Congratulations for this excellent review. Finally, there is someone (YOU) making an objective comparision with numbers. I can’t say louder how much I appreciate your honest assessment knowing that Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda invest significant money in advertising in your magazine. Very well done. CONGRATULATIONS !!!
what an excellent review! I had a 3hp Yamaha malta years ago- it was powerful and quiet. However, it's the best feature was the prop. The malta never got its prop fouled with seagrass as I motored through the flats in the bay like my other outboards, it could chew through anything and never get its prop fouled. I also have an electric 27-pound Minn Kota that is 30 years old and works fine. I used it in salt water but rinsed it off every trip. There was a Japanese sailor that built a narrow canoe-like boat in Switzerland and motored it across the Atlantic back in the 1980s and he used a tiny Tanaka motor, I think it was a 1.2 hp.
I was looking for a tender outboard, many options but it came down to longevity. My Yamaha will last me till the end of my days where an electric will need new batteries etc in its life cycle plus the initial cost is far higher. Sometimes we need to accept that liquid fuel holds the most convenient and efficient way to power a small tender.
Have to admit I watched the Selva intro four times. Every time that Elan came into frame my attention immediately wandered - sweet boat - so I had to go back. Great info - thanks!
I've only looked at part 1 so far, but aside from the increased noise of the Honda, but the advantage of air cooling. There aren't massive differences between the brands, so one can't go wrong picking one over the other and it comes down to personal likes/dislikes. Your comparison does highlight what the trade offs are. So, thank you for your video. Now on to part 2.
11:57 It highly likely that both engines have the same power but the Honda (and Suzuki) is geared for moving a heavier boat at lower speed. In the 1960s Evinrude made a 3hp 'lightwin' and a 3hp 'yachtwin'. Both engines were the same but the gearing propellers were different, the 'lightwin' could push a little boat at 11mph but the yachtwin could push a heavy 20 foot saling boat with a weighted keel at hull speed of 6mph.
@@evan2290 I would say the answer is negative unless you are a machinist who can cut your own shaft and gears. Buying a new underwater gear (like a bigfoot) costs half as much as buying a whole new outboard.
Wish I could give more than just one thumps up, this Is 1 video I really enjoyed, my only reservation using very low powered engines is TIDE, this from experience my first boat was a Zodiac with a 5 HP engine with 3 of us onboard we couldn't make it back against the Tide in Littlehampton I think 1971 only just did with my two mates rowing n the engine flat out inland waterways Brilliant on Tidal waters I would be much happier with at least 9.9 HP or more thanks for uploading
Couple of important points you missed with the Honda: 1. When reversing the tiller/throttle should be flipped back inside the boat. 2. No flushing required after use.
Very interesting video 👍. I have a 4.2metre bison s.i.b. just for pottering around and exploring the local river etc and use a 6hp Yamaha which is very quiet and fuel economy is ridiculously good. 👍❤️🇬🇧
if u use the tender a lot-- go with the bulletproof Yammie, if you rarely use your tender, go electric. Unused small gas motors rarely start... they like to be used 1x week.
Watched both parts of the show, loved them. An IDEA for a follow-up would be some head-to-head tests of various lightweight and ultralight RIBs, the sort particularly suited to a 2-3 hp outboard.
I'd like to see them compare engines and gas tanks. When you run lithium batteries below 50% capacity they decline rapidly. When I empty entirely my fuel tanks, they don't shrink. And I'd like a comparison on long term performance. There are a lot of well-functioning outboards from the 1960s and 1970s operating today. It might be a while before electric outboard motors can be compared. Finally, the maintenance claims need to be tested. An outboard generally needs a gear oil and engine oil change from time to time, and a filter on occasion. That is pretty simple compared to reconditioning and replacing discharged batteries (you may or may not have used at all) and messing about with charge controllers, generator connections etc. I am hopeful but skeptical.
I just love these candid comparison videos! You did a good thorough job which gives us plenty to think about. I have a 14 foot canoe and I’m torn between a quiet trolling motor and the Suzuki. Given the cost of the lithium battery it’s almost the same price for the two. Thx mate
@@themallard1515 I have 100 amp lithium battery 400 bucks on eBay (Brand: Zooms) I go about 3-4 miles an hour but I can go for like 7 hours full blast 40 lb thrust. I love silent proportion through the water. bass pro shop sells a motor adapter for the canoe it's like 90 bucks. 2 1/2 hp gasoline motor you're probably going to go 10 miles an hour
@@allans7281 Much appreciated. Just trying to decide if I want to go with the 2.5, or a four horse. My canoe will hold a four horse motor but I’m worried about stability with that extra speed.
@@themallard1515 yeah remember at higher speeds these canoes are not stable and you don't want the extra weight in the back -it's all about just cruising along. I like to paddle but it's nice to know I can just hit the electric motor and cruise right back to shore with a drink in my hand
Why waste money on lithium? with 200 bucks you could have had 200 amps of batts that will keep you going for the whole day. i have a solar panel and 100 amp lead acid battery with a 35 pound troller motor on my small aluminium boat and i can troll around all day long.@@allans7281
Excellent comparison of the main competing small outboards. I read the written review first, didn't realize at first that there was also a nice video behind it. I'd happily deal with a few extra kg and the higher price of the Yamaha in exchange for the quieter motor and the engine not being so fussy about how you lay it on the ground. Unfortunately, it's hard to get a permit in my area these days if the engine isn't electric. Sucks that the ePropulsion is almost 3x the price.
