maddog
Well-known member
I am torn between buying an early 1970's johnson/evinrude 4hp weedless 2 stroke or a new 2.5hp yamaha 4 stroke or merc 3.5hp 4stroke.
older motor benefits:
weedless drive
remote gas tank (longer run time)
more power
slightly lighter weight
save $300-$400 (after repairing any worn 40 year old parts)
very easy to replace tiller handle with longer unit for driving from the middle of canoe
new motor benefits:
neutral gear selector vs. always in gear
twist grip throttle vs. throttle lever on side of motor
quieter
better fuel efficiency
5 year warranty
spare prop ~$40 vs. $80 for older motor
no leaky, smelly gas line fittings to deal with
no mixing gas or smoke trail
I will be primarily using this for a s13 meyer sportspal squareback canoe I bought last summer, and may occasionally use on one of my 12-14' aluminum rowboats. I will be running primarily in small lakes and "deep" rivers, sometimes on shallower streams or rivers.
So, given all that info, which way would others lean toward? I can do any and all repairs as long as I can get parts, so the cost of labor is not an issue.
EDIT: Since some will likely suggest an electric motor: I do already have a small electric troller - 30 lb. - that works well on the "electric only" lake where I live, but I want a gas outboard for longer range and less weight. My battery weighs around 60lbs and the minnkota probably around 20lbs so gas would be lighter and not require a charger and extension cord when I go on fishing/camping trips. Gas is more easily portable than a charger and small generator in some of the areas I like to camp. The canoe does not solo paddle at all, so an outboard is pretty much required. It rows fine but I can't row and fish very well at the same time...
older motor benefits:
weedless drive
remote gas tank (longer run time)
more power
slightly lighter weight
save $300-$400 (after repairing any worn 40 year old parts)
very easy to replace tiller handle with longer unit for driving from the middle of canoe
new motor benefits:
neutral gear selector vs. always in gear
twist grip throttle vs. throttle lever on side of motor
quieter
better fuel efficiency
5 year warranty
spare prop ~$40 vs. $80 for older motor
no leaky, smelly gas line fittings to deal with
no mixing gas or smoke trail
I will be primarily using this for a s13 meyer sportspal squareback canoe I bought last summer, and may occasionally use on one of my 12-14' aluminum rowboats. I will be running primarily in small lakes and "deep" rivers, sometimes on shallower streams or rivers.
So, given all that info, which way would others lean toward? I can do any and all repairs as long as I can get parts, so the cost of labor is not an issue.
EDIT: Since some will likely suggest an electric motor: I do already have a small electric troller - 30 lb. - that works well on the "electric only" lake where I live, but I want a gas outboard for longer range and less weight. My battery weighs around 60lbs and the minnkota probably around 20lbs so gas would be lighter and not require a charger and extension cord when I go on fishing/camping trips. Gas is more easily portable than a charger and small generator in some of the areas I like to camp. The canoe does not solo paddle at all, so an outboard is pretty much required. It rows fine but I can't row and fish very well at the same time...