Outboard Opinions?

Whopper Stopper · 02-25-2004, 04:48 PM

Im am starting to look for a 5-6 HP outboard for my 12' folding Porta Bote. I need one that I can lay on it's side and weighs no more than 60 lbs. I've never bought/owned and outboard so I have no idea what to look for. It looks like Nissan and Suzuki make nice light weight mobile models. I stopped by Sportcraft and the guy said I better get a 4-stroke because some oregon lakes require it. I've seen a Briggs & Stratton 5 HP motor in Cabelas for $699-- that's half the Nissan or Suzuki. Does anyone have any helpful input???

Thanks!!

Jay

lost_sailor · 02-25-2004, 04:58 PM

Who can list the lakes that require 4-strokes?

I'd be on the lookout for an old Evinrude or Johnson. But I'm a poor man who seems to gather really old outboard motors

Oh make sure all the water has drained out before you lay it down.

[ 02-25-2004, 05:59 PM: Message edited by: lost_sailor ]

Whopper Stopper · 02-26-2004, 07:11 AM

Are there any brands or models to look out for. Also, the guy at sportcraft said to beware to buying "through the classifieds" because I will likely have to fix up that used motor. do outboards have a long life. I've seen 20-30 year old motors for sale here-- can they be trusted??

Thanks again,

Jay

Lured In · 02-26-2004, 07:20 AM

While I have no personal experience with this motor, I know that it is gaining some accolades and sales are climbing. Briggs and Stratton has been producing a 4 stroke small HP outboard. As I recall it goes up tp 5hp and it EXTREMELY affordable (around $600). Given the description of your needs, this may be a good match. I have seen it in the Cabela's catalog, but I am sure it is available elsewhere as well.

ET · 02-26-2004, 07:35 AM

One other thing to think about is resale. Going with one of the major popular brands means you will be able to quickly and easily resell it when you decide to clean out the garage. I am always amazed at how small Yamahas hold their value. Brigss and Strattons on the other hand??? Just food for thought.

Used motors are like used cars. Some are good some are bad. Keep your eyes peeled on this website, I believe that most guys on this board will give you the straight scoop on a motor they are selling.

Smj · 02-26-2004, 08:07 AM

Sounds like Sport Craft's 4-stroke sales are dipping?? I know that there are many people that love Sport Craft but, my experiences with them left a bad taste in my mouth. I think the problem was that I had forgotten to have the C-notes hanging from all my pockets before I went in!

On the Briggs outboard....We were at Siltcoos last fall sitting in the middle of the lake fishing for perch and the lake was smooth and very quite. This boat comes around the point maybe 200 yards away, I had to wonder what kind of motor it had on it as it sounded very strange. As it got a little closer I got out the binocs and saw that it was one of those new-fangle Briggs motors. It seems that motor was quite noisy ,but for only $600.00 I'd say it was an option. I'd be more concerned about being out on the water in a...."Folding Boat"!

If you do buy an older outboard see how it runs first, dependable low idle, clean running top speed, check for leaks around the prop shaft and do a compression check before buying. Actually a leaking lower end seal might be a bargaining factor to lower the price, they are fairly easy and inexpensive to repair your self.

Smj

chummer · 02-26-2004, 08:47 AM

I can think of lakes in Oregon that prohibit outboard motors, but none that specify 2 stroke or 4 stroke. Arizona and California, I believe have lakes or reserviors that are designated 4 stroke only.

lost_sailor · 02-26-2004, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Whopper Stopper:
I've seen 20-30 year old motors for sale here-- can they be trusted??

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">I have a 1960 Mercury that goes up and down the Willamette, around various big lakes, and from Warrenton to Buoy 12 year after year after year.

Stuff used to be built to last.