11 best boat motors up to 3.5 liters. s.

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, not an advertisement and not a guide to purchase. Consultation with a specialist is required before purchase.

Significantly expand the capacity of fisherman or hunter boat with a motor. If a person prefers to rest alone or in company with a close friend, there is no point in buying a large boat. Accordingly, it needs a compact and economical engine. The purchase of a low-powered (up to 3.5 l. s.) unit. It’s inexpensive and lightweight. In addition, such a motor does not need to register and obtain a certificate of shipowner. With the specified set of the vessel will have to settle for a modest stroke (8-15 km / h) and endure some other inconveniences. But the inflatable boat can be transported without a trailer and carriage on a usual passenger car.

On Russian market many Japanese, Chinese and American motor builders fight for the consumer. The range of models is so wide that the beginner has difficulty in choosing the right boat motor. Expertology experts have highlighted some parameters to pay special attention to.

How to choose a reliable boat motor

Many technical specifications for low-power boat motors are identical or differ slightly. There are therefore several points to be singled out.

Power. Among the low-powered boat motors, models with an index from 2.0 to 3.6 liters are popular. s.

1. They are installed as the main motor if the boat is small. Besides, the number of fishermen is not more than 2 people, and it is required to overcome the distance not more than 10-15 km. In this case it is better to give preference to 3.0-3.6 liters engines. s.
2. Often fishermen equip their boats and launches with a second engine, which is often used for trolling. Low power and economical consumption make it possible to set a minimum travel speed. In this case, the choice of motor depends on the size and construction of the watercraft.

Cooling system.In low-power boat engines there are two ways of cooling.

1. The liquid cooling system allows to strain the unit to the maximum. Water from the reservoir flows through the motor’s channels, taking the heat away from the motor. The disadvantage of this design is fear of water pollution.
2. If the engine is only air-cooled, the angler can visit shallow, overgrown waters without fear. But with prolonged high loads there is a risk that the unit overheats.

Gearbox. To move the boat in different directions there are several working options.

1. Some models are equipped with full gearboxes, where there are one or more gears for forward movement, as well as the presence of reverse.
2. The single-stage boxes look simpler. Speed of movement depends on engine speed, and for backward movement the engine can turn by 180 degrees.
3. The presence in the gearbox of the neutral speed or overrunning clutch will be an important advantage for beginners. When starting the motor the boat will not start because the propeller will not rotate.

Expertology experts have carefully studied the boat motor market in the power segment up to 3.5 litres. s., Selecting the 11 best models. All of them were successfully tested in Russian conditions and received positive feedback from the owners.

11 best boat motors up to 3,5 liters. s.

The best two-stroke boat motors up to 3.5 liters. s.

Many owners of small boats give preference to two-stroke engines. Advantages of these models are low weight, reasonable price, easy construction, maintainability. But they work quite noisy, for two-strokes you need to prepare a mixture of gasoline and motor oil. Several low-power boat engines were included in the review.

Yamaha 3 BMHS

Rating: 4.9

The legendary outboard engine for small boats is a Japanese Yamaha 3 BMHS. The two-stroke engine became famous due to its compactness, reliability and unpretentiousness. The model is widely used by fishermen and hunters to equip single and double PVC boats. The power of the unit is limited to 3 liters. s., displacement is 70 cc. see. Experts consider one of the reasons of the motor success in Russia is the ability to move comfortably in shallow water, which provides sternwood mode. The manufacturer has equipped its product with an integrated 1.4 liter gas tank, manual start and tiller handle. Recommended transom height is 441 mm.

In reviews, users praise the Japanese engine for ease of operation, reliability, comfort in use. Compared with more modern competitors, it looks a bit heavy (16.5 kg).

Advantages

• compactness;
• reliability;
• unpretentiousness;
• ease of operation;
• comfort.

Disadvantages

• high weight.

Toyama TC3.6BMS

Rating: 4.8

Another Japanese development deserved a place on the podium. Toyama TC3 outboard motor.6BMS technically looks quite balanced. The two-stroke unit outputs up to 3.6 liters per propeller. s., 75 cc displacement. See. At maximum consumption of the fuel mixture does not exceed 1.8 liters per hour. The manufacturer installed a fuel tank of 1.5 liters, while limiting the weight of the product to 13.5 kg. The model is suitable for inflatable boats with standard transom height up to 381 mm. Experts like the tiller control system and reliable TCI ignition. Engine is capable of revving up to 4500-5500 rpm.

Owners like the quality of the motor, easy care and maintenance, low fuel consumption and lightness. The disadvantages for fishermen and hunters include noisy operation.

Advantages

• quality craftsmanship;
• economy;
• lightness;
• reliable ignition;
• easy care.

