Above-the-Fold 15 Posted November 23, 2019 Share Posted November 23, 2019 I have an old Honda 2HP four-stroke that's just about had the biscuit. Looking around, I see that there are various motors available of about the same size. I think I probably want to go with a used motor, but I was intrigued with an ad on TradeMe for the EARROW. https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-marine/parts-accessories/outboards/listing-2409011944.htm?rsqid=15538f2dcb3444498ac28fac406a19f9-002 Has anyone had any experience with it? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Kevin McCready 83 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 If you insist on one producing more greenhouse gases then at least get a 4-stroke, but I'd be going for electric these days. 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marinheiro 352 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 I have had a very good run with a Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke, not much more new than the Chinese Yamaha rip off https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-marine/parts-accessories/outboards/listing-2407454148.htm?rsqid=b6be4af0e46e4bbbb9e5ae8a0ee75b49-003 the only thing to watch on all of these little motors where water cooled, irrespective of brand, is that the cooling passages are very small and are easily blocked if not flushed regularly Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Above-the-Fold 15 Posted November 24, 2019 Author Share Posted November 24, 2019 If you insist on one producing more greenhouse gases then at least get a 4-stroke, but I'd be going for electric these days. umm.... the EARROW is a four-stroke. Just sayin' Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Above-the-Fold 15 Posted November 24, 2019 Author Share Posted November 24, 2019 Difference in price is noticeable. Good point about the cooling system. I have had a very good run with a Suzuki DF2.5 4 stroke, not much more new than the Chinese Yamaha rip off https://www.trademe.co.nz/motors/boats-marine/parts-accessories/outboards/listing-2407454148.htm?rsqid=b6be4af0e46e4bbbb9e5ae8a0ee75b49-003 the only thing to watch on all of these little motors where water cooled, irrespective of brand, is that the cooling passages are very small and are easily blocked if not flushed regularly Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Island Time 1,230 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 I have an abused Suzuki df2.5 four stroke. Never been flushed, sits outside all the time on the rail. Runs well. Pretty good motor, very clean. Yes, I'd likely buy another if needed. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Frank 157 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 I think the modern hondas are air cooled if you are worried about water cooling. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheels 543 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 2 stroke is the lightest in weight if that is an issue.2 stroke produces more power for weight. 2 stroke produces no more Greenhouse gasses than 4stroke. Remember that Co2 is the green house gas, not the oil in the exhaust. That is a different pollution issue Electric, unless you have a specific task.... like silent trolling.... waste of time and money as an outboard.4 stroke is quieter and smoother running. But all the opposite to the 2 stroke savings.The Chinese outboards are mostly of two types. A copy of an old generation "name brand" outboard, or a cheap re hash of a cheap 2 stoke air cooled engine (weed eater engines are common) with a plastic outboard looking cowling around them.Some have proven reliable and others have not. Like all Chinese, it seems to be a lottery as to which one you get.Personally I would not go for a Cheap Chinese. I bought a little Merc 2Hp for $350. It starts first pull an runs sweet. You don't have to pay a heap for a decent second hand. Go see an outboard guy and see what they have for sale. 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Above-the-Fold 15 Posted November 24, 2019 Author Share Posted November 24, 2019 " You don't have to pay a heap for a decent second hand. Go see an outboard guy and see what they have for sale." Thanks. Good advice. I've been looking online at the various motor brokers, but none list used motor stock. Unless I see a bargain on TM, it'll have to wait until I get to Auckland in a few weeks. Any of the major brands would probably do and there have been a couple of votes for the Suzuki. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
armchairadmiral 411 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 Suzuki Honda Yamaha....been to factory in China where they make Parsun,Sail and one other.All the same with different labels. Uninspiring and I wouldn't buy one .Stay with tried and true. Like all things marine you get what you pay for Quote Link to post Share on other sites
marinheiro 352 Posted November 24, 2019 Share Posted November 24, 2019 I do not think weight is a big deal in this power range, a the Suzuki DF2.5 is 12.5kgs, a Yamaha 2hp 2 stroke is 9.8 kg. Much bigger difference once you get up to the 9.9hp models. The main things I like about the 4 stroke is not having to mess around with pre-mix and not leaving an oily trail.That being said if I want to go fast/some distance I will swap over to the old 2 stroke oil injected 9.9 Suzuki The down side of the single cylinder 4 strokes is they need a bit of grunt to start, to overcome the compression. My wife cannot start the 2.5 Suzuki because of this. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheels 543 Posted November 25, 2019 Share Posted November 25, 2019 Depends on if you have to carry it up a steep hill or not Yep certainly not having to mix the oil is a plus, but it was never much of a hassle either. I used a Synthetic oil and that meant I could use less oil, which made a massive difference to the starting and running and most importantly, no smoke, nor oil on the water. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
harrytom 642 Posted November 25, 2019 Share Posted November 25, 2019 litle honda 2.3 are great air cooled motors,bit on the heavy side if carrying a distance but never had a starting issue,the thing to watch out for is water getting up in the housing,the centrifugal clutch doesnt like it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Above-the-Fold 15 Posted November 25, 2019 Author Share Posted November 25, 2019 Weight isn't a great issue; only comes into play getting it off the stern rail and onto the dinghy. But I don't much like mixing the oil and gas, which is why I want a 4-stroke. The current 4-stroke Honda seems to start pretty easily but I don't think my wife has ever tried it so I dunno if she could. But then that might apply to a 2-stroke as well ... she's a smallish person. But thanks to all. Some good thoughts and advice. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
wheels 543 Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 Just got an Email from Safety at Sea. Suzuki DF2.5 portable outboard is the lightest Suzuki 4-stroke on the market!WAS $1,299 NOW $999 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
raz88 96 Posted November 27, 2019 Share Posted November 27, 2019 Suzuki DF2.5 portable outboard is the lightest Suzuki 4-stroke on the market! WAS $1,299 Would seem more meaningful if it were the lightest 4 stroke on the market. Be surprising if it weren't lighter than other Suzuki 4 strokes given it's the smallest they sell... 2 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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