Advertisement
Help Keep Boards Alive. Support us by going ad free today. See here: https://subscriptions.boards.ie/.
If we do not hit our goal we will be forced to close the site.

Current status: https://keepboardsalive.com/

Annual subs are best for most impact. If you are still undecided on going Ad Free - you can also donate using the Paypal Donate option. All contribution helps. Thank you.
https://www.boards.ie/group/1878-subscribers-forum

Private Group for paid up members of Boards.ie. Join the club.

Outboard Motor Options

  • 28-09-2025 04:28PM
    #1
    FirstinLastout
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 478 ✭✭


    Hi Folks,

    I've a few questions regarding the sourcing of a new outboard motor for our trailer sailor.

    Our boat comes with an integrated engine well in which I've currently got an old 6hp Mariner which has not proven itself to be reliable other than for short hops in & out of the marina and I've little confidence in it to perform on the button when really required.

    I've an auxiliary/dinghy OB which is on an drop down transom mount.

    Although this is a lightweight 2.5hp Yammy and has been fine for getting the boat back home slowly when the wind dies although this has only been on a lake so calm flat conditions with no tides or currents to deal with.

    Hoping to do some coastal hops in the new year some I'm considering a replacement of 8 ~ 9 hp and wondering if anyone has any suggestions they might recommend? Both OB models and suppliers.

    I'm familiar with the Yamaha models available (8hp & 9.9hp) but have had no exposure to the likes of Tohatsu or Parsun etc.

    Equally any opinions on features such as Efi vs. carb, electric start being worthwhile on a smaller capacity engine etc?

    All info or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

    Thanks All🤙



Comments

  • #2
    Mick Tator
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 802 ✭✭✭Mick Tator


    Engine size should be linked to the size, weight and usage area of the boat. I’ve had a 17 ft day sailer on the Atlantic coast with a 6HP 2-stroke Yamaha on a transom bracket that was more than sufficient to get me home in any weather. Pitching in very rough weather it often was scary, with the bottom dunking into the water, but it never cut out. I also had a 2.5 HP Mercury for the dinghy and have used it on the 17’er ; it also was fine at sea in reasonable conditions. That was replaced by a 2.5 HP 4-stroke Honda (aircooled) that was equally good but more noisy. Mercury and Tohatsu are basically the same engines, (Fergal will know more!) I’d ignore Parsun, they are not popular, service skills also are absent. Yamaha or Honda, it’s like the camera choice between Nikon and Canon, zealots on both sides, both equally good. At 6HP or so on an ‘occasional’ engine, I’d not bother with electric start, but I would get one with a charging coil to charge battery for nav lights, etc.



Advertisement