Small Outboard MotorsChoosing the right small outboard on a limited budget and
|
|
Choosing a Small Outboard
Choosing the right small outboard on a limited budget and avoiding the pitfalls, is not an easy task for the first time buyer. This task becomes confusing due to the many decisions that need to be made, such as: New vs used, 2 cycle vs 4 cycle, weight and length, propane gas, air cooled, water cooled, Chinese vs Japanese imports (since America no longer manufactures outboards), 3 year vs 5 year warranties, free shipping and returns.
All too often, consumers look for rock bottom prices when shopping for outboard motors. Unfortunately little research is done before making their purchase, the lack of such research inevitably leads to a major pitfall, especially when that purchase is based solely on a cheap price and free shipping
Choosing the right small outboard on a limited budget and avoiding the pitfalls, is not an easy task for the first time buyer. This task becomes confusing due to the many decisions that need to be made, such as: New vs used, 2 cycle vs 4 cycle, weight and length, propane gas, air cooled, water cooled, Chinese vs Japanese imports (since America no longer manufactures outboards), 3 year vs 5 year warranties, free shipping and returns.
All too often, consumers look for rock bottom prices when shopping for outboard motors. Unfortunately little research is done before making their purchase, the lack of such research inevitably leads to a major pitfall, especially when that purchase is based solely on a cheap price and free shipping
|
Buying New Vs Used?
There are many online stores offering new small outboards, although pricey, they are tested by the manufacturer prior to shipment to the dealer and also tested by the dealer prior to shipment to the consumer. We at Florida Outboard Motors offer the same services and guaranty every motor we sell is tested prior to shipment without the high price tag. When purchasing a second hand outboard from eBay or Amazon, there are no warranties that the used engines will work as described since they are sold “As Is”. If they do work, they will work a short time before they fail and by then, parts to fix them are obsolete or difficult to come by. In essence you’re buying someone else’s problem. From experience, no one parts with a good running outboard. It is often handed down or trade but and never given up. On the other hand, if a used outboard is purchased from a reliable repair shop, then a used small outboard will be a cost effective investment over time. |
|
|
2 Cycle vs 4 Cycle
Two cycle outboards are lighter than any 4 cycle outboard in its size horse power and they pack more energy too. They are easier to maintain and fix when the occasion arises; because there are fewer parts to run the motor, parts are available mostly anywhere, and any mechanic can service them and they are cheap to fix. However, they are known to be slightly louder, require the proper fuel to oil mixture, and tend to be difficult to start if left unused. Four cycle outboards are quieter than 2 cycle outboards, run clean, create virtually no pollution, and no need to mix gas and oil; since the oil goes into a crank case and fuel in the gas tank. They tend to be a little slower, but are known for their brawn, they are easiest to start but tend to be heavier in weight and require experienced mechanics to service them. |
 |
 |
Weight vs Length
In the marine industry weight misrepresentation is common, since four stroke 2.5HP outboard short shaft motors sold by the other brands weigh between 40lbs to 57lbs, and the two cycle 2.5HP short shaft motors can weigh between 35lbs to 48lbs. These outboards are too heavy to carry and far less practical to use on vessels that weigh 100lbs or less. Moreover, the length of the outboard shaft is extremely important for the type of vessel used on as well as portability, therefore, choosing the wrong size will be costly. |
|
Air Cooled or Water Cooled
Air cooled systems are mostly used on small outboards because they are light weight and portable, delivering the power needed to propel small light weight vessels short distances. Air cooled small outboards are favored by campers, fisherman, and sailors alike when boating close to the shore or in sheltered waters. They are preferred over water cooled outboards because they can be run in muddy, shallow, and skinny waters without having any debris sucked into the motor causing it to overheat and fail. Water cooled systems are used on heavier outboards found on mid to larger vessels that weigh 200lbs plus. Their cooling system is desirable when traveling very long distances, such as 3 to 4 hours at the time. Favored by sail boaters and often used as backup for larger engines. They are susceptible to debris and need seasonal maintenance. They do not fare well in skinny or shallow waters, however, they are mostly used in deep waters. |
 |
|
Japanese vs Chinese Imports
Honda, Yamaha, Nissan, Tohatsu, Suzuki, Mercury, and Lehr are all Japanese imports and seem to look alike in shape, style, and design; leaving you with the feeling as if they all come out of one assembly line and branded as they leave the conveyor belt. This is why they are mostly priced the same, sharing identical features and specifications. The Lehr small outboards operate on propane, while a great innovation, is not practical. Storing propane tanks onboard is not practical in canoes, dinghies, Jon boats and any small tender. At 38lbs, the Lehr outboard is too cumbersome to carry in one hand and a 30lbs propane tank in the other. Please click on link below for reviews on Lehr air cooled 2.5hp outboards. http://www.westmarine.com/buy/lehr--2-5hp-propane-powered-outboard-engine-short-shaft--13498993 |
|
Chinese Imports
Recent proliferation of Chinese small outboard sold on eBay, Amazon, etc., are priced cheap to appeal to priced conscious consumers. These cheaply made outboards are designed to look like quality outboards, but fail under 20 hours of usage. These failures occur because they are manufactured from pot metal (recycled scrap aluminum); recycled aluminum is the lowest grade metal available, mostly used for ornamentals. Pot metal does not tolerate expansion and contraction well, because the impurities of recycled aluminum used in the manufacturing of Chinese outboards do not fare well when heated and cooled off quickly as traditional outboards do, resulting engine failure due to metal fatigue and distortion. Chinese outboard manufactures such as Hangkai, Seahorse, Zeny, and Speeda, are one in the same with different logos. These outboards were sold in 2012 as 1hp outboard. In 2013 they were relabeled as 2.0hp outboard, in 2014 they were labeled 2.5hp outboard, and by 2015 they were once again relabeled, as 3.5hp outboards. |
|
|
However the specs and size of the outboard remained exactly the same as when they were introduced in 2012.
