What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

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wm3097

Cadet
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Feb 23, 2005
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I have a tiny boat that I want to fish from including trolling. I'd like the following features unless their's a compelling reason otherwise.<br /><br />1. The motor MUST always start. <br />2. Max engine weight 55 pounds So 4 or 5 hp.<br />3. Forward, reverse, and neutral.<br />4. 15" shaft<br />5. Tiltable<br />6. Remote gas tank option since the motor needs to be stored on it's side and I don't want gas leaks. After each use I can run the carb dry and leave the on engine tank dry. <br />7. Useable in saltwater.<br />8. Low noise and smoke.<br /><br />Thanks for your ideas. Bill
 
Scaaty

Scaaty

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

5 HP Honda 4 stroke. I have an old one (kicker/stroller/troller on my 20' 125) and its like new and never fails. Only problem might be the oil pan on my old one is cooled by saltwater, so flush after use or weekly at least. But that flushing will be with any motor in salt. Tip. With mine in the water in my slip, I use a 5 gallon bucket with bungee cords pulled over the motor, and fill the bucket with fresh water from the dock hose and run it that way.
 
B

beniam

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

Had the same consideration recentle. Economical, reliable and best buy is a 5 to six hp Tohatsu. Same as Nissan, but a little cheaper for some reason. Used it last month on a Florida trip (came down to warm weather from the snowy north). <br />Super motor, clean, 4 stroke,quiet, vibrates a little. Can get one on the internet delivered by UPS if you look around. I bought it from a place in Tennessee ITG Marine. Batavier
 
Silvertip

Silvertip

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

Your #1 requirement might be a little over-stated. There is no such thing as "always". Most engines today start readily. Always can mean after one pull or 50. Super clean & no smoke points to a 4 stroke but you need to be careful when you lay these engines down or you have oil getting into places it is not supposed to be. Your other requirements can be met from nearly every manufacturer. Seems to me the only decision is which 4-stroke do I want.
 
J

jshoes52

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Aug 21, 2004
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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

I don't think you can consider a 4 stroke if you have to store the motor on its side. I believe they have to stored upright. Tohatsu/Nissan has a great reputation for reliability, but I think the largest non-TLDI 2 stroke they make anymore (with their own name) is 3.5hp with self-contained gas tank.
 
JB

JB

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

'70s JohnnyRude 3-4hp. Best little engine ever made.
 
Scaaty

Scaaty

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

Originally posted by jshoes52:<br /> I don't think you can consider a 4 stroke if you have to store the motor on its side.
Click to expand...
Wrong. My Honda has it posted right on the motor with a sticker, and a couple lugs on the down side so it stays still with no rocking
 
O

orca

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Jul 12, 2002
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422
Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

Your No.1 Requirement is not possible, no manafacturer can garantee starting every time, something as simple as a faulty spark plug will cause starting problems, I think that all manafacturers make motors that will meet your other requirements, go with the one that provides the best service in your area.
 
TOHATSU GURU

TOHATSU GURU

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

The Tohatsu/Nissan/Mercury is in the ballpark for what you desire. You can find a local dealer by going to :<br /><br /> http://www.tohatsu.com/dealersearch/index.html <br /><br />and inserting your zip code. Iboats should have the Mercury labeled engine listed on their website as well.
 
ziemann

ziemann

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

I agree with Elvin. I would like to also add, a good dealer is priceless. If you have a good dealer that is going to give you great service, look at what that dealer has to offer. Just about everything on the market is pretty reliable now days, so a good dealer should help dictate your decision. I tend to lean with Elvin towards the reliability, simplicity, and light weight of the Tohatsu/ Nissan/ Mercury offerings.
 
Scaaty

Scaaty

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

Just to back up my statement of 4 stroke's laying on their side, I ran into Boaters World while in town today and looked at the Tohatsu's....sure as syrup on my pancakes (the more, the better), look at the side...two lugs just below the cover. And I would imagine you could order one off the internet no problem.
 
F

funpilot

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May 15, 2004
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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

I wouldn't mind running a four stroke dry each time, but running a two stroke dry means that you run the risk of running lean (and less oil to each cylinder) as you run it dry. A four stroke will be well lubricated regardless the amount of fuel which it is receiving as you run it dry. My vote is a four stroke for you!<br /><br />fp
 
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phatmanmike

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Oct 24, 2003
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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

i had a 1992 tohatsu 5hp 2 stroke that weighed 48 pounds. had external 3 gallon tank. <br /><br />and heres the kicker.....<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />.<br />STARTED EVERY FREAKING TIME, NO MATTER WHAT.<br /><br />to everybody who says it aint possible, you obviously have not owned a tohatsu.
 
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phatmanmike

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Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

http://www.iboats.com/mall/image/vendor/627/big/22623_391246.jpg
22623_391246.jpg
 
D

Dhadley

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Feb 4, 2001
Messages
16,978
Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

I was going to mention that if ANY brand propulsion system started every time, never left you stranded and never needed repair, there would be no authorized service center for that brand. And I dont know what brand that is.<br /><br />Well, reeldutch and myoutboards have reminded (edcuated) me what brand that is. I doubt you'll ever see an "Authorized Repair Center" for oars.<br /><br />No wonder the Coast Guard requires every boat to have one -- or their cousin -- a paddle.
 
C

cjones4@hvc.rr.com

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Feb 8, 2003
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132
Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

I have to agree with JB. My 70's Johnson 6HP (maybe a little more than 55 lbs?) has started in 3 pulls or less every time for all those years. And I run the gas out out of it at the end of every use.
 
A

artburr

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Nov 3, 2004
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367
Re: What to buy that won't leave me stranded?

Just to get in the act, my 1999 Nissan (Tohatso) 5hp 4-stroke starts on the fourth or fifth pull after I have run it dry as I always do. It is unbelievably economical to operate. On the downside, vibration due to being single cylinder and, in my case, no local service.
 
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