Brands that produce reliable motors
Chinese manufacturers annually release new (successful and not so successful) models of outboard motors onto the market. And if in price they compare favorably with their American and Japanese counterparts, then there may be problems with reliability. The best manufacturing companies (based on reviews) are:
- Hidea is one of the best-selling brands in Russia, thanks to the price-reliability ratio, service and high quality components. The products are manufactured at the factory of the same name in China.
- Parsun supplies the most reliable (among Chinese analogues, of course) units. High quality components (according to the manufacturer, Japanese and American), casting, paint. The service is good, there are no problems with spare parts, the only drawback is the price.
- Sea-Pro - low price but unstable quality, perhaps because the units are produced at different factories, without any uniform standard. The warranty is only 1 year, the service is second to none.
- Hangkai are the cheapest branded motors on the market, as for the build quality - depends on your luck. They are produced, however, at the same plant, which means there must be at least some control during production.
- Gladiator - low cost, two-year warranty. Service is provided, and dealers sell spare parts at reasonable prices. They produce low-power motors (up to 15 hp).
- Mikatsu is positioned as a Korean brand, but is produced at the Hidea factory facilities. The quality is not bad, but the price is clearly too high. Plus, the 10-year warranty promised by the brand is not particularly fulfilled.
By the way, the warranty period is far from the most important criterion when choosing a particular model. The main thing is the quality of service and the ability to supply consumables and spare parts for reasonable money.
How to choose
The main parameter that buyers are interested in when choosing is reliability. In practice, the more expensive the motor, the more reliable it is. The main problem with Chinese engines is the poor quality of the main metal parts (plastic ones, like start lock levers or fuel filters, too) and the lack of spare parts. The latter, by the way, are not much cheaper than Japanese ones.
When choosing a brand or model, you should choose well-known Chinese brands that are produced in large factories. It is advisable to go to official dealers who, in the event of a breakdown, will be able to provide repairs and supply the necessary spare parts.
The fact is that few workshops agree to repair Chinese engines (it’s not for nothing that there are jokes about the build quality of Chinese equipment). And even if they do, they usually don’t give any guarantees.
It’s better to buy in offline stores - and you can see the product “live” and ask the seller to start it, check the build quality and functionality of the electronics.
If you still decide to order via the Internet, carefully check all the information, compare the characteristics of the selected model with those posted on the official websites of the brand. Check with the manager how warranty service will be provided, at whose expense the faulty unit will be returned, and within what time frame the money will be returned to the buyer. If you have received clear answers to all your questions, you can take a risk; if not, you should look for another store. And, yes, it is also better to read reviews about the seller in advance, preferably on third-party resources.
By the way, about guarantees - read the terms and conditions carefully. Typically, the warranty does not cover mechanical damage and rubber parts of the motor. The same goes for electrics. Also, the terms of warranty service for some brands include mandatory compliance with maintenance regulations (the services are not cheap). And lastly, look at owner reviews about a specific brand and model on special forums (not on the brand’s or seller’s website), look for video reviews.
Rating of Chinese outboard motors
PARSUN T2.6BMS
Single cylinder, two stroke, with tiller control, suitable for small boats for 1-2 people. Suitable for those who like fishing and traveling short distances. Main characteristics:
- power - 3.6 hp;
- tilt angle adjustment – manual;
- fuel tank volume – 1.5 l, engine volume – 74.6 cm3
- The recommended type of fuel is unleaded.
Warranty is usually 3 years. Maintenance is inexpensive, spare parts can be purchased without problems.
Price – from 22,000 rubles
PARSUN Т2.6BMSAdvantages:
- lightweight – weight only 13.5 kg;
- warranty service;
- reliability.
Flaws:
- stalls when going to maximum speed, with ¾ throttle there is no such problem;
- the average speed is low - only 6-7 km/h (regardless of weather conditions).