The Honda choke on mine broke with light handling , also some screws and nuts rust , plus the carburettor will corrode if you leave petrol in for winter .!
I have had a Honda 5 or so years and while I don't like the noise, it always starts nice. I started it today after a year and that was with the gas that was in it. When I put it away for the season, I shut off the fuel and run the carburetor dry. The nice thing about the air cooled model is that you can do that while the boat is on the trailer. I start it and then do other things while it runs itself out.
@@tdok I don't think it's so much the engine as when there is two of us in the boat we get no more than 5 or 6 mph. It's only when the conditions are tight and I can get the boat onto plane that it really speeds up. Your weight in the boat has to be in the right place, I have to sit further forward than normal.
@@Allan9966 I did have my wife sitting in the front, so there were 2 ppl, a trolling motor, and a battery. I feel like my front is riding low (no, she's not heavy LOL).
I have a Johnson 2.5 single water cooled 4 stroke “egg whisk” on my Excel 3.3m inflatable….. sips fuel, reasonably quiet…. reliable and can easily move 4 adults, dogs and fuel. Easy to lug about 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I had the Honda for my sailboat. It is very loud, but I expected that. It's also not suitable at all for a sailboat. When you put it up to go under sail alone and the sailboat rocks back and forth, the engine ends up leaking some oil (a common problem many users have reported), and it often doesn't start easily when I put it back in the water. It's not designed to be moved around like that. I found that after one or two good seasons with it, it started coughing and hesitating and even stalling while underway, so I stopped using it. I used normal gasoline (up to 10% ethanol) as recommended, but people told me I should be using gasoline with zero ethanol. In any event, I stopped trusting it, so now I use the Torqeedo exclusively, and it works great.
Great video. I watched Part 2 first before arriving at this Part 1. From your review, I think the Yamaha is the better value, and fo me, meets my requirements for a roll up infltable dinghy. I used to have a 4hp Susuki 2-stroke, so very comparable. Very nice marina with so many boats under sail power. Very nice.
If I were to select an outboard for my tender or life boat, I would shy away from electrics but for a land based rig it would be different, all based on battery range and charging.
You can quite the motor as I did on a Yamaha 1,000 watts gen,. Inside the cover glue 1" sponge cut with a razor to pyramid, that the shape has more surface area. And it take away the irration of higher sound waves so it sounded as the honda 2,000 gen a more deeper sound that more acceptable
All very informative, thanks. I guess its necessary to flush the suzuki and yamaha motors in fresh water after use. Bit of an inconvenience if they are tender motors stowed on the parent boat?
@@nielsdebakker3283 oh yes i forgot about the selva. But the aircooled honda maybe much easier to look after in this tender scenario... shame its a bit agricultural. Im a yamaha fan...
What an excellent review!! It helped me narrow down the decision to Yamaha so far; however, what is your impression of the Tohatsu 2.5? How does it match to Yamaha? Thanks.
You never said if the Italian motor got up on plane with a single occupant? Being that it is the cheapest of the lot, and with two on board it seems to preform the best it is frustrating not to have the complete specification list.
i am a collector of wristwatches and i have purchased many made both in china and japan. i have no hesitation saying i have zero confidence in the quality control of products made in china. if a chinese wristwatch fails I can just drop it in my pocket and change it out when i get home. if youre stuck on a beach in your dingy - well, thats a different proposition. when i purchase a chinese watch i consider it to be disposable. there is a reason the japanese products are more expensive.
A friend of mine bought the Yamaha 2.5 HP motor new last year. He's had nothing but problems with it. We don't know if it's from complete lack of experience and he's doing something wrong, or if he bought a lemon. It starts, but cuts out constantly. I've been on it with him a few times and he's also taken it on my inflatable. 100% unreliable. Possible we're missing something? He's read the manual, asked questions to the dealer, etc. He also mentioned it's out of fuel extremely quickly, and he never even came close to full throttle when I've been on it with him. Almost trolling speeds. He talked about selling his Portland Pudgy boat and motor, and buying a Sea Eagle Paddleski and Torqeedo motor like mine instead. I do wish the motor worked correctly, because he could take it out on my inflatable and we're have much greater range than a lithium motor can provide. I generally keep my range to a maximum of 10 miles (5 miles away from launch) and I'm running slow some of that time to be sure I'll have enough juice. This is plenty of juice and enough speed at most locations I use it, but I'd like to be able to go further at some places I occasionally visit.
