Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

[hwew]

I have found 3 new in box 2005 5 hp 2-stroke Mercury outboards up north. These boxes are Factory Sealed. The question I have is which engine should I purchase. One of the 2005 5 hp 2-stroke short shaft Mercury outboards, A 2009 5 hp 4-stroke short shaft Mercury out board or a 2008 5 hp short shaft Honda outboard.

The 2-stroke will be much lighter but will it be reliable? Will it last as long or longer than a 5 hp 4-stroke?

Another question I have is which 4-stroke would be more reliable the Mercury or the Honda?

The last question about the Mercury or Honda 4-strokes is which one will be simpler to maintain and service?

Well that is it. I always been around 2-strokes and never had problems with any of my 2-strokes outboards in the past. Should I stay with 2-strokes or switch and get a 4-stroke?

Thanks

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Will the motor you purchase be used as a kicker/backup motor on a larger boat, or will it be a main powerplant on a smaller boat?

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I'm going to put my vote in for the '05 2-stroke. It's lighter, has a bit more power, and if it should break it will be easier to diagnose and cheaper to fix...and I bet it costs a he77 of a lot less too, eh??

BOB

 

[hwew]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Glad to see some feedback. I was getting concerned.

jay_merrill: It will be used as a main powerplant on a smaller boat.

Landscaping Wiz: It is about $400.00 cheaper than a new 2009 4-stroke. The person knows what he has.

I will be trolling at times so I have no experiance with a 2 stroke loop charged 5 hp engine for trolling. I had a cross scavage 2 stroke 4 hp outboard. It was a 1986 4 hp Mercury with the metal cover. It was much heavier than later 2-stroke motors. I believe it weighed 56 lbs dry. it was very dependible but it idled rough in cold water though. I had no problems starting it. But that motor was LOUD. It was very simple to service. I believe the engine was made in Belgem.

 

[Landscaping Wiz 808]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

A "brand new" leftover '05 will whisper compared to your old outboard. True, not as quiet as a 4-stroke, but hey, with $400 left in your pocket you'll soon forget about that!

BOB

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

The newer ones will (may) be a little quieter than the older one you had, but they wouldn't be considered smooth or quiet when compared to the two cylinder models in that HP range from a few years back. At certain RPMs these small motors can do more than just vibrate, they can actually shake the boat to the point of extreme irritation.

I would buy one if I wanted a new light (sort of) small motor for use on a dingy or as a backup. I wouldn't get one for use as the main motor and/or extended trolling. A 4 or 6HP motor from a few years back is a much better motor for these uses than any of the current single cylinder models.

 

[steelespike]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Honda is 61 lbs,Merc 4st. od 55lbs Merc 2 st. is 45.
I vote for the Merc 2 st. 45Lbs and you can transport in any position.
4 st you need to be careful.2 stroke will be smoother as well.
I can't speak for the Merc or Honda but some of the 4st singles vibration can be annoying.I can guarantee you the 2 st maintenance is less frequent and simpler.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

OK, so its a main powerplant, which means the fuel required for another motor is not an issue.

I think I would go with the 2 stroke Merc. I don't know Mercs very well, but I did some surfing on the 2005 5hp. It looks like it is a simple premix motor. There is a tank in the engine, as well as a coupling for an external fuel tank, but I don't believe that the motor has oil injection. From what I saw, the internal tank is for fuel, not oil. This just gives you a couple of options for fuel capacity.

I would also guess that the motor is carbureted, not fuel injected. The ignition is probably electronic, which should result in good reliability. All these things considered, the 2 stroke should be easier and less expensive to maintain than either of the 4 strokes.

I wouldn't rule out an older 2 stroke either. I have a 1969 Johnson 6hp as a kicker on my boat. Although I have to perform some maintenance now and then, it has been a good motor and is very reliable. Its also a 2 cylinder, so vibration is not an issue.

You might also want to consider an electric trolling motor for fishing. Given the size of any boat that you would put a 5hp motor on, you wouldn't need to spend much on one. In fact, if you buy the 2 stroke and save $400, you could buy the trolling motor too, and still save a bunch of money.

