Hi all , need help with making a choice .

Theepicbeardman · 23 June 2017, 22:37

Hi there all , I'm new to the forum and would appreciate some help . I'm looking for a small inflatable and outboard to do a little fishing around coastal areas in essex and further afield. I am currently looking at 3 used engines . One is a 6hp four stroke suzuki which is 2 years old . No warranty as it hasn't been serviced and only 7 hours use . 2nd is a 3.5 mariner 2 years old and low hours again with all documentation. 3rd is a mariner 5 2 stroke , low hours and immaculate condition with a 2.7 inflatable . Any help would be great as want to pick up one of these engines Sunday. Regards .

Mikefule · 23 June 2017, 23:02

Most 2.7 metre inflatables could safely handle any of those engines.

A four stroke is generally heavier than an equivalent powered 2 stroke. 2 strokes are simpler, arguably more robust and easier to maintain, but they are smoky and are not so clean "at the point of use".

I had a larger inflatable (around 3.4 metres) that I used to take out on my own with a set of diving gear with a 3 hp. It went fast enough and for long distances without actually planing.

If your only ambition is to go out solo and do a bit of fishing, then any one of those 3 engines will do. If you want to be able to put on a turn of speed, have a bit of fun, or even push against a strong tide, then go for the most powerful.

As a general principle, you can use half the power that an engine has, but you can't use twice the power that it has. It is therefore safer and better to have the 6 hp and only use it at half speed for most of the time, than to buy a 3.5 and then one day be in a situation where you need more.

Note that 2.7 is a smallish boat and if there is a bit of a chop, you may find it more comfortable to plod than to go fast.

Most adults would have no difficulty lifting a 6 hp motor on and off the transom.

The smaller engines will definitely have built in fuel tanks. Does the 6 hp? If it needs a remote tank, that is floor space you would be sacrificing.

Make sure that you get a standard (short) shaft engine. A long shaft would not be suitable.

Try to see the engines running in a water tank before you commit.

Theepicbeardman · 24 June 2017, 00:15

Hi Mike and thanks for your really detailed reply. I think the chap who has the 6hp used a external tank but it also has an internal tank . I would really prefer the 6hp but it has no warranty as it hasn't been serviced . As it's only done low mileage and it's not been used . 7 to 12 hours I think . I'm going to look at it Sunday and asked to see it running and that's not a problem. It has only been used in fresh water but the price is very appealing. Mind you so are the others . If the tide was to get a little naughty atleast I would have the power to get out of trouble and not sit in the same position or at a slightly faster speed than the tide . I have never purchased an outboard and don't want to make a mistake . Are the suzukis a good engine ? I need to check inside the fuel tank to make sure there is no muck at the bottom and feel around the engine inside where I can to see if I can feel any bits of deposits. I'm Hoping it has been drained out properly Drained of fuel as I don't fancy a sticky gunked up carberetor. Don't fancy having to replace one of those lol . I don't think I'm too worried about losing a little floor space as I will probably be travelling light .

beamishken · 24 June 2017, 00:31

Presumably the mariner5 is the yamaha based engine? If it is you won't find a better simpler more reliable engine anywhere
It will presumably be cheaper than the others too?
If it's the yamaha engine then I'd take that one every time
At 100:1oil ratio you'll hardly notice any smoke

Theepicbeardman · 24 June 2017, 00:50

My mistake it's a mercury 5hp 2 stroke

Fenlander · 24 June 2017, 09:01

No warranty and no service on a 2yr old motor with under 10hrs is not an issue.

I would discount the 3.5hp and buy whichever of the 5hp and 6hp you think is best.

The 5hp should be lighter and potentially easier to repair and the 6hp should be quieter with lower fuel use (not that any OB this size uses much anyway) and is probably 10yrs newer.

The relative pricing might be a factor too. I'd expect the Suzuki to be £500-£600 and the Mercury perhaps £150-200 less??

Mikefule · 24 June 2017, 09:53

They're both good makes.

When you turn up, take the cover off and check that the engine is cold - that is, that they haven't run it to get it warm before you arrived.

Follow the starting procedure carefully. If it starts within 2 or 3 pulls, great. If it takes considerably longer, be cautious. It should come off the choke within, say 20 -30seconds, and run smoothly. All engines "jiggle about a bit" but it shouldn't be hopping and popping unevenly. Check for a smooth firm jet of cooling water from the telltale.

