small outboard--suggestions

[robsail]

I see that there are few options when it comes to a 4 stroke outboard to occasionally push a 600 pound sailing dinghy.

Very few with a 20 inch shaft; fewer still under, say 35 pounds.

The Honda 2 HP is praised often, but is a noisy beast.

Suggestions?

RS

[michael pierzga]

Hmm...the best motors ,on a power to weight ratio, are the two strokes. With a sharp eye and the internet you can purchase new and used. My 8hp yamaha 2 stroke is 26 kg. , great power to weight. Dont know about 20 in shafts..

[jim lee]

We have 2 identical sailboats one with a Honda 2hp & the other with a Yamaha 2.5hp. Compared side by side EVERYONE pickes the Yamaha over the honda. Hands down the Yamaha is a much more pleasant engine to use.

Yamaha
Its quieter.
It has a in/out gear lever.
I think its a tad longer. (cavitates less)
The handle stays where you put it.

Honda
Loud and rough
Has auto clutch that makes docking anything a pain. (Yuch!)
Can not tension handle so it flops everywhere.
Handle pinches throttle cable when it falls down. Every time.

Thats what we found

-jim lee

[michael pierzga]

Perhaps...to be different, you check out the new electric outboards. I see them around and they appear to be robust and powerful

[Submarine Tom]

And, they're really light too!

But, the batteries are rather heavy...

sigh...

-Tom

[daiquiri]

Torqeedo electric outboard mod. Travel 503 with integrated battery looks like a possible choice. It gives you 40 minutes range at full power (1.5-2 HP equivalent) and much more at reduced throttle. Motor + battery weigh a total of 13 kg. Technical data: http://www.torqeedo.com/en/hn/produc...-measures.html
I know nothing about costs but I suspect it won't be cheap.
Cheers