Tender motor research

[Kelly Hanson East]

Between various boats I need a small four stroke kicker and share some interesting research

Perusing the major brands (Mercury, Nissan/Tohatsu, Yamaha, Evinrude, Honda, Suzuki)

they all have the same 'feature points' where various things are available

2-3.5 HP have only F-N gears (no R), internal fuel tank only
4 HP is the biggest you can get with internal fuel tank, and has FNR and also use an external tank, with the notable exception of Suzuki, who offer internals up to 6 HP
5 HP on up has alternator option for charging (either low power for lights or actual battery charging capability

Im leaning heavily towards an internal gas tank so the 4HP is looking good right now.

The Honda line, interestingly enough, is hard to buy on-line and is about 30% more expensive than the others - and their motors are only 2 star compliant on emissions!

Edited to add comment

[Hamin' X]

Are regulations forcing you to go 4s, or did your beloved Seagull die? ~Rich

[Kelly Hanson East]

There are rumblings about 2s being banned in local lakes and I am thinking about that. I can use this motor on the inflatable, the Watertender 10 foot (the CHUNK) or even the Island 17' day sailor

My 'gull did quit on me in C'hunk the other week (as always, dirty fuel in carb) but my girls are getting to the age where they can handle a tender and motor themselves....Im not too fond of long blond hair and the Seagull "spinning flywheel of death" (un-covered flywheel which spins at 4000 rpm).

Ergo a nice clean 4 stroke with FNR and a pull starter that anyone in the family can start and use is the order of the day.

The decision tree was pretty easy since CHUNK is only 5 HP rated, but 4HP is the largest kicker you can get with an internal fuel tank. On the CHUNK I dont want the girls messing with an external tank and fuel lines so 4HP it is. You can cruise for 2 hours on the internal tank btw!!
The 4HP motors can take an external tank so it will also serve as backup on Catigale, our


ITs killing me because I do have a 'modern' Seagull project motor in the basement with FNR but its 12 months from hitting the water at least.

[R Rae]

Hi,

Practical Sailor gave 'two thumbs up' for the Suzuki 4hp 4str. about 2 or 3 years ago. Ease of starting int. fuel tank and more. That helped me making the final decision to move in that direction........Been a happy camper ever since.


R

[Kelly Hanson East]

Thanks for reminding me on this

Suzuki was the one exception who offered a 6HP with an internal tank and a 55 lb motor. The CHUNK would be overpowered technically with a 6HP rating and in MA, where the DEC Nazis proliferate at launch ramps, I didnt want to get tagged with that. On top of that, that motor carried an online price tag of 1300 USD, I spent 550 less for my 4 HP, so economics came into play.

I do have it on authority that the difference in the 4 5 6 HP engine models (confirmed for Nissan Tohatsu, probable for the others) is only carb (and bezel sticker ), so you could turn your 4HP into a 6HP by swapping the carb for about 140 USD or so down the road. Clever way to defeat the Nazis, unless they have a prop horsepower meter in their bag....

[James V]

I have the Honda 2 hp. You can hold onto the dock with it in gear. Just turn the motor around for reverse.

28 pounds for long shaft and AIR cooled. no impeller. Noiser than most.

[Hardcrab]

Ditto the Honda 2.
Mine has the "automatic shift". Neutral at idle, then it shifts into forward when RPM's come up.
Seems to work fine for me.
The reverse thing also works fine because the tiller flops over, and the throttle grip stays easy to use.
My biggest like is the 27lbs and the almost zero fuel usage.
My only dislike is it's somewhat harder than most to pull start, even with the small displacement engine.
The Admiral can't quite manage to pull it through to start.
I think that the flywheel is small, so there is less leverage had by the start rope.

To me, this could be a deal breaker for your younger crew.

[Paul S]

my 1968 evinrude 1.5 is becoming the envy of the NE-TS fleet. Seems to be the only one starting on the first pull, staying running, is like 11# and no one will steal at a dinghy dock

[Kelly Hanson East]

With the kids, the ease of starting becomes important, unless you like swimming to recover them from the pond....

I do love my 'Gulls and once the kids leave I can always resell and go retro..

1968??? Thats contemporary for a Gull!!!!!!

(1932 design)

[KayakDan]

I kinda like my little Honda 2hp. It's lightweight,stylish and on infrequent occasions it even starts on the first pull....if it's in the mood. And if it wants to start at all....

[Kelly Hanson East]

The Seagull (a 2HP equivalent) would move CHUNK with 4 of us in it but not very well....thanks mostly to my lardbutt...although the kids arent flyweights anymore, they both tip the scales at 100# plus....

I also just added two dogs who are another 80 pounds of weight or so.

2HP kickers will save you a boatload of money upfront, but the do have their limits...

I think the two of them will have fun with the CHUNK and 4 HP solo or together - its a fun little boat on flat water indeed, even with the 2 HP 'Gull

[Kelly Hanson East]

The Admiral can't quite manage to pull it through to start.
I think that the flywheel is small, so there is less leverage had by the start rope.

To me, this could be a deal breaker for your younger crew.

Exactly. The consequences of 'Im the only starter' means I have to take everyone to shore on for a weeks vacation, several times a day. Its amazing how few days this takes before it gets old...like 1.

Motor comes this weekend, we will put it on the CHUNK and go hit the Hudson this weekend and break it in, and the

Outboard motor 800 USD

Twin Girls outboard qualification merit badge - priceless

[Kelly Hanson East]

my 1968 evinrude 1.5 is becoming the envy of the NE-TS fleet. Seems to be the only one starting on the first pull, staying running, is like 11# and no one will steal at a dinghy dock

Ah - the President of the Spinning Flywheel of Death Society....

Paul - have you ever started it and then realised you left a wrench on the flywheel nut? Makes you think about how to approach it to turn it off
....

[Paul S]

my 1968 evinrude 1.5 is becoming the envy of the NE-TS fleet. Seems to be the only one starting on the first pull, staying running, is like 11# and no one will steal at a dinghy dock

Ah - the President of the Spinning Flywheel of Death Society....

Paul - have you ever started it and then realised you left a wrench on the flywheel nut? Makes you think about how to approach it to turn it off.

Nope and don't plan on trying I am sure you will notice a wrench on it while trying to wrap the rope. If YOU DO it, you really need a 'stupid sign' to wear.

I was kinda freaked out about it at first, but after touching the flywheel while it was running a few times and still have my fingers intact, I am less afraid of it. thank goodness the slots for the rope are on the back side of the rotation so it won't catch anything.

I am actually stunned how easy it is to start. Even the admiral can start it easily. She still needs to learn how to choke a cold motor though, but she has the hang of it. The "Mate 1.5" I have does easily push 4 adults around on our big@ss dingy with surprising spirit. More than acceptable. 1/3-1/4 (or better) the weight of a 2-4 hp motor and next to no cost for the motor, it deserves a second look.

I heard somone on the CH rendezvous call it the mosquito motor (I assume from the sound of it).

[Kelly Hanson East]

I had already wrapped the motor, and had just torqued down the flyweel, had to break to take a phone call, getting dark.


Wrenches are pretty whirling at 4000 rpm...almost artistic

I already have a 'stupid sign'