Are lightweight outboard motors popular among consumers? Of course they do. Low-power units are of interest primarily to those who like to fish, getting to the place along a well-trodden water route. In addition, such engines differ from their more powerful and heavier counterparts only in the amount of horsepower specified in the specification. Otherwise, they are characterized by the same qualities: reliability, long service life, fuel efficiency.
Let's see what the Russian market is ready to offer the buyer. For convenience, all PLM models are divided according to rated power (in horsepower).
From 2-2.5 hp
This, of course, included the lightest outboard motors. Despite the simplicity of the design, representatives of the group come in a wide variety of modifications. In particular, they include: an internal tank and one cylinder. Modest dimensions and light weight are the main characteristic features of the motors. All of them have a tiller with a control system either on it (Yamaha, Honda) or on the head of the power unit.
Please note: PLMs classified in this group do not have reverse gear. Therefore, if necessary, the engine simply turns 180 degrees.
The cooling system is in most cases water-based. The only model that falls out of the picture is the two-horsepower air-cooled Honda. The screws of the group representatives are protected with a key.
Ergonomics, as well as technical characteristics of the motors vary:
- Yamaha - smallest cylinder volume
- Honda - ringing sound during PLM operation caused by air cooling
- Suzuki - refined and graceful body shapes
I would like to add that power at the level of 2-2.5 forces is not so little. In particular, exactly ten years ago the Atlantic was crossed using the Tohatsu engine.
Popular 2 horsepower boat engine models
Well, we have studied the general features of two-horsepower engines, now we propose to move on to getting acquainted with specific models. Today, in their reviews, experienced motorboaters recommend purchasing the following types of equipment.
Sea-Pro T2.5S
Two-stroke engine from the product line of the Chinese manufacturer Sea-Pro. The PLM has one cylinder (diameter 42 mm), a working volume of 50 cubic meters, a carburetor power system and water cooling. The rpm limit varies from 4,000 to 5,000, only forward gear is provided, and a manual turn of the vessel 180 degrees is possible. This boat motor has 2.5 horsepower, which allows it to move a small-sized vessel at a speed of 9-10 km/h. By the way, the dimensions of the PLM itself are quite compact, and the weight is 10 kg. The price of the device is also extremely attractive, amounting to only 16,500 rubles.
Marlin 2HP AMHS
Budget two-stroke engine, developed by Dutch engineers and manufactured in China. The engine displacement is 63 cm3, the piston stroke is 38 mm, there is one cylinder with a diameter of 45 mm. The maximum engine speed reaches 4,200 - 5,000 per minute, the power is equal to exactly two horsepower. The power supply system of the device is carburetor, CDI ignition, water cooling. Control mode – tiller, manual start, number of gears 3: forward-neutral-reverse. There is also a special operating mode for shallow water and the vessel can be turned at an angle of up to 180 degrees.
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The Marlin 2HP AMHS outboard engine is equipped with a built-in 1.2 liter fuel tank. For economical fuel consumption, the engine is equipped with a loop purge system technology. Thanks to this, the engine consumes approximately 1 liter of fuel per hour of travel, at a maximum speed of 15 km/h. Components are lubricated with a gasoline-oil mixture in a ratio of 50:1.
In terms of dimensions, the motor is designed for a transom with a height of 381 mm, the weight of the motor is 9.8 kg. The model is equipped with a plastic three-bladed propeller, five-layer paint coating. And in conclusion, it is worth noting that according to user reviews, the engine performed well when used not only in fresh water, but also in salt water.
The average price of the device in dealer centers is 19,800 rubles. The package includes the motor itself, the technical data sheet of the device, a set of spare tools and accessories.
Parsun T2.6 CBMS
Another worthy option for when you need a practical and cheap 2 hp outboard motor. Parsun is a Chinese brand that uses components and technologies from famous foreign manufacturers in the production of PLMs. This company has been present on the Russian market for a long time, and the company’s model line over the years has received much more praise from Russian users than criticism.
As for this particular model, the Parsun T2.6 CBMS is a typical two-stroke, not distinguished by any special innovations or cool features. But this motor is as reliable, durable and stable as possible. Most of the housing elements (screw, panels, starter, etc.) are made of aluminum, additionally reinforced with an anti-corrosion coating. This solution allows you to operate the engine in both fresh and salt water, even in shallow water and in reservoirs with underwater obstacles (algae, stones, snags).
