Mariner

30 years ago American manufacturers dominated the outboard motor market.Names such as Mercury, Johnson, Evinrude and Chrysler, led the field competing with each other to produce bigger and better outboard engines. However, while this was going on they were neglecting the smallest of the outboards. These are the outboard motors that sell in the greatest of numbers and are often the first outboard many of us, buy. This being the case many of us stick to the same brand (brand loyalty) as we buy other bigger outboards over the years. The Japanese seized on this fact and gradually Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu concentrating on small outboards began to take over as market leaders. They achieved this domination by improving efficiency and reliability. As well as adding features to these small outboards previously only found on larger engines.

Having achieved success in the small outboard market, these Japanese manufacturers expanded up the power range. They again came to dominate the outboard engine market up to at least 20 hp. The American manufacturers instead of competing with the Japanese, gave up and decided to buy these engines from the Japanese and badge them as their own. Now the Chinese have entered the market. Basically doing what the Japanese did previously, copying the best features of the present engines and at the same time keeping costs down.

So let us compare the outboards that are on offer for those looking for an outboard motor for their dinghy. If we take a fairly larger dinghy say, a Pioner 12, so that each outboard has to push a reasonably heavy weight through the water. If we then take the following outboard motors :

Mercury 2.5hp; Mercury 3.5hp; Mariner 2.5hp; Tohatsu 3.5hp; Yamaha 2.5hp; Suzuki 2.5hp; Honda 2.3hp; and a Parsun 2.6hp. All these outboards are 4 stroke engines. This is due to an E.U. Directive that prevents 2 strokes from being sold in the E.U. These outboards will provide a fairly wide range of engines available on the market, for powering dinghies.

To judge one engine against the another several tests were completed. A Bollard pull test showed that the Mercury 3.5hp and Tohatsu 3.5hp were the most powerful at 90lbs of thrust (These two engines along with the Mariner are virtually identical). The least effective was the Honda 2.3hp at 66lbs of thrust. In between were the Suzuki 2.5hp at 83lbs of thrust, the Yamaha 2.5hp at 78lbs of thrust and the Parsun 2.6hp at 70 lbs of thrust.

Next test was Fuel Consumption. At full speed - 5.75 knots, the best outboards were the Yamaha 2.5hp and the Suzuki 2.5hp by at least 20%. The worst was the Parsun 2.6hp. When the throttles were eased and the dinghy was cruising the Fuel Consumption comparision was less evident, only about 10% difference. All these figures are for 4 stroke engines. However, based on figures previously recorded for 2 strokes under similar circumstances, the older engines were up to 50% less fuel efficient at full speed. Very thirsty! Remember 2 stroke outboards are still available second hand.

Then the weight of each outboard motor was compared. Four stroke engines are heavier than older 2 strokes because of the powerhead etc. The Mercury, Mariner, Tohatsu, Yamaha and Parsun all weighed approx. 38 - 41 lbs (18 kg.). However, the Honda 2.3hp and Suzuki 2.5hp weighed a lot less at 28 lbs (12.5 kg.).

The price of each outboard motor was then compared. This was difficult to be accurate as discounts and sale offers are always changing.

Mercury 3.5hp £449
Mercury 2.5hp £380
Mariner 2.5hp £429
Tohatsu 3.5hp £449
Yamaha 2.5hp £489
Suzuki 2.5hp £379
Honda 2.3hp £429
Parsun 2.6hp £375

Although the Parsun was the cheapest and it is virtually identical the same engine as in the Yamaha 2.5hp, it is not as good. It is a bit like me following a Gordon Ramsay recipe, to the letter, but when compared side by side you just know that his is going to be that much better. The Chinese are able to copy, just like the Japanese did before them, but they have not got it right, yet!

Finally a little about each outboard tested. The Mercury, Mariner and Tohatsu are the same engine. Starting settings for the throttle are easy to understand with the choke and stop button clearly labelled. The petrol on/off tap is not so clearly marked. All these motors have gears. Ahead and neutral then using the 360 degree rotation you can get astern thrust. There are 4 tilt positions and a shallow water ability. Oil levels can be easily checked by viewing the indicator on the side of the engine cover.

