Finding a reliable outboard For a light boat or PVC boat, a task that requires careful market research, especially if the budget is limited. 9.8 horsepower is considered the “golden mean” for small craft, allowing you to plane confidently with one or two passengers and cargo, while remaining in the category up to 10 hp, which makes it easier to register with GIMS. The market for used units is full of offers, but finding a truly working copy with Japanese roots becomes more difficult every year.
Purchase of used equipment is always associated with risks, but the right approach to diagnosis allows you to save significant money compared to the purchase of new equipment. Two-stroke and four-stroke Engines have their own operating and residual life, which you need to consider when inspecting, and in this article we will discuss which technical nuances to pay attention to, which models have proven to be “unkillable”, and which are better to stay away from even at an attractive price.
You will learn to distinguish between real wear and tear of the piston group from cosmetic defects, understand the importance of the condition of the lower unit and be able to check the cooling system without complex equipment. competent choice of used engine with a capacity of 9.8 hp will provide you with years of carefree fishing and walks on the water, while a hasty decision can result in expensive repairs immediately after the first season.
Why 9.8 hp: features of the power class
The power classification of motors is critical not only for the selection of the propeller, but also for compliance with the law. Motors up to 10 hp inclusive do not require registration with the GIMS and obtaining rights to operate a small vessel, unless the boat itself also requires registration. 9.8 hp power. It is one of the most popular in the secondary market: owners strive to get the maximum traction, remaining in the legal field of the “unregistered” segment.
Technically, these engines are often forced versions of the basic 8-horsepower models. Japanese manufacturers (Tohatsu, Yamaha) often produce the same piston group for the 8, 9.8 and 10 hp ranges, changing only the settings of the carburetor or petal valves. This means that when buying a used unit, you actually get a reliable engine with a margin of safety, which was originally designed for high loads.
However, it should be borne in mind that the engines that worked at the limit of their capabilities (in full thrust mode constantly), can have increased wear. to plane a light PVC boat with one person 9.8 hp is an ideal option that provides a speed of 25-30 km / h. If you plan to roll a heavy boat with three passengers, the engine will work in tension, which for a used instance can be fatal.
Two-tact against four-tact: what is better to buy used
The 9.8 hp segment has historically been dominated by two-strokeFor the used segment, this is an important aspect: it is easier to find parts for an old Tohatsu or Yamaha two-stroke than for a rare four-stroke of similar power, and two-stroke engines are less sensitive to fuel quality and transportation conditions (you can drive on the side).
Four-stroke (4T) motors are less common and more expensive in this capacity, and their main advantages are economy and low noise, but when buying a used 4T, you need to be extremely careful: repair the system. valves and oil pump It's a lot more expensive than a two-stroke piston bulkhead, and if you're not sure about the service history of a four-stroke engine, you'd better give it up.
It's also important to consider weight. The 9.8 hp two-stroke engine weighs about 26 to 28 kg, making it easy for one person to take it off the transom. The four-stroke version will be 10 to 15 kg heavier, which is critical for light inflatable boats. For solo fishing, where mobility and the ability to quickly throw the engine into the trunk are important, the 2T remains the uncontested leader.
- 🛑 Two-stroke engines: require mixing of gasoline with oil, more noisy, but repairable in the field.
- ✅ Four-stroke engines: It's greener, quieter, more economical, but more difficult and more expensive to maintain.
- ⚖️ Weight: The 2T is lighter, which is important for PVC boats and frequent rooftop transportation.
The myth of fuel consumption
Is it true that the 2T eats more? In the 9.8 hp class, the difference in fuel consumption between the 2T and the 4T is only 10-15% when driving actively. Given the cheapness of 2T repairs, the savings on 4T can pay off for decades.
Key brands: Tohatsu, Yamaha, Mercury and others
The leader of the market of outboard motors of low power for many years remains a Japanese company. TohatsuThe M9.8B, M9.9B and older models (M10D, M9.8A2) are considered the benchmark of reliability. Tohatsu is the most common in good condition, as their simple design can withstand harsh operating conditions.
Motors. Yamaha The 9.9FMHS or 8CMHS series (often embroidered in 9.8) are in demand. Yamaha is famous for its quality lower unit materials and good corrosion protection, but the price of used specimens is often higher than that of Tohatsu, even in similar technical condition. Mercury in low power is often re-impressed Tohatsu, which makes them a great purchase if the price is adequate.
Chinese brands (Hidea, Sea-Pro, Mikatsu) have a significant market share, but their liquidity in the secondary market is lower. It's very cheap to find a used engine, but the risk of running into problems with aluminum casting or build quality is higher. If you're a beginner and you can't tell the difference between good metal and bad metal, you better pay extra for a Japanese brand with history.