 

[hwew]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Thanks everyone for your input. Well here is what happened.

A twin cylinder 2-stroke kept comming up in this thread so I decided to look for an Evinrude 4 hp Deluxe and I found a 1995 that was used in fresh water only. My guess would be under 20 hrs. well I bought it for a fraction of the price of a new motor and it looks brand new. I was lucky with this deal right place at the right time. I cant believe how smooth it runs. One thing I will do right away is drop the gearcase and put a water pump kit in. I hope this is a good reliable motor. It looks like I can now purchase a good used boat and have the total cost of boat and motor under a thousand dollars. It might be a good year after all.

 

[jbjennings]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I just saw your thread and have to say---you did exactly what I was thinking you should do all along! You will love the little 2-cylinder 2-stroke evinrude. It is a super motor.
Wise decision,
JBJ

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Thanks everyone for your input. Well here is what happened.

A twin cylinder 2-stroke kept comming up in this thread so I decided to look for an Evinrude 4 hp Deluxe and I found a 1995 that was used in fresh water only. My guess would be under 20 hrs. well I bought it for a fraction of the price of a new motor and it looks brand new. I was lucky with this deal right place at the right time. I cant believe how smooth it runs. One thing I will do right away is drop the gearcase and put a water pump kit in. I hope this is a good reliable motor. It looks like I can now purchase a good used boat and have the total cost of boat and motor under a thousand dollars. It might be a good year after all.

Those little 4hp Evinrude's are a great motor

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I would say you found the best possible motor for what you want to do, good job.

 

[jay_merrill]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I agree with everyone else - I think you'll be very happy with your purchase. My experience with small displacement OMC motors is that you pretty much can't "kill" one, unless you abuse or neglect it in a major way.

It also sounds like you will end up with a complete rig for less money than one of the 4 strokes would have cost.

Glad to hear that you found this bargain!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I have an '89 4 HP Deluxe. Fantastic motor. Very smooth. Good luck with it.

 

[lakelover]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I would go with the 2005 5 hp 2-stroke if it were me, I'm just partial to 2 strokes. I don't know about longevity, but maintenance is lower and cheaper in the long run. Eventually they'll all be gone, might as well enjoy them while they're here.

 

[hwew]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Thanks everyone for your input.

I can't believe I found the 1995 Evenrude 4 hp Deluxe with very low hours. My friend came over and looked at it and said it looks like it came out of the show room. No scratches on the painted prop. He guesses roughly under 10 hrs. of use. I fired it up and he could not believe how smooth and slow it could run. I wish I knew about these motors years ago. I was always a Mercury man. But I see that Evinrude did there homework on the 4hp Deluxe.

Oh I forgot to mention that I got it for $425.00.

Now it's time to find a small boat. I feel I have a good chance to keep the total cost under $1,000.00. It looks like I will have extra cash left over to do lots of boating and fishing this year.

Thanks again,

Henry

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Good deal. I paid $400 for my older one.

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

I would say you found the best possible motor for what you want to do, good job.

Best for his options? Heck, that is the best possible motor money can buy. Short ONLY to the Johnnyrude 3s, but that is just possibly.

Good deal. I paid $400 for my older one.

Well, I have -225 (yes negative) in mine (bought boat/motor/trailer, and sold boat/trailer), but I would easily pay 450 for one of those in good shape if I needed one. Excellent motor. Will idle all day long, and very smoothly (much smoother than any of the 3 you were originally thinking of).

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Having the Johnson & Evinrude brochures I see that 1995 was the last year for the Deluxe and it's a most beautiful motor.

I bought a new 1991 Evinrude Deluxe ($790.00) and after all my years if I could have but only one motor it would be the 4 hp Deluxe. It's a jewel of a motor.

 

[hwew]

Re: Which new in box 5 hp outboard.

Im glad to hear from all that love the 4 hp deluxe.
I took it out today and I love this motor. It is the best trolling motor I ever had. The other motors I owned don't come close to trolling that this motor can do. I hope to have this for my lifetime.

Henry