Cheep outboards

[Woody1]

Morning people's.

Im new to sibs and just getting set up. As you all know it's a expensive hobby

Anyway iv got myself ripped off a bit. I got a little known sib but the guy told me it was slatted floor with Inflatable keel. Yes it has the keel but the slats he's was on about ate the support for an airdeck which is missing. So it's all a learning curve and Im Going to make a marine ply floor for it.
It's all a learning curve eh.
Anyway I digress.
I'm on the lookout for a 10 to 15 hp outboard second hand as I can't afford new.
During my search iv come across names like orca and parsun
On doing research into these Chinese knockoffs iv read quite a few reviews.
On the hole these outboards are getting slated to high heven which has convinced me not to go down That route.
But if they are that bad why are what seem to be why are reputable companies selling them , if they are that bad why are they allowed to be sold.
When one of these breaks down when your on the water that puts you in a life or death situation.
Don't these dealers have a conscience. They are dealing with people's lives.
Yes i know you should take all the steps you can to help in this eventually but knowingly sending people out with these what appear to be very sub standard engines it just adding fuel to the fire if they are as bad as people say.
I would like to know your thoughts.

[Poly]

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure I understand what the slats would be on an airdeck? But if it is missing a floor - you can make one if you have the skills. Finding affordable marine ply might be the challenge.

2nd hand outboards are a bit of a gamble, especially if you are new to the game. Personally I wouldn't buy one of the less reputable brands because getting parts for them or tech support can be hard if something goes wrong. Whilst outboards do sometimes fail unexpectedly (and so make sure you have a back-up plan and good comms), most often they probably die ashore. I think the cheaper engine brands are typically bought by people who want the reassurance of a new engine and are willing to forfeit resale value when it comes. If you buy one new, look after it well and only hope to use it for say three years they probably are fine. Most of us see them as longer term investments.

If I was looking for 2nd hand in your neck of the woods I'd ideally want it to be somewhere with some come back if it dies after a month. Clyde Outboards in Greenock sold me a 2nd hand o/b and found and fixed a gremlin in it for me quickly, but are probably in the more expensive end of the 2nd hand market (along with Yampower, Bosun's locker etc if they have anything in stock). Davie Anderson in Tayport has probably the best reputation in Scotland for random o/b bits and has occassionally posted on here in the past. Less well known is a guy who works from a farm at Ratho (or he did last time I was there which was pre-covid) - if you don't know who I'm talking about I'll dig around and see if I can find his name / number.

The one possible exception to the known brands only rule might be Selva - who are less known here but I think have more of a following elsewhere and are essentially Yamaha based.

[willk]

Originally Posted by Poly

I'm not sure I understand what the slats would be on an airdeck? But if it is missing a floor - you can make one if you have the skills. Finding affordable marine ply might be the challenge.

Surely there wouldn't be an inflatable keel on a slatted floor model? The 'slats' might be a pair of thrust boards for the keel to press on. OP - it's possible to buy aftermarket inflatable decks - they're possibly not wildly more expensive than making a floor - certainly easier to use.

[Woody1]

Originally Posted by Poly

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure I understand what the slats would be on an airdeck? But if it is missing a floor - you can make one if you have the skills. Finding affordable marine ply might be the challenge.

2nd hand outboards are a bit of a gamble, especially if you are new to the game. Personally I wouldn't buy one of the less reputable brands because getting parts for them or tech support can be hard if something goes wrong. Whilst outboards do sometimes fail unexpectedly (and so make sure you have a back-up plan and good comms), most often they probably die ashore. I think the cheaper engine brands are typically bought by people who want the reassurance of a new engine and are willing to forfeit resale value when it comes. If you buy one new, look after it well and only hope to use it for say three years they probably are fine. Most of us see them as longer term investments.

If I was looking for 2nd hand in your neck of the woods I'd ideally want it to be somewhere with some come back if it dies after a month. Clyde Outboards in Greenock sold me a 2nd hand o/b and found and fixed a gremlin in it for me quickly, but are probably in the more expensive end of the 2nd hand market (along with Yampower, Bosun's locker etc if they have anything in stock). Davie Anderson in Tayport has probably the best reputation in Scotland for random o/b bits and has occassionally posted on here in the past. Less well known is a guy who works from a farm at Ratho (or he did last time I was there which was pre-covid) - if you don't know who I'm talking about I'll dig around and see if I can find his name / number.