They've available on eBay via East Anglia boating store Seamark Nunn www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401425583503?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=mby-us-7356232205077468000
For me it's Yamaha hands down. I own a 2.5hp and it's been nothing but great. Never given me an issue . Of course you want to take care of basic maintenance and the engine purrs
I foolishly purchased a Suzuki DF2.5 outboard in 2019. Used it in summer, flushed it with fresh water after use and stored over winter standing upright indoors. I had it dealer serviced. I found the outboard difficult to start taking 10 to 30 pulls to get it to start and it had a vicious kickback often slamming my hand into the cowling. After about two years I wanted to use it to go out to a mooring. Pulled the cord to start and no compression. Took it back to the dealer and apparently the exhaust valve had stuck partly open and the push rod had fallen out of position. Happily there was no damage and the dealer fixed it, but the hard to start issue continued. I did not like using it. I decided to sell it, but thought I could not do that if it would not start easily. Took the cowl off, there was oil coming out the air intake! Why? It was stored upright and laid it down on the tiller side. Then I looked closely at the oil window and noticed that there was a max level line on it. However the oil level was above the round window. I took some oil out and got it down to the max line. OK, likely oil in the cylinder! Took the spark plug out, it was oily, also the gap was over 1mm. Cleaned the plug and set the gap to 0.63mm. Now the motor starts first or second pull and no great kickback. It’s now on probation to see if I keep it! The spark plug gap must have been wrong from the factory and that was exacerbated by the dealer over filling the oil. However, the valve issue seems to be a problem with the design as there are other accounts of this happening. Would I buy one again? No, I think maybe the Yamaha if sticking with gasoline. I think if I am going electric the new model Torqeedo Travel is the best choice. The ePropulsion Spirit plus looks better on paper. It has a bigger battery, runs a 48volt system (new torqeedo 44 volts why?) and you can plug in an external 48 volt lithium phosphate battery if you want. However, the ePropulsion battery really worries me . It has lithium polymer pouch cells (no rigidity) inside the battery case. This battery tech is more prone to fire than just about any other lithium battery type. The Torqeedo battery, as I understand it uses cylindrical cells which are more robust to knocks and bumps and much less likely to puncture or fall apart and as a result much less likely to catch fire.
Hold the press. I have a TK144FC Tomking 4 cycle. There's also an exceptionally light TK140FC. 23 and 18 LBS and 53 and 36 CC's. I easily filed the flywheel slot to retard the ignition toward top dead center and replaced the centrifugal clutch springs with lighter ones. The metal propeller took a hand finish and performed with much less drag than out of the box. A lot more people could have a reliable small 4 cycle if they grabbed my choices. I don't leave fuel in the tank overnight.
Yes, sorry. Forgot to video that part but like the Yamaha I managed to get it planing with a seed of 8.0 knots with just me on board. You can read the full review with all the numbers in the October issue of Motor Boat & Yachting.
The biggest downside to these little gas engines is the lack of a real reverse gear. Spinning the motor requires the user to hover over the transom without access to the tiller/throttle. The tell tail water tell tail also tends to squirt into the boat. Most brands will upgrade you to a full reverse gear in the 3.5 hp model with little to no weight gain.
can I ask a question please I am new to boating just bought a 16 ft Shetland 535 cabin fishing boat been told that I need a 25 HP minimum outboard? but I am watching these videos with 2.5 HP and they seem very ok to me as I am not keen of a very fast boat just for a bit of fishing and simple cruising. can you please advise me as I don't know much about boat engines. Thanks
I guess it all depends where you're going to use it. If it's on small lakes with no currents, then even a 2.5 will do, but if you boat in big water bodies with strong currents you will definitely need the horsepower to overcome the current.
What happened to the 2.0hp Honda? I feel if you are going to have the least powerful but lightest Gas motor you should really own it instead of being only slightly smaller.
@@RRW359 prop because the 2.3 is a small tier segment.. like 4-6 hp is were all the action is on the market.. all the little kids scooting around in rubber dingy's... all the sailboat kickers are 4-6hp. U used to have 2stroke engines that were lighter so that also defeated the purpose of a heavier 4 stroke motor with less power... but now some people still use 2.3 for regulations.. like for kids without supervision.. in some countries kids are allowed on 2.5 hp max.. In most options ur better off just going with a 4hp, more of them out there second hand.. also more parts available for longer..also bit more power..
@@youngypaul Thanks for the response man, I really appreciate it. And thank you for the info. It could easily go a month without use where I live. Is there a precaution I can take, like cleaning or something?(sorry if this is a dumb question. This is new to me).
@@DL101ca more efficient in every single way weight, power ,speed ,storage ,size. Consumption on small hp is very similar not a major factor to me when deciding
you will find after a days learning on the Hondas clutch you will never want to go back to the other type of gearbox. water ballet is possible, the control is so amazing. the Honda is far more robust and reliable only problem you will get is water in the carbi I changed a spark plug once . wrong again, just water in the carbie . after many thousands of hours I can say they are stone axe reliable. clean the carbi once a year and check behind prop for fishing line, that will kill the oil seal on the gear drive. and they will outlast you. just buy some ear plugs, or do what I do over fill the oil sump seems to reduce the racket.
Good luck finding parts for an E-propulsion or torqeedo when the competent manufacturers we trust (Honda, Mercury, Yamaha) take that market over. Just saying... Also the batteries and charging are much more inconvenient than you might imagine. Gasoline is a pretty efficient means of storing potential chemical energy. Electric is hype. The state of that industry is embryonic, not established. One day, perhaps...
Hmm?….no mention ‘at all’ as if these a 2 stroke or 4 stroke. This should ha be mentioned as so “this is the Honda 2.3hp ?? Stroke engine” for example.
