Best 6hp outboard

[Csjukes1]

Hi all

We are looking to get our little tender a new outboard. We currently have a Mercury which has been, truth be told, terrible. Such a struggle to start always etc. We had a johnson engine about 10 years ago which was far better. Weight and ease of start are the main factors, decent build quality etc. Suzuki or Yamaha? The suzi is a few kg’s lighter and a bit cheaper.

Thanks in advance

Charlie

[Flamair]

Originally Posted by Csjukes1

Hi all



We are looking to get our little tender a new outboard. We currently have a Mercury which has been, truth be told, terrible. Such a struggle to start always etc. We had a johnson engine about 10 years ago which was far better. Weight and ease of start are the main factors, decent build quality etc. Suzuki or Yamaha? The suzi is a few kg’s lighter and a bit cheaper.



Thanks in advance



Charlie

I've got a 2005 2 stroke 8hp Yam on my 3.1m SIB. It starts without issue. In fact, I had a 5 year break from Sibbing and it started 2nd pull after a 5 year gap, so I'd definitely recommend Yamaha.

Never had a Suzuki outboard, but I've had several Suzuki motorcycles and all have been utterly reliable in every respect.

I also had a 4hp Mariner years ago that suffered from snapping starter lanyards, but eventually became reliable after much head scratching by the dealer...

Personally I'd happily recommend Yamahe but would be fine buying either make you mention.

[GordyP]

Can’t comment on the Suzuki, I got a 6hp Yam last year and it’s been a great wee engine, starts straight away every time and pushes my tender up on the plane no bother.

[Fenlander]

I mostly say just choose the one with the best features to match your needs plus consider proximity of dealership. If you’ve had a bad experience with a brand best stay clear just in case.

[Limecc]

Does this group test help?
https://www.mby.com/gear/ultimate-5h...p-test-50627/5

Yamaha was awarded the 5hp 'best buy'. Probably also applies to 6hp models, in fact many of these can be uprated to 6hp with a simple carb change.

If you still had the Johnson it might not fare as well with today's biofuel. Your recent experience with the Mercury is probably down to changes in petrol over the years and tighter emissions regulations. To add insult they fit tamper proof caps preventing easy correction/adjustment.