What's a Good lil Motor?

[lncoop]

I just acquired a square stern canoe that's rated for a four horsey outboard, so at some point I'd like to procure one for it. What kind of 2-4 horse outboards do we like or not like and why? They come along fairly often around here, so I'd like to be ready to pounce when appopriate. Enlighten me, my iboats brethren and/or sisters.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

My grandfather had a canoe like you got. He ran a non-deluxe (no reverse) 1980ish 4HP Evinrude on it. I think it was the ideal motor for it. Very light and a reliable little workhorse. Some, like the one pictured, even have a built in fuel tank.

Looked like this one:

I have an Evinrude 4HP Deluxe from about '89 that is also a fantastic motor but heavier.

http://www.bluefinpowerboats.com.au/products/motors/4_EVINRUDE/1.jpg

 

[robert graham]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

That's the same rig I've had for 25+ years and I still run a 3HP Tanaka, you can still get them off E-Bay or Craiglist for maybe $200, But if had to replace mine now, I'd strongly consider that Honda 2HP 4 stroke, since it has most of the features the Tanaka has, light weight(26lbs.),centrifugal clutch drive(when you let off the throttle it dis-engages,so great for shallow water), air cooled(no water pump to screw with). Years ago I thought I wanted more power, so bought a Yamaha 4HP(2 stroke), but it weighed 48lbs.(more hassle putting on and off transom), gear drive, water pump cooling, just never was worth the difference. The Tanaka 3HP or Honda 2HP is awful hard to beat for that rig and it'll give you maybe 5 or 7 MPH, run literally all day on a gallon of gas!

 

[lncoop]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/boa/2102832435.html

Just saw this one in my hood. How can he not know whether it runs I wonder? Appears to be of shear pin age, which is a big minus in my book. Been there done that twice before and swore never again, but I'm thinking pins would be less likely to shear on a four horse than they were on the 25s I used to have them on. Is that a logical assumption?

 

[robert graham]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

The Tanaka has a shear pin on prop shaft but you'll rarely shear one because of the motor's light weight and centrifugal drive(when you come to a stump or log, just let off the throttle, prop stops, motor just bumps up and over, hit the throttle and you're gone!) Guess that's why Honda put that drive on their 2HP. We come to water 3" deep, flip motor up, grab the paddle, it works!

 

[cajuncook1]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Evinrude/Johnson 3hp outboard years from 1952 to 1967. Best little 3 horse out there. Very easy to work on and maintain. Product house and aftermarket parts still very available today. I have 3 of them and would not consider get rid of them. 1957, 1958, and 1959. 57 and 59 are Evinrude and 58 is a Johnson.

Those little engines idle low and great in shallow areas.

Here is a little read on those motors.

http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.c... Johnson 3 HP 1952-1967 Tune-Up Procedure.htm

Good luck with your choice.

 

[merc20076]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

I don't know if a extra half horse would matter on your canoe? I have a 4.5 HP Johnson 1980 and it runs like a champ all day at idle for fishing. Mine has the gas thank on the motor too. 2 cylinders, less vibrations. Weight 55 pounds.

 

[lncoop]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

http://littlerock.craigslist.org/boa/2102832435.html

Just saw this one in my hood. How can he not know whether it runs I wonder? Appears to be of shear pin age, which is a big minus in my book. Been there done that twice before and swore never again, but I'm thinking pins would be less likely to shear on a four horse than they were on the 25s I used to have them on. Is that a logical assumption?

The guy gave me a serial # that begins with 4906B. I did a quick search and discovered that the '69 model begins with 4906, so I assume it's a '69. I called the local johnnyrude shop to try and get a feel for the availability of parts. He said "some of 'em will be avaiable and some of 'em won't. That motor is kinda old." Not sure what I expected him to say. Seller did indicate it was last run "a couple years ago."

 

[JimS123]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

The guy gave me a serial # that begins with 4906B. I did a quick search and discovered that the '69 model begins with 4906, so I assume it's a '69. I called the local johnnyrude shop to try and get a feel for the availability of parts. He said "some of 'em will be avaiable and some of 'em won't. That motor is kinda old." Not sure what I expected him to say. Seller did indicate it was last run "a couple years ago."

Most boat dealers don't want to be bothered by the older motors. You should spend 3 grand and buy a new one from him. So what he said was expected, but not entirely true. That motor is not too old. I would guess that there is no part that could'nt be replaced. Expect to need tune up parts and a new impeller. At worst, a coil. Al that is provided that the previous owners used the right amount of oil and maintained it reasonably well. If it was used in saltwater I would pass.

Regardless, IMHO its too big for a canoe anyway. If it were me I'd be looking for an Evinrude Mate 1 1/2 or 2 hp, from the 1970's or newer.