By design, the engine is single-cylinder, with a displacement of 50 cubic meters. The maximum speed is 5,500, at idle speed – 1,350. The fuel system is carburetor, built-in tank (volume 1.2 l). The gearbox is front-mounted, the vessel can be turned manually 360 degrees. The control system is tiller, manual starting. The engine is designed for a transom height of 381 mm, the weight of the device is 9.8 kg.
You can buy Parsun T2.6 CBMS from Russian dealers for 20 thousand rubles.
HDX T 2.6 CBMS
Two-stroke outboard motors 2 hp. presents another reliable model - the HDX T2.6 motor. At its core, this is a Chinese budget analogue of the famous Japanese Yamaha of similar power.
The main technical data of this model are almost no different from the previous ones: 50 cm3 engine, one cylinder, maximum 4.5-5.5 thousand revolutions, built-in 1.2 liter fuel tank. The design features are also similar in many ways: weight 9.8 kg, three-blade propeller, manual start. However, the “trick” of HDX outboard motors is reliability and versatility, which is also evident in this model.
So, HDX T2.6. can be used in almost any weather conditions (the engine is stable at temperatures down to -7 degrees) and even in very polluted water bodies. Excellent traction, a durable body and simple but time-tested technologies allow this engine to steadily gain speed even under extremely difficult operating conditions. It is for this property that users value this engine, although in terms of speed (9 km/h) and fuel consumption (1.3 l/h) it is slightly inferior to its closest competitors. In terms of cost, all devices are still on par: you can buy the HDX T 2.6 CBMS for 19,400 rubles.
Tohatsu MFS 2.5
A solid Japanese four-stroke with an engine capacity of 85 cc. The unit is single-cylinder, with a manual starter and a built-in 1 liter fuel tank. The maximum speed reaches 4500-5500 per minute, and for a two-seater PVC boat this motor is 2.5 hp. capable of reaching speeds of 12 km/h.
The dimensions of the device are small, but the weight is already 17.5 kg. The increase in weight is due to the design features of four-stroke engines and the presence of a lubricant spray system, i.e. the user is spared from pre-mixing the fuel and lubricant mixture. Also, like any four-stroke engine, the Tohatsu MFS 2.5 is quite ergonomic and demonstrates a high class of environmentally friendly operation, but for all these advantages you will have to pay a considerable price: the manufacturer estimates this model at 49,990 rubles.
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Mikatsu MF2.5 FHS
Chinese four-stroke outboard motor 2.5 hp. with an engine capacity of 72 cm3. Mikatsu motors are considered a budget analogue of PLM from the Japanese brand Yamaha.
Single-cylinder engine, CDI ignition system, tiller control, max. rpm 5200-5750, three gears: forward-neutral-back. The fuel tank is built-in, volume 1.2 liters. The weight of the motor is 17 kg, the required transom height for installing the PLM is 381 mm. The motor does not differ in specific characteristics, but since many technological solutions are borrowed from Yamaha, the Mikatsu MF2.5 FHS engine is famous for its stable and reliable operation. The price of this four-stroke engine is also attractive for shipowners, which is 36,900 rubles.
Honda BF 2.3
Lightweight, compact, economical and reliable four-stroke from the famous Japanese brand Honda. The manufacturer has long relied on the ergonomics and stability of engines, so today the company’s line of models includes only 4-stroke models.
The Honda BF2.3 engine is an efficient mobile engine that, with its own weight of 13.6 kg, easily pulls small vessels even with a high load. The engine has 1 cylinder, 1 carburetor, a volume of 57 cubic meters and a maximum speed of 5-6 thousand. The device has transistor ignition, exhaust is produced into water, and air cooling. The box provides 2 gears (forward and neutral), as well as a manual rotation of a full 360 degrees. Thanks to the wide angle of inclination of the hull, this engine allows the vessel to be operated in shallow and polluted water bodies or overgrown with dense vegetation.
In its own way, the Honda engine is 2.3 hp. is unique, but a significant disadvantage for many powerboaters will be the price of this device, reaching 70 thousand rubles or more.
Yamaha 2CMHS
Despite the trend of four-stroke motors, 2-stroke 2 hp outboard motors are also present in user ratings. And a branded copy from Yamaha is in high demand.