I've just been looking into dinghies and Outboards for my Next Sailboat. If Cruising extensively, none of these .Outboards are capable of delivering What you NEED, from a Working Tender, which is basically the equivalent of a Hatchback Cars versatile Load Carrying Capacity, so minimum 2.7m to 3m, length dinghy. What Petrol Outboards this size are useful for, and kept out of the way say in a large foredeck locker, with say a 2.4m inflatable, is as an emergency backup that can get you ashore to collect needed parts or whatever, when the weather and sea state is good. Under no circumstances would I use an electric outboard in other than this role, and then it would be with extreme reservations Why? Because today, There still aren't any Electric Batteries that can even closely compete with the Energy Density of Petrol ! versus diesel, it's even worse than against Petrol. In the Marine Environment we are in, Energy Density is critically important for Safety reasons. I'm not saying .I won't go to the assistance of idiots who get themselves into Boating trouble of their own making, but it's a bit rich if these idiots get I to trouble and expect the Lifeboats to save their backsides, I'd give them, after a rescue, a bloody long lecture on their childishness and Criminal irresponsibility tbh. I think it's about time the Yacnting Mags started taking a bloody strong Stance on this no sense . 🤔
Why any sane person would buy the Honda over the Suzuki DF 2.5 is beyond me... The tiller is supposed to be flipped over when going in reverse. The Selva engine looks in many parts as the Suzuki engine to me..?
Its only 13kg not 18kg like the others. that makes a big difference lifting it from tender to pulpit. Its air cooled so using in in shallow water doesn't pick up silt in the cooling and you don't need to flush it.
When out of the boat reviewing it, they are ‘built’ which means manufactured in China, then all of a sudden when ‘in’ the dinghy they are ‘built’ in Italy….Hmmm! Lack of production editing here, sack those responsible.
Thanks for the video. Why are you walking so slowly on such a good boat? You can accelerate up to 12 miles (24 km/h)! ua-cam.com/video/CVk7ZR7QNh8/v-deo.html
Part two is online now: ua-cam.com/video/WgGESRcVZFQ/v-deo.html
Congratulations for this excellent review.
Finally, there is someone (YOU) making an objective comparision with numbers. I can’t say louder how much I appreciate your honest assessment knowing that Yamaha, Suzuki and Honda invest significant money in advertising in your magazine.
Very well done. CONGRATULATIONS !!!
what an excellent review! I had a 3hp Yamaha malta years ago- it was powerful and quiet. However, it's the best feature was the prop. The malta never got its prop fouled with seagrass as I motored through the flats in the bay like my other outboards, it could chew through anything and never get its prop fouled. I also have an electric 27-pound Minn Kota that is 30 years old and works fine. I used it in salt water but rinsed it off every trip. There was a Japanese sailor that built a narrow canoe-like boat in Switzerland and motored it across the Atlantic back in the 1980s and he used a tiny Tanaka motor, I think it was a 1.2 hp.
I used to have the same exact motor. So reliable and easy to start
Q
I was looking for a tender outboard, many options but it came down to longevity. My Yamaha will last me till the end of my days where an electric will need new batteries etc in its life cycle plus the initial cost is far higher. Sometimes we need to accept that liquid fuel holds the most convenient and efficient way to power a small tender.
agree. i went with a yamaha 9.9 on my tender and i have never regretted it. great engines all round and well priced.
Yes, gasoline is very energy dense and portable.
Have to admit I watched the Selva intro four times. Every time that Elan came into frame my attention immediately wandered - sweet boat - so I had to go back.
Great info - thanks!
I've only looked at part 1 so far, but aside from the increased noise of the Honda, but the advantage of air cooling. There aren't massive differences between the brands, so one can't go wrong picking one over the other and it comes down to personal likes/dislikes. Your comparison does highlight what the trade offs are. So, thank you for your video. Now on to part 2.
11:57 It highly likely that both engines have the same power but the Honda (and Suzuki) is geared for moving a heavier boat at lower speed. In the 1960s Evinrude made a 3hp 'lightwin' and a 3hp 'yachtwin'. Both engines were the same but the gearing propellers were different, the 'lightwin' could push a little boat at 11mph but the yachtwin could push a heavy 20 foot saling boat with a weighted keel at hull speed of 6mph.
Is it possible change the grearing? Looking at buying the suzuki because of cost.
@@evan2290 I would say the answer is negative unless you are a machinist who can cut your own shaft and gears. Buying a new underwater gear (like a bigfoot) costs half as much as buying a whole new outboard.
@@dreamdiction I hear you.I'm definitely not a machinist. Thanks for the info man. Much obliged.
Wish I could give more than just one thumps up, this Is 1 video I really enjoyed, my only reservation using very low powered engines is TIDE, this from experience my first boat was a Zodiac with a 5 HP engine with 3 of us onboard we couldn't make it back against the Tide in Littlehampton I think 1971 only just did with my two mates rowing n the engine flat out inland waterways Brilliant on Tidal waters I would be much happier with at least 9.9 HP or more thanks for uploading
Couple of important points you missed with the Honda: 1. When reversing the tiller/throttle should be flipped back inside the boat. 2. No flushing required after use.
It's also about 29 lbs. super light and very easy on gas.
He pointed out it's air cooled and no impeller, why does he have to mention you don't need to flush after use ? What would you flush the sea air ?
Everyone does videos these days.
Very interesting video 👍.