Click it firmly and confidently into gear. Try forwards and backwards.

Always disconnect the fuel pipe (or turn off the tap) and let the engine run dry. (For a 2 stroke, you should hit kill it a moment before it runs dry.)

Also keep an eye on the person who is selling it. Are they trying to direct your attention one way, or make implausible excuses?

Simplification: they have to give you honest answers to your questions, but they don't have to tell you something that you don't ask. They can keep quiet about something they don't want you to know, but they can't deliberately mislead you. Buyer beware: it is for you to ask the questions. I bought my first outboard around 25-30 years ago private sale. I was ripped off and had a long fight to get some of my money back.

beamishken · 24 June 2017, 10:10

I think I'd probably still lean towards the 2 stroke although I've no direct experience of the Mercury
Fenlander probably hit the nail on the head price wise . The small difference in value considering they are so far apart age wise is probably indicative of which is the more popular engine.
I don't think fuel consumption is a real issue but weight and the ability to lie down whichever way you want is probably a bonus for the two stroke.
blocked carbs are something you will likely come across at some stage and the simpler 2 spoke carb will probably be easier to clean due to the larger jet sizes

Theepicbeardman · 24 June 2017, 12:39

Hi there and thanks for all your replys i really appreciate them all and been very informative. The suzuki 6hp is £600 and the 5hp mercury 2 stroke comes with a brand new inflatable with inflatable floor and keel . The mariner 3.5hp is £400. when its your first venture into the outboard world as like it has been mentioned don't want to spend all that money and end up with a bad one .

Theepicbeardman · 24 June 2017, 12:40

Thanks Mike for the rundown on what to do and what to look for and ken and fenlander

Theepicbeardman · 25 June 2017, 12:25

These are pics of the suzuki I want too look at . Can someone please tell me what the mustardy colour is on the neck just below the engine is ?

Theepicbeardman · 25 June 2017, 12:29

Here is what I'm talking about

Fenlander · 25 June 2017, 13:27

I think it's grease that always oozes a bit from the steering pivot when you grease through the nipple.

Overall that looks very genuine. From the look of the prop and anode I'd guess the hours are genuine and maybe only in fresh water.

Btw re the warranty. On Suzuki's you have to pay a yearly service to keep up the warranty so had it been serviced to date by the previous owned to keep up the full 5yrs you'd have had to pay 60% of the price you're being asked in dealer servicing costs. Not worth it in my opinion.

Theepicbeardman · 25 June 2017, 13:51

Thanks fenlander , yes I have been told by the owner it has o my had fresh water use . It's 2 years old and the servicing has not been done . It has a few little scratches on the side due to it being g layed down and that's about it . It looks rather dusty lol which means it hasn't been used for a while . I hope the fuel was fully run down before it was put away. I have come across a brand new suzuki 4 stroke from a shop who are willing to give full warranty at 600 . What do you think ?

Fenlander · 25 June 2017, 14:52

What hp is the new one at £600? Even a 4hp should be £950 new and a 6hp £1050+ so I wonder if it is a 2.5hp??

Theepicbeardman · 25 June 2017, 15:08

Hi fenlander it's definitely a 4hp for 600 new with full warranty from shop . Just has a little scratch on the side

Theepicbeardman · 25 June 2017, 15:10

Here it is

Fenlander · 25 June 2017, 15:14

If it's a proper Suzuki main dealer I guess it must be OK but can't think they would drop £350 for a scratch??

Anyway assuming it's a genuine situation your choice... 4hp or 6hp for the same price.

I'd have the used 6hp because that 50% extra power is a useful extra amount of grunt and may well give you the fun of getting on the plane when solo.

Theepicbeardman · 25 June 2017, 15:18

I know it's a tough decision lol . Warranty no warranty , knackered engine means problems and warranty means no worries . It's a full suzuki dealer lol shame someone wasn't near as they might have accompanied me to have a look

Fenlander · 25 June 2017, 15:23

To be honest I'd agree to buy either of those blind. The 6hp looks genuine (obviously you will want to see it run before handing over the cash) and a new engine is just that.

The warranty would not attract me enough to "throw away" that 50% extra power of the 6hp.

But it is your choice... as to how much you are prepared to take an issue on the chin with the used one.