briggs outboard

[DCurry]

can anyone give any input on a Briggs&Stratton 5hp four stroke 2006 model. I found one at the local Rural King

 

[JB]

Re: briggs outboard

Yes. What would you like to know?

 

[steelespike]

Re: briggs outboard

Historically these motors have been noisy, vibrate alot are not suitable for trolling and shops were not well trained in their<br /> repair.At their price they are hard to pass up <br /> just keep in mind the possible trade offs.<br /> Also you can probably find a pretty good older Evinrude or Johnson 5,5.5 or 7.5 for about the same money.They are much smoother I feel all are more powerful, quieter and are noted for their reliability.Routine parts are readily available right here on iboats.

 

[whywhyzed]

Re: briggs outboard

I have one, but it's so noisy it's embarrasing. It's also extremely heavy for a 5hp. <br /><br />It has been sitting in my basement since it's second try. I think there's probably a lot of them sitting in basements.<br /><br />I think they have a place... like pushing a swim raft, or for kids who might not mind the noise.<br />And they start easy, have a kill cord, and are easy to maintain- no waterpump impeller hassles. No mixing oil in the gas...<br /><br />I've been thinking of converying mine to a submersible irrigation pump for watering the lawn.

 

[sloopy]

Re: briggs outboard

what do you want to know?

 

[DJ]

Re: briggs outboard

They are what they are: a lawnmower engine sitting on top of a lower unit.<br /><br />As said, they have their place. Briggs does NOT recommend trolling with them.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: briggs outboard

Originally posted by DJ:<br /> They are what they are: a lawnmower engine sitting on top of a lower unit.<br /><br />As said, they have their place. Briggs does NOT recommend trolling with them.

What the heck? What good is a 5 hp outboard you can't troll with? I had not heard that before about the B&S motor.<br /><br />That's a bad, bad design.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: briggs outboard

Someone on this board apparently contacted B&S about trolling and was told not to troll with it. Nothing in the literature says you can't do it. I have one of these motors and I can run the thing at idle speed all day long and it never gives me a problem. Although, idle speed with this motor is a bit fast for smaller boats. At idle speed my canoe goes about 8mph. Full speed is about 15 to 16mph. One thing I have found with this motor is, you cannot mount it on a jack plate. Well, you can, but if you try to accelerate at all above idle, it will shake like it wants to tear the transom off your boat. A mounting bracket that doesn't lift may be okay. I also don't like the fact that you can't tilt the motor and lock it in the up position. I have to strap it up to beach my canoe. It is loud, it does vibrate, but it's cheap. I've had mine for 3 years now and the only problem I had was I cracked the hood on it. They replaced it with the upgraded version and I've had no problem since. I have since bought a 6hp Evinrude 1990 model for my canoe and it is so choice in comparison. I'll keep the B&S for the 4 stroke only lakes.

 

[sloopy]

Re: briggs outboard

Originally posted by Drowned Rat:<br /> Someone on this board apparently contacted B&S about trolling and was told not to troll with it. Nothing in the literature says you can't do it. I have one of these motors and I can run the thing at idle speed all day long and it never gives me a problem. Although, idle speed with this motor is a bit fast for smaller boats. At idle speed my canoe goes about 8mph. Full speed is about 15 to 16mph. One thing I have found with this motor is, you cannot mount it on a jack plate. Well, you can, but if you try to accelerate at all above idle, it will shake like it wants to tear the transom off your boat. A mounting bracket that doesn't lift may be okay. I also don't like the fact that you can't tilt the motor and lock it in the up position. I have to strap it up to beach my canoe. It is loud, it does vibrate, but it's cheap. I've had mine for 3 years now and the only problem I had was I cracked the hood on it. They replaced it with the upgraded version and I've had no problem since. I have since bought a 6hp Evinrude 1990 model for my canoe and it is so choice in comparison. I'll keep the B&S for the 4 stroke only lakes.

Glad you are having good luck with it. The engineers at Briggs and Stratton hurry into the fetal position when they hear my name. <br /><br />I have plenty of parts if you wants some.

 

[Drowned Rat]

Re: briggs outboard

Yeah Sloopy, I've read your posts on the subject. Is your engine running okay now or no? You had a 2002 model if I remember correctly? They have made a few improvements since then, but essentially it's still the same engine. It does the job, but I probably wouldn't buy another one. My 16 year old Evinrude is a better engine, and cost less.