GLmarine T3.5
Compact, two-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled motor for plastic and inflatable boats. Designed for movement over short distances (recommended continuous operation time is 30 minutes). It can reach speeds of up to 17 km/h, and the inertial clutch allows you to easily pass through shallow water and grass, just simply lift the engine by the tiller. The aluminum screws are also a plus, since models in a similar price range are usually made of plastic. Main characteristics:
- power – 3.5 l. strength;
- engine volume – 52 cm3;
- starting - manual starter;
- maximum fuel consumption – 0.5 l.
Includes a set of tools, 1 year warranty. The products are manufactured at the HIDEA plant, under the Globalmarine brand.
Price – from 13,000 rubles
GLmarine T3.5Advantages:
- price – one of the most inexpensive models among analogues;
- compactness;
- convenient carrying handle;
- there is no battery, so the weight is only 9.7 kg;
- The throttle handle and stop button are located on the tiller.
Flaws:
- noisiness;
- short time of continuous operation.
ALLFA CG T2.6S
A new model recently launched on the market from the Calon Gloria brand. Single-cylinder, two-stroke, with built-in 2.5 liter fuel tank. The units are manufactured in factories with high-precision equipment, so there is a possibility that there is still quality control.
The manufacturer promises high-strength aluminum parts, multi-layer paintwork that is scratch-resistant and easy starting in any conditions and provides a 4-year warranty. Recommends using motors on boats no longer than 300 cm.
Characteristics:
- engine capacity – 61 cm3, power – 2.6 l. strength;
- operating speed range – up to 5000 rpm;
- manual tilt adjustment;
- weight – 9.8 kg.
Since the model is new, it is worth checking with the seller in advance about the possibility of supplying spare parts and service during the warranty period.
Price – from 20,000 rubles
ALLFA CG T2.6SAdvantages:
- price;
- low noise and vibration levels;
- high-strength aluminum housing;
- compactness.
Flaws:
- No.
HDX R series T 6.2 BMS
The improved model of the previous, fifth version, is distinguished by modified carburetor settings, which at the output is capable of producing up to 6.2 liters. strength It is possible to connect an external fuel tank (maximum 24 l). Suitable for small boats with mounted transom. Build quality is good, repairable. The only drawback is the non-standard thread of the clamp screws for connecting to the boat transom.
Peculiarities:
- electronic ignition system;
- tank – 2.7 l; volume – 102 cm3;
- power - 6.2 hp;
- weight – 21 kg.
Before use, you should check the oil level in the gearbox. It is better to buy from official dealers; the manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty.
Price – 52,000 rubles
HDX R series T 6.2 BMSAdvantages:
- reliability;
- low fuel consumption (the tank lasts for 4-5 hours);
- suitable for movement in shallow water;
- maximum speed (1 person in a boat) – up to 30 km/h.
Flaws:
- overpriced;
- loss of power under heavy load.
Hidea HDF6HS (with tank)
Four-stroke, relatively light (26 kg) - putting it on the transom of a boat alone is not a problem. Features quick start-up, regardless of weather conditions. There is an additional tank with a capacity of 12 liters, so refueling is not required during long journeys.
Gas control is as simple and convenient as possible, using the built-in handle on the tiller. Break-in - 25 minutes at idle, the first 5 hours - at speeds up to 2500 and average speed.
Peculiarities:
- volume – 193 cm3;
- tank – 1.1 l;
- ignition -
- power – 6 l. strength;
Warranty – 3 years, tool kit, emergency stop cord, fuel hose included.
Price – from 52,000 rubles
Hidea HDF6HS (with tank)Advantages:
- noise reduction system and safety rope;
- built-in function for movement in shallow water;
- economical fuel consumption;
- carrying handle;
- does not require registration with GIMS when installed on boats with a length of up to 4200 cm and a total weight of less than 200 kg.
Flaws:
- Often there is a defect.
Hidea HDF15HS
Quiet and powerful, suitable for lovers of hunting and fishing, and economical fuel consumption will be appreciated by connoisseurs of long-distance treks. Can be used on boats up to 360 cm in length or as an additional engine for yachts. Mandatory registration with GIMS is required.