So, the Yamaha 2 CMHS model is a two-stroke single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 50 cubic centimeters. The 1.2-liter fuel tank is built-in; pre-mixing of the fuel and lubricant mixture is required. The maximum speed reaches 4,000 - 5,000, the maximum possible speed of the vessel is 10 km/h. At the same time, in one hour of operation the engine consumes approximately 2/3 of a fully filled built-in tank.
Motor Yamaha 2 hp designed for standard transom height (381 mm) and weighs about 9.8 kg. The engine is installed both on inflatable rubber and PVC boats, and on a rigid hull made of fiberglass or metal. The motor is fixed using clamp screws, and the angle of inclination of the PLM relative to the transom is conveniently adjusted using a comb. The engine is started manually; the control system is also devoid of automation.
The engine demonstrates reliable and economical operation, but the initial cost of 33,000 rubles becomes a significant disadvantage for many shipowners.
Mercury ME F 2.5 M
The most expensive, but at the same time the most technically powerful engine from Mercury in our rating. The Mercury ME F 2.5 M outboard motor costs 54,000 rubles, and for this money users receive:
- 4 cycles of operation;
- Single-cylinder engine with a volume of 85 cm3;
- Maximum revolutions are 5,000 – 6,000;
- Built-in 1 liter gas tank;
- 2 gears (forward-neutral) and a 180-degree turn;
- Possibility of installing remote control.
In addition, the dimensions of the engine are minimized, and the weight of the device is 18 kg. It is also worth noting the almost silent operation mode, which will be a huge plus for lovers of hunting and fishing.
Thus, the market for outboard motors is wide and varied. Consequently, each buyer will be able to easily select an engine model for a boat or boat that is suitable in terms of cost and technical parameters. Good luck with your choice!
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From 3-3.5 hp
The most popular, and therefore the best-selling category of motors. Not only hunting and fishing enthusiasts, but also yachtsmen and even rescuers equip their boats with them. There is not a single four-stroke power unit represented in this group.
Most often, buyers opt for a four- or five-horsepower engine. The difference of one “horse” is explained simply: manufacturers have been successfully using the following tactics for quite a long time - they slightly change the characteristics of the ignition and power systems. This is beneficial, first of all, for them, because there is no need to produce separate spare parts for the “four” and “five”.
Low-power PLMs are installed by owners on small boats. Therefore, the external fuel tank (if there is one) needs free space both in the boat itself and in the car in which it is transported. It is noteworthy that Mercury produces engines that can be equipped with both an external and an internal tank. But, for example, Tohatsu - either one or the other.
Which outboard motor is better to buy?
Before buying an engine, you should take into account the operating features of the boat and correctly calculate your budget. To do this, you need to pay attention to a number of basic criteria when choosing a device. The main one is the power of the engine, on which the speed of the craft directly depends.
- For coastal fishing, walking along calm rivers or small lakes, 2-6 horsepower is enough. Such engines consume a small amount of fuel and weigh little.
- Price of motors with power 8-16 hp. can reach 80 thousand rubles. They are used for long distance walking or multi-day fishing. Such engines have medium dimensions, weigh up to 35 kg and are capable of putting the ship into planing mode.
- The most expensive are devices with a power of 20 horsepower. They are capable of transporting a group of people at high speed and are designed for long-term walking even in choppy water. The mass of such motors does not allow for frequent transportation, so they are installed on large all-metal vessels.
In planing mode, the boat is able to “slide” along the surface of the water at high speed. At the same time, rolling resistance and fuel consumption are reduced to a minimum. Planing access is available to vessels equipped with an engine with a capacity of 8 horsepower or more.
Boat engines are divided into gasoline and electric. When choosing a gasoline engine, you should pay attention to its design. Two-stroke engines consume significantly more fuel than four-stroke engines and are noisier. However, they weigh much less and are easier to maintain.
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From 6-8 hp
Two-cylinder units are already presented here. All of them have an external fuel tank that can hold up to 12 liters of fuel. PLM with a power of 6, 7 or 8 “horses” can be equipped with remote/manual control and electric start.
Leading positions in terms of engine weight and volume are occupied by products released under the Mercury brand. Their main advantage is the ability to control reverse and gas using the same handle. However, experts note: despite the convenience, there is a possibility of control synchronization being disrupted during operation.
The lightest in this class are Tohatsu (however, there are no six-horsepower units in the line of this manufacturer).
