Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

[wwwRobo]

I am looking to buy in about 4 weeks a 2010 mercury outboard, 3.5 hp are $1,168 and the 4 hp are $1,526. My question is, is the extra 358 bucks worth the extra .5 hp or is there something about the 4 hp I am missing other than the extra .5 hp ? Both have short shafts and gas tanks on top. Is the extra .5 hp worth it for $358.00 ?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

How do you plan on using it and what are you putting it on?

Normally people here won't recommend one of these small single cylinder motors of any brand, not because they are poor quality, but because they are loud, vibrate and become very annoying after just a few minutes of use.

There are good uses for them though, that's why we need to know more about how you want to use it.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

It's two completely different frame size engines. The 4 is a detuned six and has reverse. The 3.5's are $1100.00 and the 4's are $1442.00. If you can handle the 57 lb 4 you are probably going to be better off than the 41 lb 3.5. Both can mix a one gallon can of paint at an idle, but under a load they are both relatively smooth. Smooth being in the eye of the beholder and completely subjective. Both are quieter than 2-strokes of the same size, but as ondarvr said, "There are good uses for them though, that's why we need to know more about how you want to use it."

 

[wwwRobo]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

Thank for the info guys helps a lot. I have a 10 ft pelican boat and I like trolling for trout on small lakes here in Alberta, last year I used a electric motor it was ok for I went thru batteries. I am not going fishing this year always worrying while were out when the battery is going to die and did I bring enough for the day lol so I am going to buy a gas one. I did not know the 3.5 does not have reverse tho, thanks. Maybe the 4 hp would be worth the extra cash.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

For slow trolling the older small twins are actually better, they don't weigh much more, if any and will troll smooth and quiet all day long, day after day. A 3.5 or 4HP deluxe Evinrude or Johnson is an excellent motor for this application, a 6hp would be great too, just a little heavier. One of these, depending on condition may run around $200 to $450, saving you about a grand. Don't worry about reliability on these, they seem to run forever with just very basic maintenance.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

Use a 2 or a 2.5. You do not want the weight of the 4 on that boat...I would look at the Honda or Suzuki as they have really light ones in that size. Both are pretty bad on vibration at low speed, but the weight is critical in your application.

 

[wwwRobo]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

do the Evinrude or Johnson you speak of have an interrogated fuel tank ?

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

I checked the spec's on that model, or at least the only 10 footers they had listed and it said they are rated for 7HP.

 

[wwwRobo]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

yea i just run out to the garage and read the label its say its rated for up to an 86 lb motor, next year I am going up to a 12 ft aluminum so I want the one I buy this year to be good for that then.

 

[wwwRobo]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

and lol my main baby is my 2007 chaparral 22ft bow-rider and I am looking to convert the arms on the ladder thats on the swimming platform to hold a small outboard for trolling

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Merc outboards 3.5 or 4 hp ?

yea i just run out to the garage and read the label its say its rated for up to an 86 lb motor, next year I am going up to a 12 ft aluminum so I want the one I buy this year to be good for that then.

Then go with at least a 6, check the weights on other higher hp models too, some are surprisingly light. I'm not talking new here though, its the older 2 stroke twins that are light.