Characteristics:
- type – four-stroke;
- cylinders – 2;
- power – 15 l. strength;
- tank – remote, 12 l;
- engine – 323 cm3.
Warranty period - 2 years, generator with rectifier, set of tools and emergency stop cable - included.
Price – from 130,000 rubles
Advantages:
- power;
- ease of operation;
- low noise and vibration levels;
- high quality materials.
Flaws:
- No.
Sail
This brand has been on the market for a long time; its first products were copies of well-known manufacturing companies. Currently, the assortment includes unique products of decent quality. It is thanks to the presence of original products, for the quality of which the brand is fully responsible, that buyers began to leave positive reviews and buy motors from this particular company.
At the same time, the brand has maintained the low cost of its products and the ability to quickly and easily repair a broken product. Most of the corresponding elements and parts are easy to select and replace the damage with them.
In total, among the line you can find models in 2 or 4 cycles. In this case, the user will be able to choose a product to his taste, depending on the capabilities of his wallet and the characteristics of the boat.
Rating of popular Chinese manufacturers of outboard boat motors
If you don’t yet know which Chinese outboard motor to choose, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the list of the most famous brands:
- Sail.
This brand is distinguished by the fact that it has chosen the strategy of copying well-known boat engines from a concern such as Yamaha. This is especially noticeable in the first model range of power units.Over time, the company began to produce engines of its own design, which gained the trust of customers. The products are characterized by maintainability, long service life and affordable price.
- Troll.
The company produces two-stroke and four-stroke engines in accordance with international standards using modern equipment. The motors are easy to use, capable of walking in shallow water, and are equally suitable for hunting and fishing.Distinctive features include the ability to adjust the tilt angle and rotate the engine 360 degrees. Each model is equipped with a steering system and an emergency stop mechanism. The Suzuki engine was taken as a standard.
- Jet Marine.
This brand can boast of its own development of engines, and not copying other people’s ideas. The assortment includes several types of 4-stroke and 2-stroke engines and dozens of modifications of these engines.The advantages include lightness, excellent driving characteristics and durability. The materials from which parts and components are made meet international quality standards.
- Seanovo.
The company was founded in 1997 and is a leader in China in the production of outboard boat motors. Engineers are guided by advanced technologies from Tohatsu and Yamaha brands. Production facilities include modern German equipment, and great attention is also paid to product quality control. Motors appeared on the Russian market in 2013 and are still popular today.
- Sailor.
The company employs engineers from Europe who are constantly improving engines and developing new models. Outboard engines are designed for fishing and walking on the water. Suitable for both PVC boats and medium-length yachts. It is not recommended to use the unit in grassy areas. The company has a testing pool, which allows us to exclude defective units. - SEA PRO.
The famous Chinese company focused on the developments of leading engine manufacturers, resulting in exact replicas of engines from famous brands Suzuki, Honda, Tohatsu, and Mercury. Despite criticism from experts, SEA PRO products are in demand on the market. The disadvantage of power units is the difficulty in acquiring original spare parts. - Marlin.
The company began its activities as a reseller of inflatable boats from South Korea, but later the company switched to the production of outboard motors. Today in the assortment you can find many modifications of four-stroke and two-stroke engines. The power of the power units reaches 15 horsepower. The engines are characterized by economical fuel consumption, maintainability, simplicity of design and high quality. - Zongshen.
The history of the company began back in 1992. The company has solid experience in mechanical engineering and has even been involved in the production of automobile engines and motorcycles. The brand has more than fifty production facilities throughout China and includes two research and development centers. In fact, Zongshen motors are a product of the Italian Selva brand, assembled at Chinese facilities. The scale of Zongshen's activities is so large that it is inappropriate to talk about poor quality. - Parsun.
