4-stroke 4hp Mercury 2003 outboard?

[jplee3]

Hey all,

I'm eyeing a 4-stroke 4hp Mercury 2003 outboard for my Bris Kaboat and was wondering if anyone has any thoughts, feedback, experiences, advice regarding this motor (or even in general)? I'm in SoCal and was looking to do both beach launches (La Jolla) but also boat ramp launches - not entirely sure what kind of range I'd get out of it; although, I don't know that I'd want to be taking this to Catalina even though I've heard of people doing it - I'd probably mostly just be taking it to within a few miles from any given harbor or beach at least starting out.

I just wanted to know if there are any known "issues" with this model/year. The local listing I found states that a new water pump was installed and it was recently serviced. Comes with a cart and owner states "low hours" (not sure how many though). Asking price is $650 - is that a good deal? Or too high?

 

[airshot]

Going offshore with only a 4 hp motor ??? Not me....

 

[jplee3]

Going offshore with only a 4 hp motor ??? Not me....

No plans to take it offshore - I'd be staying close to the harbor and coast if anything... maybe on a day where the ocean is a glassy lake but otherwise no hahaha.

In terms of these Kaboats, I think I've seen people running 10-15hp outboards on them. Is 10hp the minimum you'd run with if looking to go further offshore?

 

[airshot]

Not sure what a Kaboat is actually, but for sure it sounds like a small boat...I would want to be able to return quickly if bad weather comes in.

 

[jplee3]

Not sure what a Kaboat is actually, but for sure it sounds like a small boat...I would want to be able to return quickly if bad weather comes in.

Sorry! Something went wrong!

It's a 'hybrid' shaped boat that has a slimmer profile (similar to that of a kayak) compared to normal Zodiacs/inflatables/ribs .

There are a *few* guys down here who run them offshore... those guys have big balls lol
This guy caught a 115lb bluefin tuna on his haha

https://www.youtube.com/@cdmadison08/videos

 

[jplee3]

Not sure what a Kaboat is actually, but for sure it sounds like a small boat...I would want to be able to return quickly if bad weather comes in.

What size motor would you suggest then? 6hp minimum?

 

[airshot]

What size motor would you suggest then? 6hp minimum?

As big as it would safely handle !!

 

[harmanoff]

says max hp is a 7hp

 

[QBhoy]

Early 4 strokes around this age…in my opinion, are usually pretty poor, heavy and gutless. These days…things have moved on, when it comes to the larger outboards. But to this day…I would honestly struggle to see the point or the worth of having even a brand new 4 stroke of around this size and a bit above even…over a just simply outstanding equivalent size, older 2 stroke from Yamaha or merc.
At the same weight as the very engine you refer to, is the just un rivalled 6-8hp Yamaha 2 stroke twin cylinder. Not cheap these days, to be fair.