3.5hp 4 stroke or 5hp 2 stroke for canoe in river?

[canuckjgc]

Hi all -- need advice on whether to get a Tohatsu 3.5hp 4 stroke (new) or a Nissan 5hp 2 stoke (slightly used - same price) for an 18' square stern canoe that will be in tidal rivers (current and tide -- not talking rapids here, but bigger wide rivers).

The canoe is rated for 5hp but if the 3.5hp is plenty enough power I'd rather have a 4 stroke and skip the smoke and gas mixing. Both weigh and cost the same.

Anyone have experience to share? I've only had an electric on the canoe which is insufficient to battle tides/currents.

Thanks!

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: 3.5hp 4 stroke or 5hp 2 stroke for canoe in river?

I would opt for the 2-stroke as it only weighs 2 lbs more.

 

[JB]

Re: 3.5hp 4 stroke or 5hp 2 stroke for canoe in river?

In small outboards I much prefer 2 stroke twins to 4 stroke singles because they are so much smoother and usually lighter.

It is amazing to people used to planing hulls how little HP it takes to move a canoe at displacement speed.

Of your options I think the 2 stroke 5 is far the better choice.

 

[canuckjgc]

Re: 3.5hp 4 stroke or 5hp 2 stroke for canoe in river?

Thanks for the input -- I hadn't even considered the smoothness factor (I thought the 2 stroke would have more vibration?). Smoothness would be high on the priority list, but do you think 5hp is overkill?

 

[JB]

Re: 3.5hp 4 stroke or 5hp 2 stroke for canoe in river?

My personal choice to drive a SS 18' canoe would be a JohnnyRude 4 or 4.5 with gearshift. I think most of those were made in the 70s and 80s. They were developed from the best small outboard ever made IMO.

Failing that, a JohnnyRude 3 from the JW series (JW-20 or later is best) which is the best small outboard ever.

Age in this small outboard is irrelevant. Those little OMC engines, with care, will outlive your grandchildren.

 

[tx1961whaler]

Re: 3.5hp 4 stroke or 5hp 2 stroke for canoe in river?

Just had my '58 3 hp Evinrude lightwin out for 3 hours, pretty constant run (tank and a half...). Ran flawlessly. No better motor made (IMHO!). You can pick them up (running condition) pretty cheap, and spend about $150 to replace most things top to bottom (ignition, carb kit, water pump). The 6 year old piloted it most of the time.....