The company first produced outboard motors in 2002. Power units of our own design undergo strict quality control. Before leaving the factory, engines are tested for 20 days. Engine power ranges from 2.6 to 60 horsepower. Two-stroke engines consume too much fuel and are noisy, while four-stroke engines are more economical, but have greater weight and dimensions.
The feasibility of installing a motor
It is unlikely that anyone will dispute the opinion that an outboard motor is necessary for a rubber boat. You must admit that moving with oars is not an easy task, especially if you are moving against the current and also have several passengers and equipment on board. If you use a motor for a rubber boat, you will have much more physical strength left for fishing.
An outboard boat engine will add a pleasant element of drive to boat trips and allow you to quickly get to remote areas of the reservoir.
Purchase and service
Chinese boat motors can be bought in specialized stores and on Internet portals offering water-motor equipment. After purchase, the units must be run-in for 10 hours. They are mounted on the transom, first started at idle for 10 minutes, then smoothly transferred to medium and high speed mode.
After using motors in dirty or salt water, be sure to rinse them with clean fresh water. Spark plugs are changed every 50 hours of operation. It is advisable to check them as often as possible and if carbon deposits appear, clean them immediately. Otherwise, the performance of the ignition system will deteriorate and the electrode will quickly collapse.
A complete inspection of the equipment must be carried out every 300 hours of use. This condition must be met in order not to encounter serious problems requiring major repairs. The outside of the motor housing must be cleaned regularly. Dirt and oil stains on it contribute to the development of corrosion and increase the risk of fire.
Before leaving the engine for long-term storage, it is washed, then all fuel and water are drained and dried well. It is better to store the motor in a dry, closed room. If there is no such room, you need to put a waterproof cover on the equipment.
General recommendations: what to look for when choosing and purchasing
When choosing an outboard motor, you should take into account the overall dimensions and capacity of the boat, as well as operating features. There is no need for a powerful and high-speed engine if the reservoir is small and the fishing spot is located close to the coastline. Fans of high-speed walks will benefit from powerful and high-revving engines. When planning to purchase a motor, you should pay attention to a number of important characteristics. Let's consider them further.
Deadwood dimensions
When choosing a motor, you should focus on the distance from the motor to the propeller, which is called the deadwood length. This parameter is determined by the height of the transom mounting of the rubber boat. For each type of boat, the instructions indicate the recommended deadwood length. Installing an engine with a short deadwood or, as they say, a short leg will not allow the propeller to submerge in the water. This will cause a loss of power. Using a motor with an increased knee length will make it difficult to control the boat due to increased water resistance.
Dimensions should be considered when choosing an outboard motor
Unit type
Outboard motors of rubber boats are classified according to a number of criteria:
- features of the power unit. Outboard electric motors powered by a battery are used, as well as two-stroke or four-stroke gasoline engines;
- propulsion features. The movement of a rubber boat can be carried out due to the rotation of the propeller or the pressure of the jet supplied by the water jet unit.
Each type of engine has its own characteristics, which we will discuss in subsequent sections.
Control system
Outboard motors for PVC boats can have different control schemes:
- tiller It allows you to gain speed by rotating the tiller handle and turning the boat by changing the angular position of the engine handle. The advantages of the system are reliability and simplicity;
- remote. The remote control option is convenient for long boats that have a rudder at the front of the cockpit. This design is more complex and expensive compared to a tiller control system.
For rubber boats, the first option is mainly used.
Planing mode and boat speed
If you want to achieve a certain boat speed and select an engine for this, you need to have information about the exact dimensions of the vessel, the number of crew members and the weight of the cargo being transported. Manufacturers of boats usually regulate the amount of engine power and the possible speed that a boat with a motor of a certain power can develop. If the boat manufacturer allows it to go into planing mode, a more powerful engine will be required. Lack of power will significantly reduce speed.
Outboard motors for PVC boats can have different control schemes
Load capacity
The total weight of passengers and the weight of transported equipment are determined by the displacement of the boat, the lower part of which, when loaded, is significantly submerged in the water. Boats with increased payload and displacement will require a powerful outboard engine that can provide increased speed. A low-power motor will not be able to accelerate a loaded boat and bring it to the glider.