Disadvantages

• noisy operation.

Tohatsu M3.5B2S

Rating: 4.7

The leading Japanese manufacturer of boat motors Tohatsu also has a compact two-stroke M3.5B2S. It attracts fishermen and hunters with its democratic price, high quality construction and good controllability. Weighs just 13 kg and even a teenager or woman can handle the weight of the machine. At top speed (4200-5300 rpm) the engine reaches 3.5 liters of power. s. As befits a budget motor, the engine is started with the manual starter, and the tiller is in charge. The manufacturer provided the ability to move in shallow waters, built-in tank holds up to 1.4 liters of fuel mixture. Engine mounts easily to standard 380 mm transoms. Average fuel consumption ranges from 1.5 to 2.0 L/h.

Owners are flattered by the power capacity of the engine, convenient tiller motor control, easy maintenance and maintainability. But because of the low power at high speeds vibration occurs.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• lightweight and compact;
• easy maintenance;
• maintainability;
• user-friendly operation.

Disadvantages

• vibration at high RPM.

Mercury 3.3 M

Rating: 4.7

For conquering the waters of small rivers and reservoirs is perfect boat motor Mercury 3.3 M. The model does not need any advertising, its reliability and durability is indirectly proved by the high aftermarket price. According to experts, the advantage of this model is the absence of electronics, which makes the engine maintainable and unpretentious. The advantages of the motor should include a 4-position height adjustment, which allows you to successfully pass both depths and shallow water. The unit is able to develop up to 5500 rpm, while the maximum power reaches 3.3 liters. s. The engine is easy to start with a hand starter, it has a built-in 1.4 liter gas tank. compatibility with factory-made propellers is an asset.

Judging by the reviews, anglers refer to the motor Mercury 3.3 M with great respect. Of the disadvantages they note the appearance of noise and vibration at high revolutions.

Advantages

• reliability;
• liquidity on the secondary market;
• maintainability;
• Lightweight (13 kg) and compact.

Disadvantages

• Noise and vibration at high rpm.

arsun TC 3.6 BMS

Rating: 4.6

The most famous Chinese manufacturer of outboard engines Parsun produces a simple and unpretentious two-stroke TC 3.6 BMS. ISO 9001:2008-certified for high quality workmanship. The model looks compact and modern, its weight is 13.5 kg. The motor is capable of producing up to 3.6 liters. s. at high speed (up to 5300 rpm). The unit is compatible with most inflatable boats that have a 381 mm transom height. The engine is started with the manual starter, and there is a tiller for steering. The manufacturer has installed a gas tank capacity of 1.5 liters, this stock of fuel mixture can be enough for 1-2 hours of continuous travel. Metal parts are rustproof, the engine is not afraid of bad weather or sea water.

Users are satisfied with the simplicity of the motor, its maintainability, reasonable price. But over time, owners should check the tightening torques of bolts and screws.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• compact and lightweight;
• reliable protection against corrosion;
• maintainability.

Disadvantages

• requires careful attention over time.

Sea-Pro T3S

Rating: 4.5

Tops the list of the six best two-stroke outboard engines with 3.5L horsepower. s. Chinese model Sea-Pro T3S. Experts have found much in common in the construction of the unit with the Japanese fellow Yamaha. This and the same claimed power (3.0 liters. s.), and the volume of the motor (70 cu. cm), and weight (16 kg). The engine has a built-in gas tank capacity of 1.2 liters. The unit is started by the hand starter, the tiller is responsible for control. The engine spins up to 5500 rpm, which allows you to gain more than 10 km/h. To fix the motor on the small boat requires a standard transom height 381 mm.

On thematic forums, owners actively share their impressions of the Chinese motor. From the pluses they note the affordable price, reliability, unpretentiousness. The disadvantages of the model, some users call leaking fuel from the tank during transport.

Advantages

• reasonable price;
• reliability;
• unpretentiousness;
• economy.

Disadvantages

• Fuel leaks during transport.

Golfstream T2.6BMS

Rating: 4.4

The cheapest and lightest (9,8 kg) boat motor in the review was the model Golfstream T2.6BMS. The production of engines of this brand is carried out on the famous Chinese factory Parsun. The manufacturer gives a 3-year warranty on its product. The unit is inferior to its competitors in power (2.6 liters). s.), developing at maximum up to 5000 rpm. Working volume is only 50 cc. see, the model is equipped with a built-in gas tank volume of 1.2 l. Experts note the one-way rotation of the propeller, to move in reverse would have to turn the motor 180 degrees. At the same time the manufacturer has provided the ability to adjust the angle of inclination in 4 positions.

