Primitive Archer
Main Discussion Area => Around the Campfire => Topic started by: PeteC on March 17, 2019, 08:17:56 am
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I have been looking for the last month or so to replace an old worn out 3.3 Merc that I've used on my canoe for the last 20 years. I'm wanting a dependable motor 5 hp or less,the choices don't look to favorable considering the reviews I've read. I went out ready to buy the Yamaha 4 hp,4 stroke,but at 58# that would'nt be practical,in the places I go,due to steep,slippery mud banks. My old motor weighs 33#.and I don't want to get much over that. Any suggestions or experience with any of the small ,dependable 4 strokes. Thanks,God Bless
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I was a Johnson/Evenrude factory trained outboard mechanic when I lived on the coast but that was almost 30 years ago. The only 4 stroke back then was the Honda 10hp which was a sweet motor but very heavy. I'm out of the loop on OBs now and couldn't afford one if I wanted one. Hope you find the answer you are looking for, Pete. Maybe a bigger paddle. :OK
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Briggs makes a pretty cool outboard, 4 stroke of course. I have a friend that has abused one for over 10 years. They are tough, perfect for river running.
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I dont know about 4 strokes, they are so heavy. I have a 5 hp Johnson seahorse that i wouldn't trade for a brand new motor. Simple and well made. Cant beat it.
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Why not go electric?
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Thanks for the replies y'all. I think I'm leaning toward trying to find a little used 2 stroke. I wish they still made the twin cylinder Johnsons and Evinrudes,what sweet motors. Electric is'nt an option for me as I usually go 5- 7 miles downriver to my favorite huntin' spots.Coming back upstream through very strong current just won't happen,at least with just 1 battery. I've heard some bad reports on the new Briggs as well. I've got to have what I call a "down stream" motor.It has to be dependable enough to get you back up stream.
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Pete, I don't know if they are still around but the old British Seagull was a workhorse developed in WWII and are simple and easy to fix, bare bones. No gear case so you turn the tiller backwards for reverse. Pull cord start and a prop made to push. Heck, they might be collectors items these days.
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I just Googled British Seagull outboard , they are still around on eBay
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My Dad bought a brand new 5 horse Seagull back in the 70's. It had a 5 bladed prop. Not very fast. I can remember the instructions
1. Close the choke
2. Press the priming button until petrol drips into the sea.
3. Pull the starting rope twice
4. Open the choke
5. Pull the starting rope
6. Engine will start. If it does not you have done something wrong. Go back to step one.
Cocky people these Brits ;D ;D
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Those British Seagulls were used to push cargo and personnel barges in WWII, not fast but strong. A 5 blade prop pushed a lot of water. Plus, you could work on them with a screw driver, a pair of pliers and a match box striker to clean the points. There were some recovered from sunken barges and with little work they were running again.
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I have a 2.5 hp mercury 2 stroke that I really like.
it weighs way less than a deep cycle battery and just sips fuel.
its the cats meow for pushing my 12 foot alumacraft v bottom around the small lakes fishing for blue gills .
I also use it for a kicker motor on my 14 footer fishing winter steelhead.
I just wish it had neutral.
as soon as its running your moving.
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I'll check out the Seagull . My 3.3 merc 2 stroke has given me good service for 20 yrs. But I feel like its running on about half compression.,,and it's just worn out. I did'nt want to spend lot of money on parts when I could be buying a new motor. I'm beginning to wonder if the new parts might be a better idea. I'll just keep looking ,for a while anyway. Thanks , God Bless
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Like Pat says they are slow. Dad had his on a 14' aluminum( a heavy one) and it would just reach trolling(bucktail) speed. If you're trying to go upstream you may be disappointed. Try it before you buy it. But they are a great motor.
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Thanks, I do face a strong current coming back upstream. God Bless
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I have have bad luck with the newer EFI and 4 stroke motors. If you have the ability to maintain one of the more recent carbureted 2 strokes, that is the direction I would go.
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Thanks Ryan.That's all I've been reading about in customer reviews,(bad news) .I agree with you.At least my little Merc will still get me back upstream on the flood stage Sabine.God bless