What HP Outboard motor do I need?

[afrayedknot]

Hi All,

Please I need some help on this one. I have managed to secure a 3m mono hull for my grandson (3 yrs old). Hoping that I can get him into the outdoors at an early age. He's been out on the boat with me and loves it. We've caught a few bass and with our help he's brought them to the boat, held them and released. Too cool.
We have an electric motor at the moment but I'd like to upgrade to an outboard. Which HP motor to buy? We fish farm dams at the moment but as he gets older maybe he'll get the bug and move to bigger waters.
I'd like to buy once.
Sorry. My thinking is a 5Hp.
Can any one advise on which motor will be suitable for this boat.
Thanks.

 

[Limpopoking]

Hi there and welcome.

You could put on anything 10 horses and down, but under the circumstances (teaching a very young child... and I think that is awesome!... I also learned to tiller steer at a very young age) I think that you should not aim higher than 5Hp.

I'd almost also say, get something that he can learn about maintenance ie: not out the box that the agent is going to service. I learned to change an impeller on our 3,9Hp Merc when I was 6. Stood me in good stead.

Good luck and hope you guys have a lot of fun.

 

[afrayedknot]

Thanks Limpopoking.
I'll start looking for a 5hp motor for the summer. Tiller arm for sure.
I've seen a few second hand motors in Junkmail and Gumtree.
Not too sure that a second hand motor is a good idea with my limited knowledge. Wouldn't know if I'm buying a lemon!
To start I would imagine settling on a brand. I know that everyone has a preference and there will be many different opinions on what to get. Yamaha 2 stroke is probably what I'd start looking at. Any other reliable makes, in that HP range, worth looking at.
Anyway thanks again. Cheers.

 

[Limpopoking]

If you are not in any way mechanically minded, you should probably buy through a reputable dealer, new or used. At least then you'd have the backup should there be a major fault.

But if you are up to it, scour gumtree, junkmail and OLX for a good deal. Like me, you are far away from major centers so it makes it a trifle difficult. That being said, I have had some amazing deals... the most memorable being a virtually brand new 5hp Suzuki 4-stroke for a fraction of it's worth.

If you do go new, don't overlook Parsun (I can hear howls of protest from many quarters). I have one. It runs beautifully and they are very good value, coming in at around half the price of the other brands. It only lacks in the re-sale department, but that, to my mind, is because of prejudice. Most of the bad press comes from people who have never owned them.

 

[afrayedknot]

You're quite right. My location makes things more difficult.
I'll check out some dealers for a good second hand motor.
Will add Parsun to the shopping list.
Thanks.

 

[Ryan]

Stick to the electric - they are easy to use, maintenance free and run as well as any small outboard.
With petrol engines unless they are 4 stroke unless your mix is right you may run into problems with the running of the engine.
Buying a secondhand 2 stroke is always dicey not to say there are good bargains out there but one hopes and prays the guys have got the mix right.
Rather buy a 5hp 4stroke new if you can afford they run on the smell of an oil rag.

 

[barryfish]

Ryan wrote:

Stick to the electric - they are easy to use, maintenance free and run as well as any small outboard.
With petrol engines unless they are 4 stroke unless your mix is right you may run into problems with the running of the engine.
Buying a secondhand 2 stroke is always dicey not to say there are good bargains out there but one hopes and prays the guys have got the mix right.
Rather buy a 5hp 4stroke new if you can afford they run on the smell of an oil rag.

agree 5hp 4 stroke,just so much easier, no mix. be careful with young fingers near lifting mechanisms of o/b motor etc. perhaps take time to find a good motor deal, and use the electric in the meantime.

 

[madporra]

An 8HP would be perfect on that boat