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.

Outboard Motors

The outboard is a good reliable and affordable energy, while the occupying power, takes a fraction of the space in the trunk of an internal motor. Outboard motors are compact, lightweight and easy to maintain and have the great advantage of the internal engine that can be made developable land in its comfort and convenience of a garage or workshop.

The outboard motor is due to ship size and type of work suited to expect. PlaneThe helmets are equipped with an engine power output in which the body does not accelerate to a speed of scrolling with the power. The speed of a boat in motion, but it is limited by the waterline and will lead to very different performance in many cases the same engine speed in the water. When choosing a motor, choose one, enough energy for everyday use in normal and reserves enough power to push the boat against the wind and when the currentThe conditions are bad. A small motor at the limit of its capacity to longer working hours is not only strong, fragrant and the thirst for a bigger boat, the pressure at the same speed, but also benefit from faster.

External fuel

Most have two outboard motors and a mixture of gasoline / oil. The percentage of oil gas is between 25:1 and 50:1. Within certain limits, the proportions are not critical. The oil needed to lubricate the crankcase, connecting rodsBearings and cylinder liners. Too much oil in the mixture, the engine is difficult to start and produce a blue smoke or exhaust. Too little oil for the engine to overheat and use.

An outboard motor that will work best with low-octane gasoline. If the fuel / oil mixture is allowed to stand, forms a deposit of rubber
on the walls and ducts of the carburetor. Carry spare parts and fuel, but the mixture, if necessary.

Mixture of gasoline and oil in a gas can and shake vigorouslybefore filling the fuel tank for outboard motors. If the gasoline and oil do not mix, oil on spark plugs and the engine will not fire.

If the tank is left to rest for a while 'before it connects to the engine, which lean to one side, the integration of gas and oil. Stir the sediment in the reservoir, which can find its way to the fuel line and block the carburetor.

If the tank is usually only one party is full, the moisture in the airthe gas condenses and builds up a layer of water in the fuel. To avoid this accumulation, disconnect the fuel line and empty the tank. If the last centimeter of fuel remaining in the ground, open the fuel cap and rest your head. Rinse the tank with petrol, connect the tank.

Carl Kiekhaefer never planned to do something with outboard engines, if you have a degree in engineering from the university. His original plan was to design and manufacture magnetic separators for use in the dairy sector. Purchased from a loss of Cedarburg company board with financial support from the father with the intention of local magnetic separators. When he bought the company, including 300 outboard engines, which was rejectedWere defective and not working.

As an engineer, and needs money, Carlos decided to examine the engines and see if they could be repaired and sold. After looking at them, continues to work with its small staff and repair of all of them and to contact the original seller, who refused. The work had been a mail order company and decided to Carl and engines are now working to sell. Carl had the outboard engine as a way to make money quickly seesyour company, then called Kiekhaefer Corporation. showed, however, if the mail-order company to order the most popular and reliable engines, and a second company was found to be interested in engines and asked another engine, an alternative model of two fires cylinders, designed and built to they had to revise their plans. Carl improve at this point decided in 1939 to the design of the outboard motor and make it instead of machines for the dairy industry.

Carlworked on the design of their own brand of engines, taking into account all reliable outboard and bad things that were available at that time. His plan was to present its first series of engines, would be the performance and reliability of currently available at the thought. He has developed a water pump rotor resistance, dealing with mud and vegetation in the protection of rubber and a cover for the drive shaft and exhaust. L 'first fuel cell system with a diaphragm valve was also installed on the new engine and were ready to be set up in 1940 in the Mercury after the Roman messenger of the gods. New York Boat Show in 1940 where he presented his boat to the public and retailers for the first time and took 16 000 orders a motor for this show.

Since the company started very well the second world war the production of outboard engines and Carl stopped to win a governmentcontract for the supply chain for the army. The army had tried to get a portable version of the current and Carl, who could replace beat your project to be developed. Two months continues until a prototype designed and built and could be a practical test with 24inch chain saw cutting through a newspaper, could determine whether military contract or Carl would succeed. His plane crashed 35 seconds after the army takes only 17 seconds to make sure you cut the trunk and got the contract and thiscompany's survival in time of war. Immediately after the war, production expanded and renewed commitment outboard boats started as a hobby.

Today, Mercury produces a range of outboard motors of more than 300 domestic units and inkjet HP.

30 years ago, has dominated the U.S. producers as market.Names Mercury outboard, Johnson, Evinrude and Chrysler produce led the field of competition between them for outboard engines bigger and better. But if this is the abandonment was the smallest of outboard motors. These are the outboard engines sold in large quantities and are often the first purchase of outboard many of us. So many of us for the same brand (brand loyalty), asNow, another great board in recent years. The Japanese took it, and then concentrate Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki and Tohatsu outboard small began to take over as market leader. They achieved this by improving energy efficiency and reliability. It adds functionality to find those small outboard so far only in larger engines.

Having little success in foreign markets, the Japanese brand expands the power range. Againdominate the market for outboard engines, at least up to 20 HP. American manufacturers instead of competing with the Japanese surrendered and decided to buy engines from the Japanese and the shield as their own. Now the Chinese have entered the market. In essence, do what the Japanese did before, copy the best features of the engines, while controlling costs.

