30 years ago American manufacturers dominated the outboard motor market.Names as Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude and Chrysler led the field to compete with each other to produce outboard engines bigger and better. However, while this was happening were neglecting the smallest of outboard engines. These are the engines outboards sold in the greatest numbers and are often the first outboards many of us buy. This is the case for many of us adhere to the same brand (loyalty to the mark) as we purchase other larger outboard motors in recent years. The Japanese took this fact and little by little Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu concentrate in the field of small began to take over as market leaders. I got the domain of improving the efficiency and reliability. Just as adding features these small outboard motor previously only found in larger engines.

Having achieved success in the small outboard market, these Japanese manufacturers rose to the rank of power. They again came to dominate the market for outboard motors up to at least 20 horsepower. Manufacturers Americans rather than compete with the Japanese gave up and decided to buy these engines from the Japanese and the plate as their own. Now the Chinese have entered the market. Making basically what the Japanese did previously, copying the best features of today's engines while keeping costs down.

Thus we will compare the outboard motors that are offered for those looking for an outboard motor of his boat. If we take a boat big enough to say, a Pioneer 12 so that each outboard has to push a heavy enough weight through the water. If after the outboard motor follows:

Mercury 2.5hp, Mercury 3.5HP; Mariner 2.5hp, Tohatsu 3.5HP, Yamaha 2.5hp, 2.5hp Suzuki, Honda 2.3hp, 2.6hp and Parsun. These outboard motors 4 stroke. This is because with a directive to prevent 2 strokes being sold at EU These outboard motors provide a fairly wide range of engines available in the market, to fuel boats.

Judging an engine against the other various tests were completed. Tire Evidence showed that Mercury and Tohatsu 3.5HP were the most powerful 3.5HP to 90 pounds of thrust (These two engines, along with Mariner are virtually identical). The least effective was the Honda 2.3hp to 66 pounds of thrust. Amid Suzuki 2.5hp to 83 pounds of thrust, the Yamaha 2.5hp to 78 pounds of thrust and Parsun 2.6hp to 70 pounds thrust.

Next test was the fuel consumption. At full speed – 5.75 knots, the better the Yamaha outboard motor 2.5hp and 2.5hp Suzuki for at least 20%. The worst was the Parsun 2.6hp. When the throttles were eased and the boat was traveling on a comparison of fuel consumption was less evident, only 10% difference. All these figures are for 4-stroke engines. However, based on previously recorded data for 2 strokes under similar circumstances, the major engines were up 50% less fuel efficient speed. Very thirsty! Remember 2-stroke outboards are still available secondhand.

Then, the weight of each engine outboard compared. Four-stroke engines are heavier than the old 2 stroke because the head of power, etc. The Mercury, Mariner, Tohatsu, Yamaha and all Parsun weighed approx. 38 to 41 lbs (18 kg.). However, 2.3hp Honda and Suzuki 2.5HP weighed much less 28 pounds (12.5 kg.).

The price of each outboard motor was compared. This was difficult to be precise as sales discounts and deals are always changing.

Mercury 3.5HP Â £ 449
Mercury 2.5hp  £ 380
Mariner 2.5hp  £ 429
Tohatsu 3.5HP Â £ 449
 £ 489 Yamaha 2.5hp
Suzuki 2.5hp  £ 379
Honda 2.3hp  £ 429
Parsun 2.6hp  £ 375

Although Parsun was the cheapest and is practically identical with the same engine as the Yamaha 2.5hp, not so good. It's a bit like following me Gordon Ramsay recipe to the letter, but when compared side by side just know that its going to be much better. The Chinese are able to copy, as did the Japanese before them, but we have done well, yet!

Finally, a little overboard each test. The Mercury, Mariner and Tohatsu are the same engine. From the throttle settings are easy to understand with the primer and the stop button clearly labeled. Gasoline on / off tap is not as clearly marked. All engines are gearing. Neutral ahead and then using the 360 degree rotation of thrust can be obtained by the stern. There are 4 positions and tilt capability shallow water. The levels of oil can be easily checked by seeing the indicator on the side of the engine cover.

The 2.5hp Yamaha also easy to understand setting start and stop, but the oil level gauge was out of sight under the engine casing cover. As with the Mercury outboard 2.5hp Yamaha gears, front and neutral with 360 degree rotation. Unlike the mercury that has a pin cut, Yamaha has a rubber core in the helix, so that no pin cut to break.

The 2.5hp Suzuki is as above but with the oil to measure easily visible on the side of the deck. The propeller has a cutting pin pieces Spare filed under the hood.

The Honda 2.3hp Water Cooled not like all outboards other evidence. It is by air and has no gears. Instead, it uses a centrifugal clutch. This makes starting and maneuvers more difficult than others. Just take a little time but not so good. However, is the cheapest of the engine when new. The fuel consumption is its great drawback.

Ian McCulloch has been sailing and boating almost all of his life. For the past 35 years he has been building boats of all types. At present he builds fibreglass dinghies. Ian has several websites, one which concentrates on outboard motors – http://www.sailorpower.co.uk
For more information on outboard motors why not visit his website.

Peter Canoeing Merit Badge Video