Re: outboard motor prices
Hi, Fran. Sounds like you will be hand carrying it a lot, so I think you have two range choices, depending on portability and convenience. Very light motors in the range of 30 to 40 lb are 2 to 4hp and seem to run all day on a quart of fuel. They are 2 strokes, can be a little balky at times and don't usually have gearshifts. One exception is the Johnson 4, which has Forward and Neutral, a VERY convenient feature. It is also a 2 cylinder, which makes it smoother than the single cylinder models. I weighs only 36 pounds. Yamaha also has a gearshift 4, but it is a single. Expect to pay $600 to $800.<br /><br />Moving up a step are the 5-8hp motors. They typically weigh 45 to 70lb in 2 stroke models and 65 to 90lb in four strokes. They typically have F-N-R shifting, very handy for close maneuvering and stopping for a few moments without having to restart the motor. The four strokes are smoother, quieter, cleaner, heavier and more expensive. This is the range I would buy for carrying in my truck or trunk and putting on a rental boat. They have 3 or 6 gallon remote fuel tanks which guarantee a day's fishing without refueling. These motors will cost you more, $900 to $1300.<br /><br />My experience in this range is Johnson and Evinrude 2, 3, 5, and 7.5 (now 8). All have been jewels with minimum routine maintenance which is spelled out in the Owner's Manual. Others swear by Mercs, Yamahas and any other major brand you want to name. It seems that there have been few bad ones from major manufacturers. I would recommend avoiding the low-priced, air-cooled motors using converted lawnmower and chainsaw engines. They are very light, which makes it easy to rip them off the transom and throw them in the lake when they behave like lawnmowers and chainsaws. 'Nuff said?<br /><br />I'm sure our fellow fisher . .um . .persons can add to and refine my recommendations.<br /><br />Happy Fishing!<br />JB