I have a 4.2metre bison s.i.b. just for pottering around and exploring the local river etc and use a 6hp Yamaha which is very quiet and fuel economy is ridiculously good. 👍❤️🇬🇧
I really appreciate this video. Was gonna get the honda until I saw this video. That yamaha looks to be a very nice unit 👍
Really solid review man. I really appreciate it. Looking to outfit a mariner 4 with a 2.5 OB. This really helped, thank you!
if u use the tender a lot-- go with the bulletproof Yammie, if you rarely use your tender, go electric. Unused small gas motors rarely start... they like to be used 1x week.
Watched both parts of the show, loved them. An IDEA for a follow-up would be some head-to-head tests of various lightweight and ultralight RIBs, the sort particularly suited to a 2-3 hp outboard.
They must do this!
I'd like to see them compare engines and gas tanks. When you run lithium batteries below 50% capacity they decline rapidly. When I empty entirely my fuel tanks, they don't shrink. And I'd like a comparison on long term performance. There are a lot of well-functioning outboards from the 1960s and 1970s operating today. It might be a while before electric outboard motors can be compared. Finally, the maintenance claims need to be tested. An outboard generally needs a gear oil and engine oil change from time to time, and a filter on occasion. That is pretty simple compared to reconditioning and replacing discharged batteries (you may or may not have used at all) and messing about with charge controllers, generator connections etc. I am hopeful but skeptical.
Excellent video Hugo
🙏
I just love these candid comparison videos! You did a good thorough job which gives us plenty to think about. I have a 14 foot canoe and I’m torn between a quiet trolling motor and the Suzuki. Given the cost of the lithium battery it’s almost the same price for the two. Thx mate
curious, what did you end up going with? In a similar situation, wondering how much speed ill get out of a 13 foot canoe with a 2.5 hp engine
@@themallard1515 I have 100 amp lithium battery 400 bucks on eBay (Brand: Zooms) I go about 3-4 miles an hour but I can go for like 7 hours full blast 40 lb thrust. I love silent proportion through the water. bass pro shop sells a motor adapter for the canoe it's like 90 bucks.
2 1/2 hp gasoline motor you're probably going to go 10 miles an hour
@@allans7281 Much appreciated. Just trying to decide if I want to go with the 2.5, or a four horse. My canoe will hold a four horse motor but I’m worried about stability with that extra speed.
@@themallard1515 yeah remember at higher speeds these canoes are not stable and you don't want the extra weight in the back -it's all about just cruising along. I like to paddle but it's nice to know I can just hit the electric motor and cruise right back to shore with a drink in my hand
Why waste money on lithium? with 200 bucks you could have had 200 amps of batts that will keep you going for the whole day. i have a solar panel and 100 amp lead acid battery with a 35 pound troller motor on my small aluminium boat and i can troll around all day long.@@allans7281
Excellent comparison of the main competing small outboards. I read the written review first, didn't realize at first that there was also a nice video behind it. I'd happily deal with a few extra kg and the higher price of the Yamaha in exchange for the quieter motor and the engine not being so fussy about how you lay it on the ground. Unfortunately, it's hard to get a permit in my area these days if the engine isn't electric. Sucks that the ePropulsion is almost 3x the price.
Excellent. I'm think I'm going with the YAMAHA. THANK YOU>
The Honda choke on mine broke with light handling , also some screws and nuts rust , plus the carburettor will corrode if you leave petrol in for winter .!
I have had a Honda 5 or so years and while I don't like the noise, it always starts nice. I started it today after a year and that was with the gas that was in it. When I put it away for the season, I shut off the fuel and run the carburetor dry. The nice thing about the air cooled model is that you can do that while the boat is on the trailer. I start it and then do other things while it runs itself out.
I got the Suzuki and love it. Starts first time and managed to get a 3m SIB onto the plane (just) and got 10.5mph out of it.
You got 10mph with a 2.5 hp Suzuki?
@@tdok I have had 19km/h on GPS before. That is just me in the boat, engine has done less that 10 hours so not run in yet.
@@Allan9966 I have a Yamaha 2.5hp and best I got was 5.8 mph (9.3 km/h) on a 10 ft plastic boat/dingy. So, your Suzuki is a beast.
@@tdok I don't think it's so much the engine as when there is two of us in the boat we get no more than 5 or 6 mph. It's only when the conditions are tight and I can get the boat onto plane that it really speeds up. Your weight in the boat has to be in the right place, I have to sit further forward than normal.
@@Allan9966 I did have my wife sitting in the front, so there were 2 ppl, a trolling motor, and a battery. I feel like my front is riding low (no, she's not heavy LOL).
I have a Johnson 2.5 single water cooled 4 stroke “egg whisk” on my Excel 3.3m inflatable….. sips fuel, reasonably quiet…. reliable and can easily move 4 adults, dogs and fuel.
Easy to lug about 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Very nice review, i wish you try the suzuki 3.5hp.
Great review this was a big help thank you
I had the Honda for my sailboat. It is very loud, but I expected that. It's also not suitable at all for a sailboat. When you put it up to go under sail alone and the sailboat rocks back and forth, the engine ends up leaking some oil (a common problem many users have reported), and it often doesn't start easily when I put it back in the water. It's not designed to be moved around like that. I found that after one or two good seasons with it, it started coughing and hesitating and even stalling while underway, so I stopped using it. I used normal gasoline (up to 10% ethanol) as recommended, but people told me I should be using gasoline with zero ethanol. In any event, I stopped trusting it, so now I use the Torqeedo exclusively, and it works great.
