Looking for Small Outboard and Have Questions

[tunanut]

Hey all, looking for a used outboard between 5-10hp for our new-to-us jon boat. I've been on CL for months just watching but ready to get one soon. have never owned one so don't really know what to look for or what to watch out for. should i be looking for newer engines, lower hours, 2 or 4 stroke, etc... any tips would be appreciated. we will be using the boat mostly on passaic and hackensack up here, with some trips to tidal saltwater creeks and rivers along the east coast from time to time. lpoking for reliability, no problem doing routine maintenance, just would rather not have to deal with chronic issues. thanks ahead

[Flygaff]

I have a 96 Suzuki 25 2 stroke with low hours. all three carbs rebuilt, new water pump. Strong powerful motor.

[henro]

Hit up FastEddie he has a 9.9hp 4 stroke for sale.

[tunanut]

thanks, i reached out to fasteddie. our boat is rated for up to 10hp.

the suzuki 25hp raised another question- what happens if you exceed the hp rating?

[Flygaff]

You do not want to exceed the horse power rating of the boat.

[henro]

https://www.formulaboats.com/blog/much-horsepower-need-boat/

[Capt. Debbie]

Over nameplate HP void Insurance ( if you have and don't disclose). Over stresses the transom tremendously ( especially heavier 4 strokes). Stress is incredible from transporting over the roads.

And makes the boat unstable due to excessive speed. Too small to handle that power under normal operation but higher speeds.

That's why.

Also motors that small usually have NO ENGINE HOURS meters. The EFI computers may have it on the motor's computer board.

But the engine hours on these smaller O/B motors are simply pulled out of the owner's a*s and fabricated. Take any claims with a grain of salt.




You do not want to exceed the horse power rating of the boat.

[Flygaff]

You must not be up on engine technology. my 175s, 25, and 9.9 ALL HAVE HOURS ON THE COMPUTER. I don't like being called a liar. If you don't know what your talking about you should just keep your yap shut

[henro]

You must not be up on engine technology. my 175s, 25, and 9.9 ALL HAVE HOURS ON THE COMPUTER. I don't like being called a liar. If you don't know what your talking about you should just keep your yap shut

I don't think he was speaking about you specifically just people in general to give the OP some friendly advice.

[Capt. Debbie]

Dear Angry windbag please read what I said about computers on board that show engine hours. Don't read so well do you?

Older O/B two stroke 9.9's don't have computers. And frankly who cares about a 175hp when he's looking for 10hp O/B motors?

Likely there must be few chances with these reading skills to prove how smart and nasty you are.


You must not be up on engine technology. my 175s, 25, and 9.9 ALL HAVE HOURS ON THE COMPUTER. I don't like being called a liar. If you don't know what your talking about you should just keep your yap shut

[tunanut]

thanks for the replies. still haven't pulled the trigger, couple more questions. for a boat that will be used maybe 2-3 times per month, and likely much less in winter, are there any reasons to get a two stroke over a four stroke or vice versa? is it worth going 2 stroke just to keep the weight down a bit on the jon boat?

[Capt. Debbie]

Big difference in price and weight. EFI vs carb. The weight difference isn't all that much about 30 lbs on sub 10hp motors You're ice in your cooler and its contents will eat that up.

Two stroke you have the DIY fuel mix. Not all that much extra work as you don't burn much fuel. My 25EFI gets about 8 mpg at planing speed.

I move my oversized fuel tank extremely forward to get better balance with my fat a*s in the back. (it's only a 14 foot aluminum Mirrocraft) I went crazy with a larger 12 gallon tank that lasts almost all summer. I also have a separate RACOR filter/ fuel-water separator installed too to keep the fuel cleaner.

I had a 9.9hp (8 years) & 20hp (14 years) both two strokes. When I ran nothing but Stabil treated hi octane fuel and I had no problems related to storage. Nor with dried out cooling pumps. ALWAYS FLUSH O/B with hose after use. In 2008 traded up to a 25EFI which at 180 lbs with electric start and generator is over 2x the weight of my Merc 9.9 two stroke.

With boats... real life and weather sometimes ruins our plans. It rains on days off, kids championship game, etc. So you usually never go out as often as you'd like. But with Stabil ( or any good treatment) the boat is always ready for the long sleep even if your last trip in August 1st.

And don't forget new USCG regs (as of 4/1/21) require the O/B kill switch be attached to you if you get up to planing speed.




thanks for the replies. still haven't pulled the trigger, couple more questions. for a boat that will be used maybe 2-3 times per month, and likely much less in winter, are there any reasons to get a two stroke over a four stroke or vice versa? is it worth going 2 stroke just to keep the weight down a bit on the jon boat?

[tunanut]

Thanks captain frank

[Capt. Debbie]

Glad to help. Been in small O/Bs since the 1980's. On Sea Tow boats there's nothing smaller than 200hps.

I'm married to Mercuries. I know a lot of people can NOT STAND them. Different experiences I guess.

Thanks captain frank