Outboard for a "Porta-boat"

[johnk86]

My brother is looking to power a new "Porta-boat" he has ordered. He would like to get a four-stroke to be "environmentally conscience" and anticipate any restrictions in the small waters he will be navigating. He is considering the Honda 2hp four-stroke and the Yamaha 2.5hp four-stroke. The differences between the two primarily being make, obviously, weight of about 10 lbs, and the Honda is "forced-air cooled" and the Yamaha is water cooled (which probably accounts for the added weight). Both are well under the maximum motor weight the boat is rated for. Which one would you recommend? Is the added weight of the Yamaha worth going to a water-cooled outboard and half an hp more? Is a water-cooled outboard more preferable or does it simply add unnecessary complexity? Any thoughts on the subject would be appreciated! Thanks!

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Outboard for a "Porta-boat"

I'd definitely go with the Yamaha, just because it's water cooled, has a good reputation and will last longer do to the reduced heat. If you idle around alot, those air cooled motors can heat up fast!!

 

[SeaDawg]

Re: Outboard for a "Porta-boat"

The only way I would disagree with RB was if your friend plans on carrying the porta boat and motor any significant distance, like to remote ponds, etc.<br /><br />I think the Honda would be a good motor too, but I would do a search for 2 HP motor repairs in the Honda motor section, to see what others say that own the little Honda.<br /><br />I have a friend that has the Honda, and he would divorce his wife before parting with it. He bought it used from a local "renta boat" dealer, that repowers all of his rental fleet with the little Hondas each year.<br /><br />I'm sure the rentals get abused, because it is mostly kids that rent them, but he has not had any trouble from his Honda.<br /><br />Anyway, sorry to make the decision harder, and RB, if it were my money in what I know of this situation, I probably would go for the Yamaha too.<br /><br />Ron

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: Outboard for a "Porta-boat"

Hi SeaDawg <br /><br />Don't get me wrong, I think Honda's are great motors. It was just that I got to thinking about the slow running aspect and felt that a water cooled motor would survive the trolling part a bit better than an air cooled motor. I also believe that if ever parts were needed, the Yamaha would be easier to find if in a pinch. Of course, we all know how reliable the honda's are, so that would probably never come into play. Most folks who get the Porta-boat are into fishing and not running full out. I don't dispute the fact that the rentals don't have problems. Those dog gone things run forever. Just different views on different situations. always good to have another point of view... And I love this part:<br /><br />

I have a friend that has the Honda, and he would divorce his wife before parting with it

 

[crazy charlie]

Re: Outboard for a "Porta-boat"

Hokie,if he decides on the yamaha 2hp and cant get a good deal on one,I have one I was planning on putting on ebay.Bought it new about 3 years ago maybe 4 and only used it 2 times.It has been stored in a heated basement since then.Charlie

 

[johnk86]

Re: Outboard for a "Porta-boat"

Thanks, Crazy Charlie, I think my brother has decided on a four-stroke 4hp Yamaha after digesting all the information. Once he heard that going with a water cooled engine was not a liability to say the least, he decided to up the hp a little and go the the Yamaha since it still fits within the weight limit for motor weight on the boat.