Same exact experience with a Honda 2.3 on my Ultimate20.
Great video. I watched Part 2 first before arriving at this Part 1. From your review, I think the Yamaha is the better value, and fo me, meets my requirements for a roll up infltable dinghy. I used to have a 4hp Susuki 2-stroke, so very comparable. Very nice marina with so many boats under sail power. Very nice.
Great review! It was very helpful.
why wasn't Mercury or Tohmatsu included?
The top speed of suzuki 6.5 knots one on board. ? Was that with wind. ?
super helpful review/comparisons. thank you!
I OWN THE YAMAHA 2.5 ABSOLUTE CHAMP OF A MOTOR!
Great video nice to see something I can afford thanks 🙏
What type of dink? Makes a huge difference to performance too?
How much range do you get on 1 liter of Petrol for these types of Engines?
The mariner 2.5 hp is a great motor. Also. Easy to start, smooth, and powerful.
If I were to select an outboard for my tender or life boat, I would shy away from electrics but for a land based rig it would be different, all based on battery range and charging.
Honda 2.3 without a doubt . Air cooled and very economical
is this filmed around Chichester marina?
How about what’s the biggest outboard that you can put on a 45+ft motor sail.
You can quite the motor as I did on a Yamaha 1,000 watts gen,. Inside the cover glue 1" sponge cut with a razor to pyramid, that the shape has more surface area. And it take away the irration of higher sound waves so it sounded as the honda 2,000 gen a more deeper sound that more acceptable
Can't beat lighter/ longer range tank/ reverse /less maintenance
what brand and model of dinghy is this?
All very informative, thanks. I guess its necessary to flush the suzuki and yamaha motors in fresh water after use. Bit of an inconvenience if they are tender motors stowed on the parent boat?
You should flush the selva and the honda too.
As far as I know the honda has a watercooled tailshaft(exhaust) ;)
@@nielsdebakker3283 oh yes i forgot about the selva. But the aircooled honda maybe much easier to look after in this tender scenario... shame its a bit agricultural. Im a yamaha
fan...
What an excellent review!! It helped me narrow down the decision to Yamaha so far; however, what is your impression of the Tohatsu 2.5? How does it match to Yamaha? Thanks.
Take Tohatsu 3.5 Hp minimum! Best choice is 5 Hp Tohatsu :)
Tohatsu makes small hp Mercury, Nissan outboards.
You never said if the Italian motor got up on plane with a single occupant? Being that it is the cheapest of the lot, and with two on board it seems to preform the best it is frustrating not to have the complete specification list.
Thank You for the info. It helped a lot!! Looking for a 2.5 for my Water Tender 9.4. The Yamaha looks to be a good choice 😃.
i am a collector of wristwatches and i have purchased many made both in china and japan. i have no hesitation saying i have zero confidence in the quality control of products made in china. if a chinese wristwatch fails I can just drop it in my pocket and change it out when i get home. if youre stuck on a beach in your dingy - well, thats a different proposition. when i purchase a chinese watch i consider it to be disposable. there is a reason the japanese products are more expensive.
Wtf are you talking about.
Yeah, I’m sure all of the thousands of factories work exactly the same…
Согласен с Вами на 100%
Which is Best? Thanks
Can I ask, what grade petrol was used in the tests.
You typically want to go premium with small engines
Thank you for the great review! I think I am going with the Honda despite the louder noise after watching this.
Wonder how a 2 stroke a Tohatsu 3.5hp would fair at just 12kg and probably a lot more power / torque than all those tested?
A friend of mine bought the Yamaha 2.5 HP motor new last year. He's had nothing but problems with it. We don't know if it's from complete lack of experience and he's doing something wrong, or if he bought a lemon. It starts, but cuts out constantly. I've been on it with him a few times and he's also taken it on my inflatable. 100% unreliable. Possible we're missing something? He's read the manual, asked questions to the dealer, etc. He also mentioned it's out of fuel extremely quickly, and he never even came close to full throttle when I've been on it with him. Almost trolling speeds.
He talked about selling his Portland Pudgy boat and motor, and buying a Sea Eagle Paddleski and Torqeedo motor like mine instead.
I do wish the motor worked correctly, because he could take it out on my inflatable and we're have much greater range than a lithium motor can provide. I generally keep my range to a maximum of 10 miles (5 miles away from launch) and I'm running slow some of that time to be sure I'll have enough juice. This is plenty of juice and enough speed at most locations I use it, but I'd like to be able to go further at some places I occasionally visit.
I am having hard time finding Honda outboard motor online because idk any trustful website to order from please help
They've available on eBay via East Anglia boating store Seamark Nunn www.ebay.co.uk/itm/401425583503?mkevt=1&mkcid=1&mkrid=710-53481-19255-0&campid=5337827784&customid=mby-us-7356232205077468000
How does an air cooled stay cooled when it’s covered?
Same way like a mopad
Force air with a fan on top of the engine.
I have this engine my self .
For me it's Yamaha hands down. I own a 2.5hp and it's been nothing but great. Never given me an issue . Of course you want to take care of basic maintenance and the engine purrs
The one that’s on sale. There I just saved you almost 27 minutes. 😆
what kind of boat?