Price
The amount of money that the owner of a rubber boat is willing to spend on the purchase of a drive motor is determined by his financial capabilities. However, even if you lack financial resources, you should not buy a cheap motor whose characteristics do not correspond to the parameters of the boat. You should not save on purchasing an outboard engine by giving preference to products from dubious manufacturers. It is worth buying a more expensive drive unit manufactured by a well-known company.
Price
For a buyer who decides to purchase an outboard motor, the deciding factor is the price and quality of the motor. And in the price factor, the Chinese are ahead of everyone. Prices for Chinese motors are naturally lower than for similar Japanese and American motors. But remember that under no circumstances should you buy a cheap motor. If the price of a new Chinese outboard motor is 10,000 rubles, then the seller bought it for at least 8,000 rubles, and in China it was bought for 4,000 rubles. There is simply no way to assemble a normal motor for that kind of money, even in China. Basically, this is the price, roughly speaking, of a disposable lighter. The price must be reasonable. Conclusion: save money and buy “Chinese”? Is Chinese exactly the same as Japanese, only cheaper? Don't deceive yourself. Not the same. But cheaper. Overpaying for a brand? Yes, the “Japanese” ones cost a lot of money. Therefore, allowing themselves to skimp on quality would be stupid on their part. In this sense, there are no complaints about China. The Chinese have confidently and single-handedly occupied the niche of cheap engines, and it seems that this will last for a long time.
What power should a PVC inflatable boat motor have?
The power of the drive unit is one of the most important parameters. The amount of power depends on:
- boat dimensions;
- boat designs;
- number of passengers.
When selecting power, you should be guided by the fact that each passenger will need approximately 5-6 liters of power. With.
One of the most important parameters is the power of the drive unit
Popularity of Chinese PLMs 9.9
The demand for Chinese outboard boat motors is generated by buyers who, for the sake of a quick desire to get a boat engine for the spring-summer season at any cost, become the same engines for the prosperity of the Chinese water motor business industry. If there were no domestic demand for Chinese, gasoline 2-stroke engines, then manufacturers from Suzhou would think about raising the quality and improving the modification of their models.
At the moment, an inexpensive Chinese model falls into the hands of a hasty, budget boater for one season and immediately dies or begins to “get sick” by the end of the season. A profitable marketing ploy forces the owner of Chinese PLM to return to the store again for a new, next, Chinese PLM. And there are a lot of such cases in the domestic reservoir. Another reason for the popularity of Chinese 2-stroke PLMs is their light weight. When the travel mode is activated and the load plays a decisive role, many prefer a light, compact model that can set a leisurely speed for a 2 or 3-seater boat, go fishing outside the city or go on a hike.
IT IS IMPORTANT TO KNOW! When purchasing a motor, pay attention not to the cost and availability of the purchase, but to safety and the body of water in which you plan to run the motor. For large water areas and long voyages, a reliable, proven Japanese or American-made engine is recommended.
For ponds and small rivers with visible shores, it is safer to use a 2-stroke Chinese gasoline engine.
The best companies of Chinese outboard motors
When assessing Chinese companies that produce outboard motors, some criteria were taken, namely:
- reviews of products from Russian users;
- opinions of world experts;
- range of products offered;
- price qualities of the product;
- place of engines in the domestic market;
- characteristics of reliability and long-term operation.
Note! A large number of manufacturers focus on middle-class consumers, which allows them to produce motors at affordable prices and high quality
SEA PRO
Budget option for boat engines. The power of the units is up to 9.9 l/s; the devices are aimed at using an enriched mixture for a faster start. Two-stroke devices require the purchase of appropriate modifications that will increase the service life of the motor.
Advantages:
- high motor power;
- the design is used from previously tested analogues.
Flaws:
- the need to purchase additional parts.