When searching on bulletin boards, use different queries: "Boat 9.8", "Moto 10 hp", "Tohatsu 9.9", "Yaha 9.9". Sellers often mistaken the headlines, indicating 9.9 instead of 9.8, which allows you to find hidden gems at a low price.
Diagnostics at the purchase: checklist of the buyer
Buying a used motor blindly from a photograph is a guaranteed way to lose money. A personal inspection is a must. First of all, check the appearance of the lower unit: deep scratches can indicate impacts on stones or the bottom, which could lead to microcracks in the case. The presence of fresh paint on the lower unit is a worrying sign, perhaps the seller was hiding corrosion or breakage.
Starting the engine should be done only on water or in a special barrel-barboter. Dry work even for a minute can disable the pump and the osteoils. Pay attention to the color of the exhaust: blue smoke is acceptable for 2T, but black or white thick smoke indicates problems with the carburetor or water entering the cylinders.
☑️ Checklist of engine check 9.8 hp
Pay special attention to the cooling system. Ask the seller to show the "control" - the water jet should beat confidently. A weak jet can mean clogging channels or wear of the impeller pump. Also check the gear shift: the lever should run clearly, without jamming, and the switching on of the gear should not be accompanied by a loud crunch or impact.
⚠️ Attention: If the seller refuses to remove the engine from the boat to start, or claims that “it works, but now there is no water/gasoline/time”, turn around and leave.
Technical parameters and comparison of models
To understand what you are buying, it is useful to compare the specifications of popular models, although they are similarly powered, they can differ in weight, ignition system and type of control. Below is a table to compare the main parameters that should be considered when choosing.
| Parameter | Tohatsu M9.8B2 | Yamaha 9.9FMHS | Mercury F9.9 | Hidea HD9.8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Workload | 169 cubic centimetres | 169 cubic centimetres | 169 cubic centimetres | 169 cubic centimetres |
| Weight (kg) | 26.0 | 27.0 | 26.5 | 26.5 |
| Ignition system | CDI (electronic) | CDI (electronic) | CDI (electronic) | CDI |
| Cooling | Water (forced). | Water (forced). | Water (forced). | Watery |
As you can see from the table, the technical specifications of the market leaders are almost identical, as they use similar engineering solutions. The difference may be in the ergonomics of the roamer, the convenience of the launch handle and the availability of service centers in your area. For Tohatsu and Mercury, it is often easier to find original parts, since they are interchangeable.
When choosing, consider the length of a lower unit. Inflatable boats usually have a short leg (S-381 mm), metal boats with a high transom may require a long one (L - 508 mm). Installation of a short motor on a high transom will lead to cavitation and overheating, and a long one on a low one will create excess water resistance.
Pricing and risks of the used technology market
The price of a used engine 9.8 hp varies in a wide range and depends on the year of release, condition and configuration. "Live" Japanese 2010-2015 release can cost 60-80% of the price of a new one. Motors over 20 years or Chinese analogues are valued much lower. Do not chase the lowest price: the restoration of the old engine can exceed its cost by many times.
Beware of engines brought in from salt-rich regions (the Caspian, the Far East), which eat away at aluminum and magnesium inside a lower unit faster than fresh water, even when flushed regularly. Visually, this wear is hard to spot, but it causes sudden failures. Ideally, buying the motor from the owner who operated it in the fresh waters of central Russia.
The optimal price of a used 9.8 hp engine in good condition is 50-70 thousand rubles (estimated prices), Anything that is much cheaper is likely to require capital or is stolen.
⚠️ Attention: Check your engine documents (PCM or GTD) and the absence of documents can cause problems when registering a boat (if it is registered) or when leaving for water bodies where the rules of navigation apply, and without documents it is impossible to prove the legality of the origin of the equipment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I increase the power of the used engine 9.8 to 15 hp?
Theoretically, many 9.8 hp have the safety margin to flash or replace the petal valves. But for a used engine, this is risky: the piston life could already be developed, and the forcing will lead to a quick failure, and it will also deprive you of the right not to register the engine in the GIMS.
What is the best oil to use in a used two-stroke engine?
Use only quality oils with labeling TC-W3For older engines (over 15 years old), some masters recommend slightly increasing the proportion of oil in the mixture (for example, 1:40 instead of 1:50) to compensate for the natural wear of the glands and increase lubricating properties.
Should I buy a motor without documents?
Buying an undocumented motor is a lottery, you can't check its history, its status, its legality, if it gets into the sight of law enforcement, it can be seized until the circumstances are cleared, and the savings of 5-10 thousand rubles are not worth the risk of losing the entire amount.
How to preserve the used engine for the winter?
You have to completely drain the cooling system (purging), pour a fuel stabilizer into the fuel tank and develop it, or drain the gasoline completely. You have to pour the "preservation" oil (spine rod) into the cylinders through the candle holes and turn the crankshaft. Store the engine in an upright position.