I foolishly purchased a Suzuki DF2.5 outboard in 2019. Used it in summer, flushed it with fresh water after use and stored over winter standing upright indoors. I had it dealer serviced. I found the outboard difficult to start taking 10 to 30 pulls to get it to start and it had a vicious kickback often slamming my hand into the cowling. After about two years I wanted to use it to go out to a mooring. Pulled the cord to start and no compression. Took it back to the dealer and apparently the exhaust valve had stuck partly open and the push rod had fallen out of position. Happily there was no damage and the dealer fixed it, but the hard to start issue continued. I did not like using it.
I decided to sell it, but thought I could not do that if it would not start easily.
Took the cowl off, there was oil coming out the air intake! Why? It was stored upright and laid it down on the tiller side. Then I looked closely at the oil window and noticed that there was a max level line on it. However the oil level was above the round window. I took some oil out and got it down to the max line. OK, likely oil in the cylinder! Took the spark plug out, it was oily, also the gap was over 1mm. Cleaned the plug and set the gap to 0.63mm. Now the motor starts first or second pull and no great kickback. It’s now on probation to see if I keep it!
The spark plug gap must have been wrong from the factory and that was exacerbated by the dealer over filling the oil. However, the valve issue seems to be a problem with the design as there are other accounts of this happening. Would I buy one again? No, I think maybe the Yamaha if sticking with gasoline.
I think if I am going electric the new model Torqeedo Travel is the best choice. The ePropulsion Spirit plus looks better on paper. It has a bigger battery, runs a 48volt system (new torqeedo 44 volts why?) and you can plug in an external 48 volt lithium phosphate battery if you want. However, the ePropulsion battery really worries me . It has lithium polymer pouch cells (no rigidity) inside the battery case. This battery tech is more prone to fire than just about any other lithium battery type. The Torqeedo battery, as I understand it uses cylindrical cells which are more robust to knocks and bumps and much less likely to puncture or fall apart and as a result much less likely to catch fire.
Fuel burn rate ? ..Miles per tank or miles per liter ???????
Centrifugal clutch makes the Honda impossible to start in current, just something to be aware of, neutral is necessary!
BEST TEST EVER! Just bad that both Mercury and Tohatsu 2.5 and 3.5 weren´t tested here. Hope you make a new Comparision 2024.
Please do this on 5-10hp
Hold the press. I have a TK144FC Tomking 4 cycle. There's also an exceptionally light TK140FC. 23 and 18 LBS and 53 and 36 CC's. I easily filed the flywheel slot to retard the ignition toward top dead center and replaced the centrifugal clutch springs with lighter ones. The metal propeller took a hand finish and performed with much less drag than out of the box. A lot more people could have a reliable small 4 cycle if they grabbed my choices. I don't leave fuel in the tank overnight.
Nice review.
Is it correct that I am missing the single person speed(s) for the selva in this review?
Yes, sorry. Forgot to video that part but like the Yamaha I managed to get it planing with a seed of 8.0 knots with just me on board. You can read the full review with all the numbers in the October issue of Motor Boat & Yachting.
The biggest downside to these little gas engines is the lack of a real reverse gear. Spinning the motor requires the user to hover over the transom without access to the tiller/throttle. The tell tail water tell tail also tends to squirt into the boat. Most brands will upgrade you to a full reverse gear in the 3.5 hp model with little to no weight gain.
Yamaha always says less horsepower that it really is. The motor is probably a 2.8 or even 3hp
That honda is the main engine for my main boat😂
Yamaha nr1
can I ask a question please I am new to boating just bought a 16 ft Shetland 535 cabin fishing boat been told that I need a 25 HP minimum outboard? but I am watching these videos with 2.5 HP and they seem very ok to me as I am not keen of a very fast boat just for a bit of fishing and simple cruising. can you please advise me as I don't know much about boat engines. Thanks
They were right with the 25. That boat is too big for a 2hp. You'll get swept t sea
I guess it all depends where you're going to use it. If it's on small lakes with no currents, then even a 2.5 will do, but if you boat in big water bodies with strong currents you will definitely need the horsepower to overcome the current.
A 10 horse two stroke. Boom, saved you the effort
What happened to the 2.0hp Honda? I feel if you are going to have the least powerful but lightest Gas motor you should really own it instead of being only slightly smaller.
The 2.0 is no longer produced. Their smallest output model is the BF 2.3 shown here
@@otm646 I know I'm just wondering why.
@@RRW359 prop because the 2.3 is a small tier segment.. like 4-6 hp is were all the action is on the market.. all the little kids scooting around in rubber dingy's... all the sailboat kickers are 4-6hp. U used to have 2stroke engines that were lighter so that also defeated the purpose of a heavier 4 stroke motor with less power... but now some people still use 2.3 for regulations.. like for kids without supervision.. in some countries kids are allowed on 2.5 hp max.. In most options ur better off just going with a 4hp, more of them out there second hand.. also more parts available for longer..also bit more power..
I thought that Honda 2.3 was 2 stroke
my first small engine was suzuki 2.5 and now yamaha 2.5 .The yamaha is 5x better ,never problem on the sea.
I am a Suzuki 2.5 user (fan). Does the Yammi offer more thrust?
1:27 i highly doubt it weighs that much 😂
My Yamaha has the epa style gas it’s not air cooled either
The Suzuki's tiny carburettor jets clog up too easily, even when you take all the precautions
How often does this become a problem? I just purchased one
@@evan2290 If you don't run it for a month you might have difficulties.