The one possible exception to the known brands only rule might be Selva - who are less known here but I think have more of a following elsewhere and are essentially Yamaha based.

I would appreciate the guys name from Ratho bud. Just around the corner lol.
Thanks for the reply.

[Woody1]

Originally Posted by willk

Surely there wouldn't be an inflatable keel on a slatted floor model? The 'slats' might be a pair of thrust boards for the keel to press on. OP - it's possible to buy aftermarket inflatable decks - they're possibly not wildly more expensive than making a floor - certainly easier to use.

Thanks for the reply.
Iv searched high and low bud.
The only ones I have found that fit have no hole to inflate the keel.
I can get marin ply at a good price.
I was going to use 9mm and brace it.
In interested in finding out more about thrust boards though.
Basically the sib came with two boads that can fit either under the keel or above.
They are only about 40 cm wide. One has a slight taper that fits where it narrows at the front.
Any help appreciated bud.
I described them a support for the inflatable deck. I think i just used the wrong terminology.

[willk]

The thrust boards typically are held to the underside of the airdeck in fabric loops, the keel sits below them and they prevent the airdeck folding upwards.

IMO you are setting yourself quite a challenge.

[Woody1]

Originally Posted by Poly

Welcome to the forum. I'm not sure I understand what the slats would be on an airdeck? But if it is missing a floor - you can make one if you have the skills. Finding affordable marine ply might be the challenge.

2nd hand outboards are a bit of a gamble, especially if you are new to the game. Personally I wouldn't buy one of the less reputable brands because getting parts for them or tech support can be hard if something goes wrong. Whilst outboards do sometimes fail unexpectedly (and so make sure you have a back-up plan and good comms), most often they probably die ashore. I think the cheaper engine brands are typically bought by people who want the reassurance of a new engine and are willing to forfeit resale value when it comes. If you buy one new, look after it well and only hope to use it for say three years they probably are fine. Most of us see them as longer term investments.

If I was looking for 2nd hand in your neck of the woods I'd ideally want it to be somewhere with some come back if it dies after a month. Clyde Outboards in Greenock sold me a 2nd hand o/b and found and fixed a gremlin in it for me quickly, but are probably in the more expensive end of the 2nd hand market (along with Yampower, Bosun's locker etc if they have anything in stock). Davie Anderson in Tayport has probably the best reputation in Scotland for random o/b bits and has occassionally posted on here in the past. Less well known is a guy who works from a farm at Ratho (or he did last time I was there which was pre-covid) - if you don't know who I'm talking about I'll dig around and see if I can find his name / number.

The one possible exception to the known brands only rule might be Selva - who are less known here but I think have more of a following elsewhere and are essentially Yamaha based.

Just spoke to Brian at Ratho. Really nice guy and meeting him in the new year.
Quality lead there bud.
Thanks.

[Steve509926]

Originally Posted by Woody1

Thanks for the reply.
Iv searched high and low bud.
The only ones I have found that fit have no hole to inflate the keel.
I can get marin ply at a good price.
I was going to use 9mm and brace it.
In interested in finding out more about thrust boards though.
Basically the sib came with two boads that can fit either under the keel or above.
They are only about 40 cm wide. One has a slight taper that fits where it narrows at the front.
Any help appreciated bud.
I described them a support for the inflatable deck. I think i just used the wrong terminology.

Hi Woody1,

A few things:-

There's no need to use Marine ply, good quality external ply well treated will suffice.
9mm isn't enough, 12mm minimum, 15 mm is preferable.
The two "boards" fit above the keel and below an air deck.
If you are going to make a plywood deck you won't need to fit the keel boards.
If you are thinking of transporting your sib as a blow and go, you will have to make provisions to transport a very big one piece plywood deck.

[Fenlander]

>>>When one of these breaks down when you're on the water that puts you in a life or death situation. Don't these dealers have a conscience.

