Buying Outboard Motor for Com-pac 16'

[Michaeldi23]

I am looking at a Briggs and Stratton 5 hp motor. Do you think this is enough power. I am on a budget and like having a warrenty. Just need do get around, I'm not looking for speed. Thanks (just got her on Sunday I will be scrubbing all weekend)

[fafnir]

Wow, I didn't even know briggs and stratton made outboard motors.  5hp is plenty for a com-pac 16.  I have a 2 cycle 4 hp evinrude and that I almost think is over kill.

[Michaeldi23]

Thanks for the post. One thing I had not really thought about was weight. The Briggs and Stratton weights in at 57 pounds Quit Heavy. But The price brand new you can get it for $600.00. What should I do!!! Will this work or is it not practicle. I have yet to sail my Compac 16' . But want to go ahead and get an engine. I'm on a budget. Thanks

[Paul]

Thought I'd chime in....

I originally purchased a Honda 5HP, used, and a great "deal".  However, negotiating that big motor on the little 16 was quite humorous for others to observe, but not for the operator.  In addition, the boat was off balance.

Best thing I did was to trade it in for a new Honda 2HP.  I happened to get the short shaft, but the long shaft stays in the water better during bumpy rides.

IMHO, it is in your best interest to spend the extra $150-$200 for the better motor, whether it be a Honda, Tohatsu, Suzuki, Yamamha, Evenrude, etc, etc.  Just keep in mind, you want between 2HP and 3HP and certainly less than 40 lbs.  You should be able to get one new for $800.

Hope this helps.  Others chime in as well......

[fafnir]

There is no reason to think that a well maintained used 2 cycle motor is not as reliable as a new one.  I am of the opinion that the 2 cycle motors of yesterday are more reliable then a new 4 cycle.  Also when buying a used motor look for one that came off of a sailboat, they don't get as much use :-)  When I bought my com-pac this fall, the marina told me I could have the electic trolling motor that was on it, or take my pick between a handful of tohatsu, johnson and evinrude motors he had in storage.  I picked up a 2 cylinder 4hp evinrude and stuck it in his test tank after wiping the dust off.  Hooked up the gas line, pumped it a few times and I will be darned it started on the first pull. Needless to say I took that one and have not looked back since.  There just isn't a whole lot that can go wrong with these motors.

[Michaeldi23]

Thanks for all the advice. I my go with the tohatsu 3.5 hp 4 stroke. I found a new one for $800 with a 3 year warrenty. I think I my just buy new because I really like having a warrenty. Unless I was able to find one through a friend and was confident that it was in good shape. Plus a used one would probably run between $500 and $700 anyway. Tell me what you think. (p.s. the weight on this on is 41 pounds the same as there 2hp version. Will that be O.K.) Thanks

[fafnir]

The tohatsu sounds like it would be a good choice, I just can't believe how heavy those 4 strokes are.  Sounds like you are getting a pretty good price as well.  Check the difference in price between the short shaft and a long shaft.  If it is not much I would get the long shaft and since you are buying new I would see if you can get a lower pitch propeller thrown in.  It will provide more thrust at a lower RPM and even though the new 4 cycles are already extrememly quiet, running at a lower RPM will be even quieter. --

[Paul]

Ditto what fafnir wrote.  I kinda like a warranty, too.  Good luck.