have the Honda air cooled. Yes it's a bit noisy for a 4 stroke, otherwise very reliable and uses very little fuel. I like the air cooled for not having to worry about impellers. Simple has attractions.
Having said that my wife wants one with an electric start, not sure if they come that small

[CaptainGrey]

I use twin spruce outboards.
Never run out of gas, never need a tune-up.

[Stewie12]

See if you can find a used Tohatsu 2.5 2 stroke motor. Simple and mine ran for years with never a problem until I sold it with the boat. No gearbox , just turn the motor around. Light weight. My dingy even planed with 1 person in it.

[jfischgrund]

The 2.5 Suzuki, primarily because it is the lightest motor. The Yamaha is probably a little better quality, but more expensive and 10 lbs heavier.

[Monte Cresto]

Yamaha hands down. I've had a 2.0 hp for 4-5 years now. Always
reliable, light and tough. There is a reason they're the prime choice
of third world countries.

[chuckr]

One of the problems with a small engine is it may not have enough power to get you against a tide or waves -- and why a 4 stroke?



I had a 3.5 Mercury for the first couple of years out and while it ran great the first time we ran into a current it was time to go shopping. Switched to a 5hp Mercury and it is lite 50lbs give or take and pushes us along nicely



Don't go to small

[Ken Z]

yamaha , In my opinion is the best and a lot of fishermen rely on them, maybe a little more money, but really pennies.

[avotrejoyeux]

Do you plan on cruising? We had a Honda and replaced with a Yamaha due to difficult access to Honda parts in the Caribbean. We were surprised to discover this reality. That said, you may plan for this by carrying key spare parts for the rare breakdown.

[SV__Grace]

Why deal with the noise, fuel, maintenance, and hassle of of a small 4 stroke engine when a Torqeedo Travel has none of those downsides?

Cost of $2,000. is well worth it (on sale for $1,699. here) as you save in the long run.

FWIW, a source I trust (a guy that repairs and deals with all models of outboards) says that Suzuki has the best weight to horsepower ratio and great reliability, so for a bit over $800.00 that would be my second choice.

[Mplight]

We have (an older) Mercury 3.5 with built in gas tank.
Just ordered a e-propulsion spirit 1.0
Plus. Comparable to 3.5 hp
Tired of noise, spilt fuel, cleaning carb and difficult starting- oh and need I say anything about pull cord jamming-
Now, battery that can for for 4-5 hours (@40%)
Quiet, no fuel- IT floats! And weighs
In at 23# with battery! Just my thoughts
Cheers!