@@youngypaul Thanks for the response man, I really appreciate it. And thank you for the info. It could easily go a month without use where I live. Is there a precaution I can take, like cleaning or something?(sorry if this is a dumb question. This is new to me).
The Honda seems like a good idea
thought so, but unfortunatelly very noisy :/
You never showed putting it on the little Dingy!...
Sorry dude but your boat is not going fast enough. My Honda 2.3 does 8.5 knots with the HondaWave boat.
When he said it was 720 pounds my American ass thought he got the weight wrong 😑
Give me a 2 stroke over any of those engines all day long. Lighter more power and efficient
2 stroke engines aren't more efficient, not sure where you're getting your facts.
@@DL101ca more efficient in every single way weight, power ,speed ,storage ,size. Consumption on small hp is very similar not a major factor to me when deciding
@@josephborg6958 Two stroke cons: burns more fuel, higher emissions, noisier operation
and less durable than a four-stroke.
you will find after a days learning on the Hondas clutch you will never want to go back to the other type of gearbox.
water ballet is possible, the control is so amazing.
the Honda is far more robust and reliable only problem you will get is water in the carbi I changed a spark plug once . wrong again, just water in the carbie .
after many thousands of hours I can say they are stone axe reliable.
clean the carbi once a year and check behind prop for fishing line, that will kill the oil seal on the gear drive. and they will outlast you.
just buy some ear plugs, or do what I do over fill the oil sump seems to reduce the racket.
Good luck finding parts for an E-propulsion or torqeedo when the competent manufacturers we trust (Honda, Mercury, Yamaha) take that market over. Just saying...
Also the batteries and charging are much more inconvenient than you might imagine.
Gasoline is a pretty efficient means of storing potential chemical energy. Electric is hype. The state of that industry is embryonic, not established. One day, perhaps...
Hmm?….no mention ‘at all’ as if these a 2 stroke or 4 stroke. This should ha be mentioned as so “this is the Honda 2.3hp ?? Stroke engine” for example.
These were all 4 stroke engines.
You cannot buy new 2 stroke engines in most developed countries. They’re all 4 stroke
Air cooled noisier bec there is no water jacket to muffle.
I've just been looking into dinghies and Outboards for my Next Sailboat. If Cruising extensively, none of these .Outboards are capable of delivering What you NEED, from a Working Tender, which is basically the equivalent of a Hatchback Cars versatile Load Carrying Capacity, so minimum 2.7m to 3m, length dinghy. What Petrol Outboards this size are useful for, and kept out of the way say in a large foredeck locker, with say a 2.4m inflatable, is as an emergency backup that can get you ashore to collect needed parts or whatever, when the weather and sea state is good. Under no circumstances would I use an electric outboard in other than this role, and then it would be with extreme reservations Why? Because today, There still aren't any Electric Batteries that can even closely compete with the Energy Density of Petrol ! versus diesel, it's even worse than against Petrol. In the Marine Environment we are in, Energy Density is critically important for Safety reasons. I'm not saying .I won't go to the assistance of idiots who get themselves into Boating trouble of their own making, but it's a bit rich if these idiots get I to trouble and expect the Lifeboats to save their backsides, I'd give them, after a rescue, a bloody long lecture on their childishness and Criminal irresponsibility tbh. I think it's about time the Yacnting Mags started taking a bloody strong Stance on this no sense . 🤔
Selva 30.5 kegs, way too heavy 67.24 lbs!
A lot of noise for low hp 4 strokes. I'd prefer a 2 stroke than.
I thought you couldnt get 2 strokes anymore? (New to this)
@@evan2290used, they're all over the place.
Bought 2-3 Honda. Build quality questionable impulse buy Chinese dident research. However its been reliable 🇭🇲
OMG those kids 🗣🗣🗣🗣
Why any sane person would buy the Honda over the Suzuki DF 2.5 is beyond me...
The tiller is supposed to be flipped over when going in reverse.
The Selva engine looks in many parts as the Suzuki engine to me..?
Its only 13kg not 18kg like the others. that makes a big difference lifting it from tender to pulpit. Its air cooled so using in in shallow water doesn't pick up silt in the cooling and you don't need to flush it.
@@andrewcherowbrier329 DF 2.5 is 13.5kg...
The only benefit of the Honda is the air cooling, warranty and maybe the dealer network. Otherwise Suzuki seems like the better choice.
Inflatable dinghies are extremely inefficient, therefore they need big engines!
When out of the boat reviewing it, they are ‘built’ which means manufactured in China, then all of a sudden when ‘in’ the dinghy they are ‘built’ in Italy….Hmmm! Lack of production editing here, sack those responsible.
More then 3× price for elect r ic lol!
E-outboards? Yuck... give me the petrol engine all day any day!
Well✌🏼😹 ♫♪♫♪
LMAO. Honda have underwater exhaust just like ALL outboards... Why do people make videos when they do not know what the hell they talking about??
Thanks for the video. Why are you walking so slowly on such a good boat? You can accelerate up to 12 miles (24 km/h)! ua-cam.com/video/CVk7ZR7QNh8/v-deo.html
Yamaha is actually 30% more expensive than the Suzuki.
Honda should be ashamed of the piece of crap!!!
Tohatsu…
the Suzuki i quieter than the yamaha