Asian manufactures are able to get away with these falsifications because there are no laws regulating their import from China direct to the American consumer. Unfortunately, they have been taken advantage of and deceiving innocent consumers by misrepresenting and blatantly lying about their horse power, label misrepresentation, exaggerated power output and speed performance of their outboards. In addition, knowing full well, once the motor is in the buyer’s possession, there is no way for the buyer to contact the seller for support should a failure occur. Adding insult to injury, the undisclosed return policy, in which the outboard needs to be shipped back to China for service or refund at the cost of $400.00 to the buyer. Click on this link to read over 20 documented reviews: http://www.amazon.com/Superior-Cooling-Outboard-Two-strok-Inflatable/productreviews/B00C9U8F60/ref=cm_cr_pr_viewpnt_rgt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending&filterByStar=critical&pageNumber=1#R15QNT4I4TH3OK |
One, Three, or Five Year Warranty
Manufactures promote their three and five year warranty on their outboards; which is a great marketing point to entice the consumer in choosing their motor. However, what manufactures are not mentioning in their marketing campaign, is to keep the warranty enforce, one must have their authorized dealer service and tune up the outboard, which costs upwards of $175 for the service. These additional expenses are not covered under the three or five year warranty, and must be paid out of pocket.
A quick calculation of a 3 year and 5 year warranty.
3 year warranty service fee @ $175p/yr. = $525 + $780 (outboard) = $1305.00 cost of the outboard after three years, or you can buy 3 brand new Florida Outboard Motors.
5 year warranty service fee @ $175 p/yr. = $875 +$780 (outboard) = $1655.00 cost of the outboard after five years or you can buy 4 brand new Florida Outboard Motors.
Compare their costs to a Florida Outboard Motor, a 2.5HP at $425 with a one year warranty which covers the outboard motor.
Manufactures promote their three and five year warranty on their outboards; which is a great marketing point to entice the consumer in choosing their motor. However, what manufactures are not mentioning in their marketing campaign, is to keep the warranty enforce, one must have their authorized dealer service and tune up the outboard, which costs upwards of $175 for the service. These additional expenses are not covered under the three or five year warranty, and must be paid out of pocket.
A quick calculation of a 3 year and 5 year warranty.
3 year warranty service fee @ $175p/yr. = $525 + $780 (outboard) = $1305.00 cost of the outboard after three years, or you can buy 3 brand new Florida Outboard Motors.
5 year warranty service fee @ $175 p/yr. = $875 +$780 (outboard) = $1655.00 cost of the outboard after five years or you can buy 4 brand new Florida Outboard Motors.
Compare their costs to a Florida Outboard Motor, a 2.5HP at $425 with a one year warranty which covers the outboard motor.
We work with our clients to determine their specific needs and tailor their needs accordingly,
with our outboard motor or small outboards.
with our outboard motor or small outboards.
|
Florida Small Outboard Motors have been in business since 2006. Our experienced technicians are happy to answer your questions,
assist you in purchasing the right motor for your boat and help you avoid the pitfall mentioned above. We sell reliable air cooled small outboards that weigh 20lbs or less. Ranging from 1.2hp - 3.5hp at bargain prices. We pledge our support and promise you will find our prices to be lower than any price found online, in addition to offering you piece of mind in knowing you are purchasing a reliable and dependable outboard from a reputable company. We are reachable should you have any questions before and after a purchase is made and offer support long after the warranty expires. Our support includes follow-up phone call, part replacement and installation support and so much, much more. Our expert technicians are there to assist you 7 days a week, from 9am -8pm. You can rest assured we take our reputation serious and will do everything to protect your investment when purchasing a small outboard from us. Please contact us anytime at 727-501-3116.  |