outboard decision help needed

[andy6.3]

hello everyone

Years ago in the 80's my dad had a 40+ seagull outboard and was very good. however things have moved on. I will put the outboard on a inflatable of no more than 10 ft big decision 2 stroke or 4 what make. Yamaha, Suziki, Honda, Marineer, Mercury, Evinrude, Jonson just to name a few what make model ETC

 

[DJ]

Re: outboard decision help needed

Andy,

You'll get more opinions than there are brands. I have my opinions but those won't do you any good.

Buy from someone you trust and will support you with part and service, down the road.

 

[steelespike]

Re: outboard decision help needed

2 stroke Evinrude or Johnson any of the 3 or 4 hp. from the 50s on up.

 

[JB]

Re: outboard decision help needed

I'm with Spike on this.

Best little outboard ever made by anyone.

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: outboard decision help needed

Inflatable + Yamaha = ***** 5 stars

 

[bassboy1]

Re: outboard decision help needed

Johnny or E'rude. They are basically the same engine so it doesn't really matter which.

 

[Texasmark]

Re: outboard decision help needed

I think local dealer support is very important. Most engines made today are pretty much bullet proof and share a lot of the same amenities.

I'm currently a Merc fan, but I have had many of the domestic brands. Would consider any if interested in a new purchase.

I would definitely get a loop charged (vs crossflow charged) if buying a 2 cycle (fuel economy) and I would probably purchase a 2 cycle for their inherent simplicity.

Mark

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: outboard decision help needed

2-stroke Rude or Johnson of course....

 

[Paul Moir]

Re: outboard decision help needed

Texasmark, a 40+ Seagull is 2 or 3hp. Fuel economy at those sort of HPs is a joke. You spend more on impellers. And as for loopers in that size, I think Merc is the only one that ever tried that with their horrible Gnat. From personal experience, it ain't worth the fuel savings!

Did Mercury ever make a small outboard that didn't seem like it was conceived in the bowls of hell? I suppose now since Tohatsu makes them it isn't so bad, but that's not much to go on.

A old 2-stroke 4hp, 6hp or 7.5hp Johnson/Evinrude would be my choice as well. The 80s/90s/00s 6hp/7.5hp is getting a little heavy but it's a powerful engine. 70s era 4hp is about 34 lb twin cylinder engine. Hard to beat. Later ones were heavier, but had electronic ignition, gearshifts, etc.

 

[cobra 3.0]

Re: outboard decision help needed

If it can only handle a 4 hp, the 4 hp Evinrude or Johnson 2 cylinder 2 stroke. Best little motor ever made. I had one and it was light, super smooth, and reliable.