Small outboards

[brak]

The new-to-me boat came with Nissat 5hp (or is it 6hp?) 1-cylinder. I don't like this engine at all (long story, suffice to say it starts poorly, vibrates and won't stay straight - evidently all "known issues").

What other small outboards (about 6hp) should I consider? Would it be a good idea to look for an old 2-stroke instead? (I have a 4hp, which is a bit too small). Are there decent small 4-stroke motors out there that will run well and keep a straight line?

[tommays]

All the 6hp brands are evil 1 cylinder vibration machines

You have to step up to the 8 hp range to get a twin cylinder and there freaking heavy

While there were two strokes up till about 2004/5 finding one that saltwater has not had its way with is difficult

And a bunch of them were 1 cylinder vibration machines anyway as i had one

The small twins would really be going back and there in big demand in the Midwest because their area LOT of HP limited fishing places < 9.9

[casioqv]

Originally Posted by brak

What other small outboards (about 6hp) should I consider?

I like the old Evinrude/Johnson six horsepower two stroke twins. They're much smoother and simpler than newer 4 stroke 1 cylinder motors, and still pretty quiet and light weight. Mine is a 1967 and still runs like new after a tune-up, although the newer models with electric ignition are nice because you don't have to replace/adjust points.

I paid $200 for it, and another $100 or so for new points, fuel pump, carb rebuild kit, water pump, spark plugs, lower unit oil, and pull rope.

It weighs 50lbs which is about the same as the new single cylinder 4 strokes, and much less than the two cylinder 4 strokes.

[dabnis]

Brak,

You didn't mention how big your boat was or if you felt your
existing has enough power. Assuming 6HP is enough you might
look for a Johnson/Evinrude 6HP 2 stroke on your local Craig's list.
I had one on a Coronado 25 and although it was a little small
for that boat in rough water it ran perfectly, smooth, and had
a proper steering friction adjuster, always stayed put. If you
could find one that has a long shaft and used in fresh water
only, better yet. It was as super good bullet proof motor, still
have it although not used for many years.

Dabnis

[75R20]

2 stroke's are what they are, but don't give up on the 4 strokes just yet. I have a Suzuki 4 hp and it weighs 55 lbs in a long shaft. The 6 hp is the same motor with a different carb, so the weight will be the same. The Suzuki is the largest displacement of the single cylinder 4 strokes at 138cc's. My motor does NOT vibrate bad, or at all. It is rubber mounted, to isolate it from the mount, and it works well. It gets reasonable mileage and starts on the second pull, and is very quiet. 4 hp is all I need, but if I decide at some point that I neeed more power, I can buy the 6 hp carb for ~$90.00
Best of luck
Kary
S/V Mariah
#49080

[Pogo-2]

I've had the oldies for a few years now and love them all, 1956 Johnsons 3hp, 5 1/2, 7 1/2, 10 the parts are easy to get and they're simple to work on, and just run, run, run. I also have a 2000 Nissan 9.8 thats really heavy to lift on and off the boat, my pride is the 1981 Aqua Bug ( weed wacker engine) 1 1/2 hp these engines can all push my 10'2" rib at varering speeds

[MarkCK]

I would go witha 4 stroke. I have owned 2 Tohatsu's and never had any trouble with either. (I have owned 2 because the first I sold with my previous boat.)

[jamesnewsome]

4-stroke is the way to go for many reason. It uses a fraction of the fuel consumed by a 2-stroke. 4-stroke are much quieter and smoother running also. Most important is low-end torque needed for heavy sailboats can be achieved much easier with a 4-stroke at low rpm. Not having to mix gas and oil is just a bonus.

[casioqv]

Originally Posted by jamesnewsome

4-stroke are much quieter and smoother running also.

To keep weight and size reasonable, 4 strokes in this size range need to be single cylinder, whereas two strokes are generally twins making them much smoother.

What you say would be true comparing twins, but the 4 stroke twins are much heavier.