Salt Water Sailboat Outboard Motor Recomendations

[Walter Rudy]

" I am new to Sailing and Outb

" I am new to Sailing and Outboard motor maintainance (I just want to have fun), but I know there is some work to that too. I've overhauled engines (15 years ago) and worked on my cars since.
I'm thinking about purchasing an 4 Stroke 8 to 15 hp outboard motor in the very soon. It will be running in both Saltwater and Freshwater in San Diego, Mexico and Arizona mostly a moderate to hot climate.
Any suggestions on which make and model to purchase, reliability and low maintenance is my priority. I am willing to spend more to achive that goal. I can't find anything about O/Bs like a 'Consumers Report' or REAL comparisons that are not just SALES stuff. Thank You for any help or suggestions.
Rudy in Tucson "

 

[jon]

" Rudy,

I real

" Rudy,

I really don't have much to say about it, but since no one has answered, here's my two cents;

Just about any new 2 or 4 stroke O/B is going to be extremely reliable, as long as it's givin the proper maintenance, which is neccesary for ALL outboards. I don't know if they make models specificly for salt water in that range (some of the larger HP OMC and Merc. lines have models designed for salt water), but I think all new outboards are designed with salt water usage in mind.

The four strokes are much quieter at idle, and burn cleaner, but there is more to go wrong in a 4-stroke (valves, engine oil etc), they are a little heavier, and come with a higher price tag.

The two strokes are a little lighter, simpler, and cheaper, but they arn't so quiet and don't burn so clean. There are also performance issues, but that really shouldn't make a difference with the use you have in mind.

Also, one thing to keep in mind is, with a sailboat you're probably not going to put thousands of hours on an outboard engine. The things that tend to go wrong will be related more to idle time (motor left for a few weeks here and there without being started) rather than parts actually wearing out do to usage.

You didn't say what options you had in mind, but there are questions about electric start/ oil injection (for two strokes) / tiller or controls etc..

What I would look into, more than anything, is what you get for a warranty on a particular engine, and what the availability is for service. Go to a few shops in the area and compare - try to get a feel for the service dept., if the Mercury place has the best warranty for the best price, go with them, if it's a Nissan/Tohatsu, Honda or OMC, same thing.

Jon "