The Yamaha 2.5hp also had easily understood starting and stopping settings but the oil level gauge was out of sight under the engine casing cover. As with the Mercury outboard the Yamaha 2.5hp has gears, ahead and neutral with 360 degree rotation. Unlike the Mercury which has a shear pin, the Yamaha has a rubber hub at the propeller, so no shear pin to break.

The Suzuki 2.5hp is as above but with the oil gauge easily viewed at the side of the cover. The propeller has a shear pin with spares stowed under the engine cover.

The Honda 2.3hp is not water cooled like all the other outboards tested. It is aircooled and has no gears. Instead it uses a centrifugal clutch. This makes starting and maneuvering more difficult than the others. It simply takes a bit of getting used to it. The oil gauge is out of sight under the cover. The propeller has a shear pin with spares kept under the engine cover.

Finally the Parsun 2.6hp, a copy of the Yamaha 2.5hp but not as good. However it is the cheapest engine when new. Fuel consumption was its biggest draw back.

Just like when you are grocery shopping, finding the right GPS unit for your boat can be quite difficult. With so many GPS models that are now in the market, choosing the right marine GPS can be a headache. You must review and compare their features to the other products available.

But though you are excited to compare one marine GPS unit to another, there are some things that you must do first. Above all, you must determine your needs as a boat owner and a mariner at the same time. You should list down all the features that you want in your GPS device. This must be done so that you would not look for GPS units with more features that you don't really need.

You must also consider all the marine GPS reviews or other GPS review that you can find on the internet. Through the help of these marine GPS reviews you will know which marine GPS works best. You will also learn the rants as well as the raves of the GPS unit owners who are currently using it. Take note of these reviews so that you will know which product you should avoid and which one should be included in your list of choices. By the use of the marine GPS reviews you can easily narrow down the number of products that you could choose from.

Of course, your GPS comparisons will never be complete if you don't look at their prices. Look for the models or cheap GPS that are not so cheap or so expensive yet have tons of excellent features that will be suitable for your needs. Look for the top ratings GPS to know which one is the best.

If you have extra money, you can also buy your GPS unit some Magellan GPS accessories such as the mounting accessory and leather case. Although these accessories are not really necessary, it can also improve the features of your GPS units.

Traditionally, the stars to guide sailors at sea, but when the stars are covered by clouds, modern browsers are based on marine GPS systems. Marine Global Positioning System to help mariners to know exactly where they are, while in the water. This is important because even the most experienced sailor on the open sea can be tricky. In reality, not a Marine Global Positioning System so effective that most of the boat owner is required. If you're likeessential part of the team are also life jackets.

If you have a boat and is not currently a Marine GPS navigation system in it, you need a place where you can compare prices for GPS navigation and marine features. The Internet has many places where it is possible the differences between the systems such as the Pioneer navigation system, Garmin GPS 2620, and the Magellan SporTrak Pro Marine GPS system to compare, just to name a few. Each system has Marine GPSslightly different characteristics and the one you choose depends on your needs.

For example, some of these waterproof shell models which are useful when you are in a sudden storm. Others have shown, perhaps, that can be read in direct sunlight. Wear gloves while browsing? If so, you must use a marine GPS system can be used with gloves research.

Compared Marine Global Positioning System GPS for the highest priceModels often have unique characteristics that other models are cheaper, do not possess. You must decide if these additional features is necessary or not. For example, you can use a laptop GPS Marine boat, but need the convenience of these devices. It 'possible that a smaller system that works for you so you can save not buying the portable version. So remember, not only to compare, compare prices on GPS, but alsoCharacteristics.

marine global positioning systems are not just for owners of personal watercraft. commercial fishermen are also essential elements of the team in achieving their chances of capture. some of the top models have features that follow the movements of fish and predict the best place to take the next day. In addition, the fishing fleet, which together can marine GPS tracking systems, which allow some boats to make their positions to other boats to use theirFleet.

When you're ready global maritime positioning system units to buy, then you have some options. It may be a GPS in your neighborhood, or you can buy online. When Marine Global Positioning System to purchase online, there is a greater probability of reviews and reports on various units of reading. These tests are valuable tools for determining what is one of many marine GPS systems on the market right for your needs.