Best CP-16 Outboard Motor for the Money ?

[Al]

Time to get a new motor. I was thinking about getting a 2.5 HP Tohatsu for $865 or a 2.5 HP Suzuki Outboard for $670. Both of these motors are water cooled 4 strokes and appear to be salt water rated. The air cooled Honda is also appealing, but is only a 2 HP for $818. Which outboard motor would you recommend ?

[Bob23]

Hi Al:
   I had a Tohatsu 2.5 salt water with reverse on my old SeaPearl 21 and loved it. It wasn't a 4 stroke however but I was after light weight. I can't comment on the Suzuki. Search the CP 16 section- there has been much discussion about outboards. Some guys are quite happy with the Honda.
   I use an 1988 Nissan 8hp 2 stroke on my Compac 23. Nissans are built by Tohatsu I think or vice versa. Super dependable motor...starts on first pull nearly every time!
bob23

[skip1930]

Any two cycle that runs well and has around 3 hp.
If your considering an air cooled, find a N.O.S. 5 hp Briggs and Straton [New Old Stock]
on the NET. It's light, and has a Fwd-N-Rev gear box. You'll want that.
I saw these U.P.S.ed out of Georgia for $700 new.

skip.

Engine mounts 2" lower and 2" further back.


Folded up. Note the ground off back bone/rub rail fit.


The 2" rubber mounting blocks to reposition the short shaft 5 hp~2 cycle Mercury I have on the CP-19.

[Shawn]

I have the 2.5hp Suzuki, it is a very nice little engine. Haven't used the 2.5 Tohatsu but I have the 6hp Sailpro on my 23. Again a very nice engine.

I'd probably go with the Suzuki... less cost and about 10 pounds lighter.

Shawn

[Al]

This is a very responsive group. I also noticed previous posts on this subject. My interpretation is that a long shaft, light weight motor in the 2 - 3 hp range would be ideal for a CP-16 with a standard mount. Given that I have a rotating spring loaded mount, I think the short shaft 2.5 hp Suzuki at 30 lbs is all I need. Thanks for your input.

[Shawn]

"If your considering an air cooled, find a N.O.S. 5 hp Briggs and Straton [New Old Stock]"

Those aren't built for saltwater.

"The Briggs & Stratton 5HP Outboard is designed for freshwater use. Salt and brackish water are extremely corrosive and can lead to premature failure of components. Such failures are not covered under the Briggs & Stratton limited warranty. "

Shawn

[skip1930]

Oh, I thought that since it's air cooled, and if it's pretreated and powder coated well on the outside then that would be good enough for salt water. What gets wet? The bottom end. Hopfully that's sealed up and stays oily.

Of course B/S has to say something in case the thing dissolves. C.Y.A.

skip.

[Bob23]

Take it from a salt water sailor: Nothing, and I mean nothing is safe. The reason I stay busy at work is because I work on Long Beach Island, NJ. Yep, you guessed it: The Atlantic on one side, and the bay on the other. Even the houses take a beating which I spell as income!
Bob23

[Shawn]

 "Of course B/S has to say something in case thing dissolves."

Then why don't the Tohatsu or Suzuki have the same disclaimer?

"The bottom end. Hopfully that's sealed up and stays oily."

Isn't just what gets wet, it is the electrolysis of *every* piece of metal that is electrically connected to the part getting wet. In other words pretty much the entire outboard.

Shawn

[Bob23]

Shawn:
   Exactly why I bought a Tohatsu 2.5 salt water version. Never had a problem, even when it submerged after a capsize on my Seapearl 21. But we don't want to talk about that. After I got the boat back to shore, I sunk the outboard in a barrel of fresh water, brought it over to my friend Harry who sells and services outboards, and by 2pm the following day, he had it purring.
   Bob23

[skip1930]

OK sorry I said anything about the Briggs and Straton air cooled outboard.
When it's salted up. Toss it and buy another one. Cheap enough. Best for the money.
In the mean time I guess I could use it for a lunch time boat anchor.

As for the other brands, they have to deal with the same elements.
Maybe they don't need to talk about it because they plastic-coat [paint] every thing better.
How good is good? You want a warrenteed finish or a gauranteed finish? Big difference.

skip.

[Al]

As always, I appreciate everyone's input and candid discussions.  Thanks Al

[VanCura]

Had a 4 hp Suzuki, just replaced with a 2 hp Honda and it is the perfect motor, lightweight, air cooled, sips gas and better performance than the Suzuki. Also got the long shaft. Mark

[Pacman]

Had a 4 hp Suzuki, just replaced with a 2 hp Honda and it is the perfect motor, lightweight, air cooled, sips gas and better performance than the Suzuki. Also got the long shaft. Mark

+1 on that!

I love my new Honda 2 HP longshaft.

[chimerakc]

I have an older Nissan 2.5 ffor my 16' but my big complaint is there is no neutral.  Makes it hard to slow down or reverse - you have to turn the motor around fast.

Anyway I see that Mercury appears to have a 2.5 with a neutral - in the new West Marine catalog.  Anyone know of other small motors with a neutral gear?

thanks