Good 3-5HP motor

[Dizz]

With all the newer Mexican Johnsons,Suzuki Johnsons,Japenese new Mercurys&such,what would be a good choice for a small motor.I had a 3.3HP 99 johnson,and I liked it except for no neutral position.The light weight(30lbs)of that little johnson was nice,and weight is a big factor for me.
Any ideas?

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

Keep your eyes open for an Evinrude Lightwin or Johnson JW. Both good 3 hp motors...very reliable, stable, and affordable going back to the first models in the 50's. Watch the auction site, Craig's List, etc. One will pop up if your patient.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

What do you want to do with it, it does make big a difference.

 

[basshole]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

What about a Tohatsu or Nissan 4 stroke. Same as Mercury? Cheapest I've seen.

 

[hitace]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

What about a Tohatsu or Nissan 4 stroke. Same as Mercury? Cheapest I've seen.

he said he wanted a light outboard not to break his back over a heavy 4 stroke.the carbby 2 strokes are the lightest thing ever made so i would stick with OMC or merc.i would stick with a 90's outboard they were even lighter.good luck

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

The reason I asked what he wanted to use it for is because there is a big differnce in how the smaller motors run, or at least how enjoyable they are to use when compared to a 2 cylinder model. The single cylinder two strokes are loud and vibrate terribly and I can't say the 4 strokes were that much better, if you plan to troll with one it can drive you crazy in a short period of time. If you're just using it on a dingy to get to shore, then any of them would work well. I've had 1.5hp, 2hp, and 3.3hp 2 Strokes and used 4 strokes in this size range. Some have foward only, others f/N and some F/N/R. I've used 4hp and larger twins and they were very nice to troll with, but are a little heavier.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

then look no further .... definitely a yamaha 2-stroke, you won't be sorry ......

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

something in take hp range, i would look for the older 4hp johnnyrude. one of the most dependable engines ever made.

 

[TOHATSU GURU]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

Since there are no new 2-stroke small outboards available in the U.S....In four-stroke brands they are all good. If you go used, then a 2-stroke would be a better choice if you don't mind the noise, increased fuel usage and lack of warranty.

 

[tmcalavy]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

That's the compromise you make for buying American...specially the older stuff that some would consider antique or obsolete. No jap stuff in my shed.

 

[kenmyfam]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

then look no further .... definitely a yamaha 2-stroke, you won't be sorry ......

Now how did I know what your response would be !!!!!! LOL
I like the 4hp Johnson / Evinrude twins. I also wish that I owned one of them.

 

[Dizz]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

I was wanting to power a 12" Jon.The biggest drawback to the new 4 strokes i see is the one lung engine,just don`t like the vibration,if the newer 4 strokes are like the old one lung 2 strokes.I would most likely look for an older Johnson 3-4HP 2 cylinder motor.I also would be doing quite a bit of trolling.I`ll keep an eye out locally.Thanks All!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

I have an 88ish 4HP Evinrude deluxe that I bought on eBay last year. I've been very pleased with it. It starts easily and seems strong for a 4. The deluxe model has the reverse. It has a built in carry handle on the mounting bracket that I like very much. I also have a older (very early 80s) Evinrude 4 that only has forward and neutral. It's one of those odd ones with the recoil starter built into the "hood" and the throttle on the motor and not the tiller. That thing is a piece o' crap. Light though.

 

[Dizz]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

Sounds like you got a good old motor!Did those 3-4 HP Johnsons have shallow water drive,or just on the bigger motors?

 

[bassboy1]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

I too have an 88 4 hp Deluxe, and no, you cannot buy it. That is by far the best ol' motor. All the 3s and 4s are VERY dependable, but the 4 deluxe has more creature comforts. F/N/R, twist tiller throttle instead of the throttle on the side where the shifter should be. Little thing starts easily, and purrs all day.

The 4.5 is the same motor as the 4 deluxe, but it was before they changed the hp measurements in the mid eighties. Aside from the markings, they are the same.

As far as I know, the 4 deluxe does not have the shallow water drive. Just some regular 3s and 4s.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

Noticed a lot of references to "twins" in the answers you received. I totally agree with that. I had a sweet 4 or 4.5 Merc built back in the 70's (red band I think) that was a real honey, but it was a single cylinder and I just hated that. Being only one cylinder there was no way it could compare to the little twins in quietness and smoothness. Sold it just because of that.

Mark

 

[River - Runner]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

As far as I know, the 4 deluxe does not have the shallow water drive. Just some regular 3s and 4s.

My 1991 Evinrude 4 hp Deluxe has shallow water drive. I bought it new and it's the best made small motor. 1995 was the last year the Deluxe was made.

If I was to have only one motor, it's the 4 hp Deluxe.

 

[Lowranger]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

I just went down this road and decided that an OMC 3 or 4 from the '90s-2001 fit the bill to power my new inflatable dinghy. Twin cylinders, forward/neutral, twist-grip throttle, integral fuel tank w/external connector, and light weight(33#). I found a '99 4hp that was used only 3 times and looks brand new(like the picture but gray). I only paid $350 for it on Craig's list.The newer ones also offer an emergency stop-switch that I find a useful safety feature. If you're patient you should be able to find a nice one for under $400.

 

[CATransplant]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

One other thing. The air-cooled singles do not like being trolled with at low speeds. They tend to overheat. The Briggs and Stratton one goes so far as to tell you not to run it at low speeds for long periods. Great, huh? Why would a guy want a little tiddler motor if not to go fishing?

 

[Dizz]

Re: Good 3-5HP motor

How do you hook up to Craig`s list?