Need a 2-3 hp motor for dinghy

S

Salmon Fisher

Member
Joined
Aug 7, 2009
Messages
896
Reaction score
10
C Dory Year
2004
C Dory Model
25 Cruiser
Hull Identification Number
CD025035K304
Vessel Name
Kim Christine
Hi Fellow C-Brats,

I am currently searching for a 2-3 hp motor for our inflatable. Looking for a motor that is light weight and in great condition. Have checked CL and thought maybe someone is shopping for a new one at the boat show and wants to sell old reliable.

Thanks!
 
The two I have liked the best are the Suzuki 4 stroke 2.5 HP--seems more like a 3.5 hp. We currently have the 3.5 hp Merc 2 stroke. Tohatsu, Nissan are the same. Good motors. Will plane out 10 1/2 foot air floor inflatable with one person...
 
http://www.westmarine.com/webapp/wcs/st ... fgodZRwAoA

I would really like to try one of these propane LEHR outboards, like the idea of a twist on propane bottle for fuel. I've been using a 2hp Honda for the last 7 years, hard to beat the 27lb weight and lack of maintenance because it's air cooled. The down side is it's a bit noisy and reverse is a 180 twist of the motor. It clamps right onto my 25s rail with no additional mods, that's also a plus.
If I were to swap it out I would definitely consider the LEHR outboards, perhaps someone from the Brat Pack has additional real life feedback on the LEHR.
 
Jay - Contact Heinz on "Lighthouse Express". He owns one of these Lehr outboards and used it on the Lake Powell trip. It seemed to work well for him and his 8.5' dinghy.
 
beermanPDX":1dfdx8f8 said:
Jay - Contact Heinz on "Lighthouse Express". He owns one of these Lehr outboards...
Click to expand...

If you do contact Heinz, I wonder if he would be willing to post his comments to this thread (or a new Lehr thread) instead of via PM. I bet quite a few Brats would find it of interest (I know I would, just because new outboard ideas are interesting, if nothing else).
 
Fellow C-Brats,

I indeed have a Lehr 2.5 HP outboard motor for my dinghy. I did have the opportunity to use it at Lake Powell and on the Sacramento River. There are pros and cons as with any motor though. I will tell you about my findings which might be different from other Lehr outboard motor owners.

The pros:
o I found it to be a very easy pull start, no choke to mess with
o The motor seem to be pretty quite and has plenty of power
o There is a slight exhaust smell, however, it is significant less as compared to a 4-cycle gas motor
o No more messing with gas cans and spilling. I can throw my rubber cloves away now…
o I can use screw on cartridges or larger tanks with a hose attachment
o One cartridge lasted me for about two hours on 1/3-1/2 speed
o I do have a small 2.5gal propane cylinder for long distance trips that I did not have the opportunity to use yet. I always carry an extra 16.4 oz cartridge with me, which seem to be more than I need.

The cons:
o It does not have a reverse gear
o You may not always be able to get propane cartridges in a harbor
o The motor weighs 38 pounds.


The only change by the factory I really would like to see is that the motor would weigh a bit less since it is not easy to lift 38 pounds from a dinghy into the CD25. Perhaps I need the exercise anyway…

However, I most certainly would purchase this motor again.
 
thataway":srnu8mki said:
The two I have liked the best are the Suzuki 4 stroke 2.5 HP--seems more like a 3.5 hp. We currently have the 3.5 hp Merc 2 stroke. Tohatsu, Nissan are the same. Good motors. Will plane out 10 1/2 foot air floor inflatable with one person...
Click to expand...

I have the same engine (3.5 Merc 2 stroke). The engine has been outstanding - submerged in saltwater twice - easy to dry out and runs like a champ for almost 10 years now. I use about 1 gallon of fuel a season when running back and forth to my mooring.

Good luck with your research.
 
Thanks for all the comments.

Anyone looking to upgrade to newer and want to sell in WA state?
 
We have a Mariner 2hp 2-stroke (Yamaha with a Mariner sticker on it). It's 25 years old and runs like a top. Bought it for a canoe, and now use it for our dinghy. Weighs only 22lb - really! Lighter and much quieter than the air-cooled Honda 2. Runs our dinghy 3-4 miles on its internal 1-quart tank. No reverse, but dead simple and reliable.

IIRC, Yamaha 2's were still available new in Canada a year or two ago.
 
Just completed 2nd season with my Suzi 2.5 Really pleased with it, lots of power for a little guy, miserly on gas, lightweight. I paid $649 new.

Martin.
 
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