Then we compare outboard motors are designed for people with outboard motor for yourAssistant. If we take a larger boat on a Pioneer 12, so that any outboard motor at a relatively high weight should move in water. So if the outboard motor as follows:

Mercury 2.5 HP 3.5HP Mercury, Mariner 2.5hp, Tohatsu 3.5HP, 2.5hp Yamaha, Suzuki 2.5hp, 2.3hp Honda 2.6hp Parsun. All these engines are 4-stroke outboard engines. This is a European directive that prevents the sale of outboard motors from 2 years in the EU, which will provide a wide rangeengines on the market to drive the boats.

To evaluate an engine than many other tests were performed. A test of tensile strength showed that mercury and Tohatsu 3.5HP 3.5HP were powerful are almost identical) to 90 of the thrust (both engines with £ Mariner. The least effective was the Honda 2.3hp with 66 pounds thrust. Among Suzuki 2.5hp with 83 pounds of thrust, the 2.5 hp to 78 pounds of thrust to 70 and 2.6hp Yamaha Parsunpounds of thrust.

Next test was the fuel consumption. In any speed - 5.75 knots were the best outboard Yamaha and Suzuki 2.5hp 2.5hp at least 20%. The worst was the 2.6hp Parsun. When the butterflies were eased and the boat cruise was to compare the fuel consumption was less pronounced, only 10% difference. All these figures are for 4-stroke engines. However, according to previously recorded data for 2-stroke engine, in similar circumstances, the engines were aged less than 50%Fuel consumption at full speed. Thirsty! Remember, 2-stroke engines are still available second hand.

Then the weight of each board was compared. Four-stroke engines are heavier than those of more than 2 times because of the engine head, etc., Mercury, Mariner, Tohatsu, Yamaha and all Parsun weigh 38-41 pounds (18 kg) .. However, with a weight of Honda and Suzuki 2.3hp 2.5hp long (12.5 kg.) Less than 28 pounds.

The price of each board was compared. This wasdifficult, including discounts and offers are always evolving.

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 Parsun was the cheapest and is almost identical with the same engine as the Yamaha 2.5hp, so good. It 's a bit like me after a Gordon RamsayRecipe of the letter, but the team compared side by side, we only know that it will be much better. The Chinese are able to copy the Japanese did before them, but they have no right, no!

Finally, some outboard of each test. Mercury, Mariner and Tohatsu are the engine itself. Because the configuration of the butterfly are easy to understand with the gas pedal and the stop button clearly marked. Petrol / off is not marked as obvious. All of theseMotors. neutral, then rotate 360 ​​degrees to get a head start to grow again. There are 4 reclining positions and a capacity of shallow water. The oil level can be easily checked to see your screen on the side of the engine cover.

2.5hp Yamaha was easy to understand, but can start and stop the oil level was to cover out of sight under the hood. How Mercury 2.5 HP Yamaha outboard gear and the first 360-degree rotation neutral.Unlike Mercury, which has a safety pin, the Yamaha has a propeller hub of rubber, so no safety pin to break.

Suzuki 2.5 HP is as above, but with the rod, a little 'high. The propeller has a safety pin spare in the boot.

Honda 2.3hp unlike any other water cooled outboard test. E 'air-cooled and has no gears. Instead, it uses a centrifugal clutch. This makes it harder to start and that the maneuverothers. It just takes a little 'getting used to it. The oil of the package is out of sight under the bridge. The propeller was a safety pin spare parts under the hood.

Finally Parsun 2.6hp, 2.5hp Yamaha back, but not so good. But it is the cheapest in the engine is in perfect condition. Fuel consumption has been his biggest setback.

At the end of the new Mariner outboard

Buying a motor is the key to long engine life. Incorrectly can cause damage to the engine pistons, and bearings. Gears and bearings can be dross. All manufacturers have a recommended practice that followed, in order to provide a guarantee of their engines.

The damage can cause problems that can not appear on the outboard engines after the warranty periodabout ... Ay! dear! The best advice is to follow the manufacturer's recommendations or, in the case of an engine newly revised instructions for the Rebuilder.

To give you a checklist is difficult, because the recommendations varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. greater acceleration and top speed Mariner Optimax range of turbocharged engines or four-stroke must be protected early in life Verados.

Guidelinesto penetrate Mariner outboard engines.

Make sure the fuel meets the minimum requirements for the use of octane as shown in the manual. Mamanufacturers need at least "normal", with a minimum "69 RON" International. The main problem is not the octane rating, but the combination of alcohol fuel. Alcohol has become the fuel problem in the outboards running.

The new engines are now the components have been modified to withstand exposure to alcohol.

fuel additivesair conditioners must be recommended by the manufacturer.

two-stroke outboard just get the lubrication of the mixture of fuel and oil, not to interfere with this chemical process. Engine oil affects the accumulation of excess carbon on the pistons and rings, causing the failure. Carbon deposits directly attributable to the fuel blends less-than-perfect and oil. Mixing ratio of breaking into a motor must be used twice the percentage of oil as fuellater.

Mercury Verados operating procedures.

Do not let the engine idle for long periods. Do not use full throttle or the engine running at maximum speed. Check the cooling water circulates. By varying the motor speed from 10 to 15 minutes. Ask your Mercury Verados manual and warranty information, and be sure to follow the recommendations to continue to ensure safety. After starting the run, a normal mixture of gas oil.