Best ( Affordable ) Dinghy Motor . . . Used or New ?

[Marner]

I ditched my Evinrude twin for a Tohatsu 3.5hp with neutral-fwd shift years ago. The Tohatsu has been a good motor, except for the fuel tap. Make sure the screw on it is well sealed from moisture or the steel (yes, plain steel) washer on it willl rust and break it.

You might want to look at the Island Hopper range of outboards. They have both 2-stroke and 4-strokes. Basically air-cooled line-trimmer motors adapted for marine use. I have no practical experience of them, but came across them while researching motors for a small trimaran. They are lightweight and inexpensive.

[donradcliffe]

I'd keep looking for a tohatsu 3.5 2-stroke. They are simple, light, and reliable. Unfortunately the only one I see on Ebay right now is more than 20 years old and they are asking more than what they paid new.

[bill good]

Just got an old 1989 1.2 hp evinrude going after not being used for 10yrs. Cost $7.00 for parts & another $7.00 for an inline fuel filter to replace the filter in the tank. But it did take a few hours of my low cost hourly rate!!

[Marner]

As I remember...
The same basic motor as the Tohatsu 3.3 or 2.5 (no clutch) were sold under several brand names: Mercury, Mariner, Suzuki (?). Horse power ratings were somtimes different: the Mercury was a 3.3hp. They had different housings, but the basic motor was identical.

[missnmountains]

I have a 4hp 4 stroke APS (made by Yamaha) I am thinking of selling. It is only a couple of years old. If you are interested please PM or email me at kenlawrence@yahoo.com.

Ken