Owners are happy with the easy start of the engine, its light weight, 3-year warranty. From the disadvantages they note the low speed (up to 7 km / h). After shutting off the fuel tap it is recommended to walk about 30 meters. Otherwise a small part of the fuel mixture can get into the boat.

Advantages

• ease;
• affordable price;
• 3-year warranty;
• tilt angle is adjustable.

Disadvantages

• low power.

The best four-stroke boat motors up to 3.5 liters. s.

The four-stroke engines have their supporters. They value the engines for quiet operation, reliability, economy and ecological compatibility. Gasoline is filled into the tank and engine oil into the crankcase. But these units have more weight and cost more. The following models are well-proven in our country.

Mercury F 3.5 M

Rating: 4.9

Japanese brand Mercury is known for its four-stroke engines. The low-powered F3 unit is no exception.5 M. Experts praised the reliability of the model, unpretentiousness to domestic gasoline. Single-cylinder engine can crank up to 6000 rpm, demonstrating a maximum capacity of 3.5 liters. s. Users report that a fully-loaded two-seater boat can accelerate to 11 km/h. Owners will be pleased with the economical fuel consumption, even at maximum speed, the engine consumes only about 1 liter of gasoline. The machine has a small fuel tank (1 l), 300 ml of engine oil is poured into the crankcase, another 180 ml is required to lubricate the gearbox. The engine is controlled by the tiller, reversing is done by turning the engine 180 degrees. Motor weighs about 18 kg.

Some anglers are so confident in a Japanese motor that they don’t even take their oars with them. Disadvantages include high cost.

Advantages

• model reliability;
• unpretentiousness;
• economy;
• small weight;
• easy starting.

Disadvantages

• high cost.

Yamaha F2.5 BMHS

Rating: 4.8

The most compact four-stroke in the Yamaha lineup is the F2 boat motor.5 BMHS. Power of the unit does not exceed 2.5 liters. s. When entering the operating range of 5250-5750 rpm. According to experts, the baby is able to accelerate a 5-meter boat to a speed of 10-12 km / h. But the best option would be to equip the engine 3-meter inflatable boat, which at an average load can be brought to planing mode. Engine weighs 18 kg in dry state, the gas tank holds 0.9 l of gasoline, the oil sump requires 0.35 l of grease. The manufacturer managed to increase the efficiency due to additional insulation of the combustion chamber. Instant responsiveness to throttle input is aided by the dual-trottle drive. All-around steering gives the boat excellent maneuverability.

Anglers are pleased with the trouble-free start-up of the motor, the ability to transport on either side. On the downside, they cite the high cost.

Advantages

• compactness;
• tractability;
• quiet operation;
• easy starting;
• ease of transportation.

Disadvantages

• high cost.

Honda BF2.3DK2SCHU

Rating: 4.7

The lightest four-stroke can be attributed to the Honda BF2 boat motor.3DK2SCHU. Weighs only 12.4 kg, the fisherman alone is able to carry it without problems over a distance of 200-300 m. Despite the small capacity (2.3 liters), the engine is not very powerful. s.), the engine is able to accelerate an inflatable boat with one person on board up to 15 km/h. With a passenger, speed is reduced to 8 km/h. The motor consumes from 0.5 to 1 l/h. Experts recommend the model to fishermen who often visit overgrown with algae ponds. Engine is air-cooled, so the system will not clog with sand or grass. Environmental friendliness and reliability should be considered as an asset of the Japanese unit. The engine turns 360 degrees, thanks to the centrifugal clutch, the boat does not start moving immediately after starting.

Owners are happy with the simplicity of the motor, its liquidity in the secondary market, easy starting. They consider the drawback to be the noisy operation.

Advantages

• reliability;
• unpretentiousness;
• economy;
• easy maintenance;
• secondary market liquidity.

Disadvantages

• noisy operation.

Sea-Pro F2.5S

Rating: 4.6

One of the most affordable four-stroke motors on the domestic market is the Chinese model Sea-Pro F2.5S. The unit can operate as a first number, and play the role of second fiddle (for example, when trolling). When reaching maximum rpm (5250-5750) the engine generates 2.5 liters of power. s. The manufacturer has installed a built-in gas tank capacity of 0.9 liters, but given the modest appetite (0.7 liters per hour), on one fill you can explore the water area for 1 hour. The engine is operated by a tiller and single-stage gearbox. Experts liked the shallow water safe swimming feature, but the owner needs to exercise caution, t. k. plastic screw is afraid of stones or snags.

Anglers on forums give positive feedback on the performance of the motor. It starts well, consumes very little fuel, handles smoothly. The disadvantages, they say, are the noisy operation and lack of power.

Advantages

• affordable price;
• economy;
• easy starting;
• ease of operation.

Disadvantages

• noisy operation;
• lack of power.