I've used a 2hp Suzuki ever since I bought my boat in 1986. It weighs
26 pounds and pushes my boat at 4-5 knots in smooth water. If I had
to replace it I would buy a 2 hp Honda which burns straight gasoline.
:: I got curious and went out to weight the engine. It's a
:: Nissan 8 2-stroke short shaft (old engine from the mid
:: 90s) that weighs in at 59lbs.
::
:: The tricky part is that it's so top heavy that if you
:: stand it up on deck when passing it aft the bottom fin
:: has a tendency to slip and if it goes in the right
:: direction you have all that engine trying to force the
:: sharp blade, fin etc towards your ankles. Ask me how I
:: know.....
::
:: :: I've put a 40lb engine (Nissan 6 or 8 short shaft) on
:: :: with no problems. Wrestling this monster on with
:: :: insufficient help or when the boat is rocking and
:: :: rolling is a great way to really bash your ankles with
:: :: the shaft. Use a good safety line and also be careful
:: :: with the throttle when in reverse as it can cause the
:: :: mount to jump right out of the boat.
:: ::
:: :: The speed an fuel efficiency of this engine is great.
:: :: I've motored for hours in the delta, against the current
:: :: in the bay when there is no wind etc.
:: ::
:: :: :: I've had a barrowed, 8 HP Mercury (90#) hung on the back
:: :: :: during a 2 day coastal run, but I wouldn't do it again.
:: :: :: In a seaway, there'd be almost no way to take it off the
:: :: :: mount, if there was a problem with it. But if the wind
:: :: :: dies, you sure can make some tracks!
:: :: ::
:: :: :: :: What is the biggest motor that has been used on the
:: :: :: :: aluminum insert style motor mount for the express 27? I
:: :: :: :: am curious about the weight factor.