small outboard--suggestions

Discussion in 'Sailboats' started by robsail, Dec 5, 2011.

  1. robsail
    Joined: Dec 2011
    Posts: 2
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    Location: California

    robsail New Member

    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
     
  2. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

    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..
     
  3. jim lee
    Joined: Feb 2007
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    Location: Anacortes, WA

    jim lee Senior Member

    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
     
  4. michael pierzga
    Joined: Dec 2008
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    Location: spain

    michael pierzga Senior Member

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

    Submarine Tom Previous Member

    And, they're really light too!

    But, the batteries are rather heavy...

    sigh...

    -Tom
     

  6. daiquiri
    Joined: May 2004
    Posts: 5,371
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    Location: Italy (Garda Lake) and Croatia (Istria)

    daiquiri Engineering and Design

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