Welcome! Need support, you got it. Or share you ideas and experiences.
In Reply to: Small Outboard Motor Purchase posted by John on February 23, 2002 at 14:41:04:
Small outboard motors…Above is a Man’U Motor that was produced in the late eighties by a company named Water Mate, Inc. in Crystal Lake Illinois USA. Not sure about the price but the mechanics look interesting including the "pumping lever" and the proper slow turning--very large--propeller.As to other small outboard motors, me thinks there are many numbers of used ones out there with Evinrude and Johnson probably producing more that other manufacturers. The venerable 3-4 hp 2 cylinder 2 cycle units (33 to 37 lbs.) have been produced since the fifties, and seem to have a reliable reputation. Parts (including parts for the 6-8hp. units--which to not have as enviable a rep.) should not be a problem even though OMC is now a Bombardier product. The newest small 4 cycle outboards are gaining market share for their clean, quiet running, fuel sipping manners (albeit heavy-8hp.-77 to 90lbs.). The little Honda 4 strokes 2-8hp seem to have a good reputation. These are not inexpensive engines even second hand. The High Thrust Yamahas might be a good choice. The Tohatsu 6hp 4 stroke at 55lbs. might be a good choice for reliability...
John, when you get your choice sorted out your welcome to place a free “Boat Gear Wanted” ad on the SmallBoatForum e-Classifieds page.
Follow Ups:
It may be of interest to you that I have a Man'U Motor that I purchased in August of 1989 from Water Mate Inc. Through the years I have had many favorable comments on this equipment and have been very satisfied with its performance using it on a 7 foot dingy and a 16 foot sail boat. If someone wanted to buy it, I would not sell.
Hi Bob,Thanks for the most interesting post! Can you tell us a little more about this propulsion unit: What does it weigh? What are the approximate dimensions? Any idea as to the pitch and diameter of the prop? When one pushes the lever, is there a lot of resistance until the prop gains momentum? Does the lever action go through any reduction gearing before turning the prop? Is he Man’U Motor still available? Any idea who has the design now?
Appreciate your time and info. on the above.
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