Note! The purchase of this type of parts will allow users to use the motor for a long time, subject to all operating recommendations. Average cost from 62,000 rubles.
MARLIN
The company for the production of engines for boats has an individual design of devices and produces high-quality motors at affordable prices. Currently, the company is in great demand in motorized equipment not only among domestic but also foreign users.
The most popular models of the company are:
- MARLIN MP 5 AMHS;
- MARLIN MP 9.8 AMHS.
Note! The manufacturer produces two-stroke motors with manual start of varying power from 5 to 9.8 l/s.
Advantages:
- high quality;
- no possible overheating.
Flaws:
- excessive fuel consumption.
Good to know! The units have compact dimensions, low noise levels and a guarantee for long-term operation. Average prices from 80,000 rubles.
ZONGSHENG
According to the results of the rating, the company was recognized as one of the best in 2018 in the production of high-power devices for boat equipment. The line of the most popular units includes two-stroke units with power from 9.9 to 40 l/s. The devices can be manually started or by remote control.
The most popular models are the following:
- ZONGSHEN T 40 FW;
- ZONGSHEN T 9.9 BMS.
Boat engines have the following advantages:
- presence of overheating protection;
- no noise.
Flaws:
- presence of vibration when idling.
The average cost of motors varies from 90,000 rubles.
PARSUN
The company focuses on the production of high-quality products that are not inferior in their characteristics to such well-known models as Yamaha and others.
Consumers can purchase models of four-stroke and two-stroke engines at affordable price categories. Models can have a power of 5.5 to 15 l/s. A guarantee is provided upon purchase.
Among the most popular models it should be noted:
- Parsun F5BMS;
- Parsun T15BMS PRO.
Advantages of the devices:
- light weight;
- manual start;
- rapid development of speed.
Flaws:
- high fuel consumption.
Good to know! The cost of such outboard motors varies from 55,000 depending on power.
HDX (HONDEX)
The line of products produced by the Chinese company HDX (HONDEX) meets all international standards. Therefore, it has a high level of demand among owners of boat equipment. A large number of boat motors have functions that are suitable for the climatic conditions of Russia.
Among the popular ones are:
- HDX 2.5 BMS;
- HDX F5 BMS;
- HDX T9 BMS.
Advantages:
- can start in any weather conditions;
- compact;
- have a power from 5 to 10 l/s;
- The fuel tank capacity reaches 3 liters;
- suitable for shallow waters
Flaws:
- Some parts are made of plastic, which reduces the wear resistance of the device.
Good to know! The average cost of devices varies from 20,000 rubles.
Sources
- https://vyborok.com/rejting-luchshih-kitajskih-lodochnyh-motorov/
- https://yanashla.com/luchshie-kitajskie-lodochnye-motory/
- https://dns-magazin.ru/v-sadu/luchshie-kitajskie-lodochnye-motory.html
- https://its-city.ru/sadovaya/top-kitajskih-lodochnyh-motorov.html
- https://KitayGid.ru/avto/lodochnye-motory
- https://instrument33.ru/reytingi/6-luchshih-lodochnyh-motorov-reyting-2019-top/
- https://motorlodki.ru/motory/rejting-motorov-dlja-lodok-pvh
- https://bagorik.ru/transport/motory/kitajskie-lodochnye-motory-otzyvy.html
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How to increase the life of Chinese outboard motors
Since the reduced price has a negative impact on the reliability of the equipment, in some cases it is possible to bring the devices into proper condition on their own. To do this, you should perform a number of simple operations immediately after purchase:
- it is important to tighten all fasteners with a screwdriver or screwdriver, since there are likely to be unwanted backlashes and gaps;
- a complete oil change is carried out, because in most cases there will be underfilling or the use of low-quality fuel and lubricants;
- we control or change the key on the drive shaft to one that corresponds to the loads;
- It is preferable to replace the spark plug with a more advanced analogue with established parameters.
Such actions can significantly increase the service life of Chinese outboard motors.