 

[1fishbone]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Have you though about electric trolling motors?
No gas/oil, starts every time, quiet, light weight (except the battery).

It should get pretty good speed on canoe, I have one on my Crawdad and it moves right along.
It might only be a 35 or 40...I've used it for years!

 

[lncoop]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

I have a 42 lb thrust Minn Kota that I know will be perfect, but it would be nice to have a little outboard for longer trips and times I don't want to mess with a battery. It's a big square stern canoe rated up to four horse, so I think a small outboard will be fine. Jim, you think the four horse would be too big?

 

[JimS123]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

What is TOO big is an opinion. If you follow these forums you'll probably find guys telling you to put a 9.9 on her cause you need all the HP you can get.

When I was a kid I ran a 12' tinny with a 3 HP Rude on the back. It didn't plane, but it got me there every time and my allowance covered the gas money. The boat was rated for 15 HP. You have a canoe, so I don't think you have any ambition to plane anyway...LOL.

I'm a fan of light weight on a light boat. That 4 HP will weigh about 40 pounds and require a separate tank (at least a 3 gal), which will take up valuable space and add another 25 pounds or so. The Mate I suggested weighs only 24 pounds, and comes with a built in tank.

Sure, 4 HP will let you go faster. If it were mine, the 2 HP would be fast enough. Someone suggested a 3 HP Johhnyrude from the late 50's and 60's. That would be my second choice.

A MinnKota is also quite viable, but those darn batteries are heavy too. I'd rather lug a 3HP Rude than a battery.

Besides, what could possibly be better than the sweet smell of a 1950's 2-stroke burning 24:1 oil? Ahhhh, the memories.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Evinrude/Johnson 3hp outboard years from 1952 to 1967. Best little 3 horse out there. Very easy to work on and maintain. Product house and aftermarket parts still very available today. I have 3 of them and would not consider get rid of them. 1957, 1958, and 1959. 57 and 59 are Evinrude and 58 is a Johnson.

Those little engines idle low and great in shallow areas.

Here is a little read on those motors.

http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.c... Johnson 3 HP 1952-1967 Tune-Up Procedure.htm

Good luck with your choice.

^^^^^^ Yup.

For an idea on part availability, check
http://shop2.evinrude.com

 

[lncoop]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Any thoughts on a 3.6 Merc early eighties model with the tank on top? Has not been started in twenty years but seller says he'd take it back if it turned out to not be worth waking up.

 

[robert graham]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Check the site called: Small Outboards, for a full line of small, canoe/kayak type motors. The lighter weight motors are very suitable for the canoe and speed is no problem in the 5 to 7 MPH range. Gas mileage is unbelievable! We've run the entire length of the Suwannee River in Florida(240 miles)twice, with the 3HP made it in 6 days, paddling takes about 3 weeks. Good Luck!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Any thoughts on a 3.6 Merc early eighties model with the tank on top? Has not been started in twenty years but seller says he'd take it back if it turned out to not be worth waking up.

Sounds good if it's a twin cylinder. If it's a single, I'd pass in favor or a twin. Much smoother. As I said, my grandfather ran the 4 pictured on pretty much your exact canoe and it was great.

 

[1946Zephyr]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Sounds good if it's a twin cylinder. If it's a single, I'd pass in favor or a twin. Much smoother. As I said, my grandfather ran the 4 pictured on pretty much your exact canoe and it was great.

Yep, I like your first response, as far as the old 4hp goes. I also like the earlier 3hp's too. Both of these models are highly recemended, as far as reliablility and they have integrated tanks. You can't beat Johny/Rude reliability.

 

[skybobber]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Hands Down, Johnson & Evinrude 3HP 50s & 60s twin cylinders with the built in fuel tank, they are bulletproof. Single cylinder's run too rough.

 

[steelespike]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

Evinrude/Johnson 3hp outboard years from 1952 to 1967. Best little 3 horse out there. Very easy to work on and maintain. Product house and aftermarket parts still very available today. I have 3 of them and would not consider get rid of them. 1957, 1958, and 1959. 57 and 59 are Evinrude and 58 is a Johnson.

Those little engines idle low and great in shallow areas.

Here is a little read on those motors.

http://outboard-boat-motor-repair.c... Johnson 3 HP 1952-1967 Tune-Up Procedure.htm

Good luck with your choice.

I would add; routine parts are readily available some right here at iboats.
More obscure parts are readily available from well established BRP/evinrude,Johnson dealers and many vendors on the net.
Smooth running,reasonably quiet and powerful.Are available as a folder.
as I recall about 32lbs.

 

[pecheux]

Re: What's a Good lil Motor?

My choice would be a 2 hp Evinrude 2 strokes with built in tank. But not easy to find.