Hi Woody and welcome from me too. You seem to have been given loads of good advice above.

Re the liability of a lesser brand is was always thus across many aspects of life. You can buy budget car tyres with massive extra wet road stopping distances, cheap brake pads made of cheese and so on.

But anyway I don't think the Parson and Orca brands are always really unreliable. Have a look at Chipko's report on his Chinese outboard... he put 70hrs on it with no trouble.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f36/chines...ood-90255.html

[Fenlander]

It would be interesting to see a photo of your SIB as it is now to see if that helps re advice on the floor construction.

Re the outboard are you looking for a 4-stroke or 2-stroke, or easy either way?

[Woody1]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

It would be interesting to see a photo of your SIB as it is now to see if that helps re advice on the floor construction.

Re the outboard are you looking for a 4-stroke or 2-stroke, or easy either way?

Thanks for the reply bud.
I tried to upload some photos last night but can't sus it out lol.

As for the outboard I'm not fussed it's just reliability is my concern.

[Fenlander]

Re images just click on Go Advanced if using Quick Reply or scroll down if using Post Reply. Go to Manage Attachments and upload the images from there.

[Woody1]

Been trying that and just comes back with invalid file.

[Fenlander]

Re outboard I wonder if you have a budget in mind? Broadly speaking 10-15hp motors in nice condition, once over about 7yrs, old fetch £900-£1300 give or take in the summer. A bit less this time of year. The 2-strokes 2000-2007 fetch about the same, and sometimes more, than a 4-stoke 10yrs newer due to their light weight.

To get under £750 even this time of year you need to look at a less well maintained or cosmetically untidy example... or as you've commented on what you might call a lesser brand.... or get really lucky.

[Fenlander]

Are you using an odd file type, very large file or uploading from an Apple device? Sometimes I get that with this Mac and reducing the file size or swapping from JPEG to PNG sorts it.

[Woody1]

Yes bud I get that about the price.
It will be after Christmas anyway.
But with reference to the rest of your message, I just heard. Woosh lol.
I know nothing about applepeg macintosh lol.

[Fenlander]

OK re images what steps are you taking to try and upload, what device are you using and where are the images sourced... file or direct from camera etc.

[Woody1]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

OK re images what steps are you taking to try and upload, what device are you using and where are the images sourced... file or direct from camera etc.

They are direct from the camera my man.
I'm using my galaxy phone

[chipko]

Originally Posted by Fenlander

>>>

But anyway I don't think the Parson and Orca brands are always really unreliable. Have a look at Chipko's report on his Chinese outboard... he put 70hrs on it with no trouble.

https://www.rib.net/forum/f36/chines...ood-90255.html

Hi Woody, welcome to the forum.

Whilst I’d not be recommending anyone to go down the Chinese clone route, have to admit the one we purchased as a bit of a long term test has been great thus far.
Not as many hours use in its second full season, with around 95 hours total since new, it’s still running faultlessly and performance identical to its Yamaha blueprint brother. Paintwork, under the hood and out, still looking really good with no discernible corrosion even though used exclusively in salt water. We do look after it, flushed and washed after each use, but no special treatment. Service wise just gearbox oil changed, plugs out and cleaned and grease points topped up.

Have to admit we’re pleasantly surprised how it’s performed and looks after two years use and nothing to suggest it will suddenly turn to cheese next year. We had no issues sourcing direct from the manufacturer, Aiqidi, and no boxes to tick re 2-stroke purchase, although are legitimate commercial users.

[Matt73]

Hi Woody welcome to the forum

I have a Parsun 15hp 2 stroke and have used it for 4 years and during that time its been totally reliable, its been used predominantly in salt water and has zero corrosion other than a little on the hub of the propeller. Spare parts are no problem as the motor is an exact clone of a Yamaha model. I was sick and tired of getting burned on 2nd hand branded motors so i thought i would give it a punt. I get what people say about resale value but the initial cost is much lower than a branded outboard to begin with. The UK dealer is very helpful and knowledgeable and allows home servicing probably saving another 200 a year for the duration of the warranty.

Matt