Which outboard to buy + best price

[steven9586]

Hi guys

Going to buy a Zodiac cadet fastroller 360 activ-v SIB and I'm wondering which outboard to buy. Been looking at various engines all 15hp 4 stroke but I'm not sure what to buy with all the conflicting advice. The outboards are as follows

Mariner 15 (F-N-R on tiller)
Tohatsu 15 (Mmmmmm??)
Suzuki 15 (meant to be old design)
Yamaha 15 (expensive)
Honda 15 (heard poor reports)
Selva Wahoo15 ( Wahoo who???)

The prices are a vast difference so not sure what to go for. One dealer said the Mariner would be the one to get but another dealer said because the forward and reverse were on the tiller they did not recommend it as you turn it one way for forward and the other for reverse.

Any info would be much appreciated

Also if any dealers are interested in working out a deal for both I'm open to offers as I have not bought either yet.

Regards

Steven

[Max...]

Are you talking 4 stroke (presumably if this is new from a dealer)?? That's a big old lump on a small SIB and not really portable by one person - a 2 stroke 15 would be a much better idea. A Tohatsu or Yam would probably be the best bet.

[Boats&Outboards]

Ideal world go for the Yam. Cost being considered the winner is Mariner as having the gears being built into the throttle is brilliant. You get used to the gears (my 7yr old did with ease) and it's much better than leaning around the side of the motor each time.

Tohatsu, nice option but not as robust as the others. Avoid the Suzuki DT range they've had their day. Selva is just not worth considering. Honda, nice motors but far too heavy being 4 stroke which is something to avoid at that size of boat/HP... Especially if your not planning on trailering it.

Saying that though it will still depend on each individual engine and it's history. I'd rather have a pristine Selva than a worn out yammie....ok maybe not but you get my point!

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[steven9586]

Cheers, just need to say I'm looking at new so they are all 4 strokes. The SIB weighs 41kg and a 4 stroke outboard about 50kg so shouldn't be to bad. There's 2 of us in any case.

Steven

[Nos4r2]

Originally Posted by steven9586

4 stroke outboard about 50kg so shouldn't be to bad. There's 2 of us in any case.

Try carrying before you buy. 50kg is easy to dead lift solo,but it's not easy when it's an odd shape with bits digging into you, you're on weed and your feet are sinking into the sand.

[Boats&Outboards]

Originally Posted by steven9586

Cheers, just need to say I'm looking at new so they are all 4 strokes. The SIB weighs 41kg and a 4 stroke outboard about 50kg so shouldn't be to bad. There's 2 of us in any case.

Steven

I think you may come to regret that decision but I respect you've thought it through and obviously you know more as to how it will be used than we do, so 4 stroke it is. I should have read your post better

Still say Yamaha followed by Honda then Mariner. Suzuki then Tohatsu.

Let us know what you decide.

Peter @ Boatsandoutboards4sale ~ askboatsandoutboards4sale@sky.com ~ 07930 421007

[Max...]

I always thought I wanted a 4 stroke - read enough posts on here and you might change your mind! I went for a 2 stroke and would not go back. On a SIB especially the lighter weight, less bulk and quick pick up is a big advantage. My Tohatsu 2 stroke is even simpler than the engine in my old Landy or lawnmower unlike a modern 4 stroke outboard...

[Max...]

Mini-hijack alert - Peter, while you're here can you help on the Yam 15 2S history ( 2 stroke: Yamaha 15, Tohatsu 15/18 advice please ) - when was the last sold 15hp Yam 2S (15FMHS) introduced? - late 90's?

[Fenlander]

>>>50kg is easy to dead lift solo,but it's not easy when it's an odd shape with bits digging into you

Nos is so right.

Our 26kg Tohatsu 9.8 was a fairly easy carry almost anywhere. Our current Mariner 15 at 35kg is much more awkward in lots of situations. Previously we had a 50kg Mariner and that was pig to move any further than a few feet across the garage.

BTW. I see you've chosen the same Zodiac as mine, did you see my pics and review? Are you buying the boat new too.... managed to find anyone who actually has one in stock at the discount prices?

[br1anuk]

Wooooooh don't go 4stroke on a small sib, that's why the price of good condition 2strokes are going through the roof.

Merchant bankers are having a hard time whether to put their investments into gold or excellent condition 10-15hp 2strokes never mind the wholly grail the 18hp Tohatsu.

Brian.