Looking to buy 4hp - which brand is recommended?

[Fishoboy11]

Hi guys/gals

I know similar threads have been done before - but not really recently, so forgive me for starting another.

I have a 4.6 metre canoe, with transom for fitting motor and detachable outriggers on each side for stability. I bought it withy the intention og fitting a little petrol motor fo using in the estuaries and a battery powered one for the dams. The idea is to take my kids fishing and exploring in the canoe, because they are not that age where they will enjoy this alot and the oldest (6) is able to cast a rod and stuff.

Anyway - I'm looking to buy a 4hp outboard, most likely 2 stroke because of the lighter weight (weight being an issue foe me with the canoe) and would like recommendations for brand (am looking to buy new and keep it in pristine condition, rather than inherit soebodies not looked after motor).

When I looked once before, various friends and family made all different recommendations, yamaha, marina, tohatsu, mercury. I guess it's a bit of personal preference, but I know that motors do seem to go through periods where they are a bit better than the competition for 1 reason or other. I'm hoping to find out which is at the top of the class right now.

Any recommendations appreciated and look forward to getting out on the water with you all :-)

Thanks.

[Blackened]

G'day

They're all pretty much the same.

Suggest focusing on features of brands and warranty and purchase price and dealer backup in your locality

Dave

[Scott Ashe]

Hi mate,

I would reccomend Yamaha,because I bought a current model last year (25hp), because I know people with Yamaha and there proven reliability.

Having said that though my first brand new motor was a 4HP Evinrude (1996 model) on a 3 metre savage tinny and this was a brilliant motor. For reverse you had to turn your motor anti clockwise- but I think all small motors do that for reverse.

I had this motor for 2 years, until I got my licence , and I couldn't fault it.

I paid $1000 but I'd say they could up up around the $1400-1500 mark now.

If In Brisbane, see George at Wynnum Marine for a great deal.

Cheers
Scott

[grumpysmurf]

If I were you, I would reconsider the new/second hand requirement. A 4hp donk is very small for any hard working tinnie. It most likely would come from a tender.

And, as someone else said, all of them are pretty much the same - just make sure it has Forward/Neutral/Reverse if that's what you want.

Look around for some rich bastard who just bought a big boat with a 4hp on their tender and just wants a faster / bigger tender. Recently, I picked up a small 2.4m inflatable & 2hp Honda for half the price of new - and they were in immaculate conditions.

[on-one]

I've got a 4hp mercury about 18 months old and have had no issues with it, I've seen them advertised recently for a little under 1000. You can find cheaper if you're willing to go for one without reverse gear but they make boat handling a little more difficult.

[Fishoboy11]

Thanks guys.

on-one - under $1000 is certainly cheap. Might have to have a look around. Will definitely want forward, neutral and reverse.

At the moment I am leaning towards the Tohatsu. 3 year warranty, as with most, an inbuilt as well as separate fuel tank (which not all have).

Price I've been quoted is $1165.

Anyone want to talk me out of it?

[Fishoboy11]

Was mistaken about the 4hp tohatsu having the option of an external fuel tank. The tohatsu website is wrong. This option starts at 5hp. Tis a bugger that rego is needed in Qld for 5hp, as the cost of a 5 is almost the same as a 4 and the weight is identical. To make it worse, my canoe is 10cm too long to be in the smallest class of boats (up to 4.5 metres) and so I would have to pay nearly twice the rego than if it was slightly smaller. Is a bit rough that length is the only factor considered.

Re: the mercury 4hp – I was quoted $2220 – much more than $1000. Where did the $1000 motor come from?

Ta.