Choosing an outboard motor for a small inflatable boat or a light boat is always a balance between power, weight and price. In the budget segment, Chinese brands dominate, and Hangkai The 9.8 horsepower model is an interesting hybrid that is often confused with the classic 10 horsepower units, but it has its own design features.
This engine was created as a response to the requests of fishermen who want speeds higher than the standard 5-6 hp, but who are not willing to overpay for Japanese brands or heavy 15-horsepower models. Two-stroke cycle The work provides excellent traction at low revs, which is critical for planing under full load, but the simplicity of the design requires the owner to pay attention to the preparation of the fuel mixture and maintenance procedures.
Technical specifications and design features
At the heart of the unit is a single-cylinder two-stroke forced water-cooled internal combustion engine, with a displacement of 169 cubic centimeters, which allows the reported output of 9.8 hp at 5,000 rpm. lower unit It's made of light alloys, which, combined with a plastic casing, gives a total weight of about 27 kilograms, which makes it portable even for one person, although it's tedious to carry it over long distances.
The ignition system here is electronic (CDI), which saves the owner from having to adjust the gaps of the interrupter contacts, as it was in the old Soviet engines. A critical element is the built-in membrane fuel pump.This means that the motor can operate even when the boat is rolling, when the fuel level in the tank is below the level of the carburetor, provided that there are no air traffic jams in the system.
It is important to note that the Hangkai models use the classic remote tiller scheme, where the switching is done by turning the gas handle with the locking positions "Forward", "Neutral" and "Reverse". The mechanism of switching is mechanical, through thrusts that go inside the lower unit. When the glands are not adjusted correctly or worn, the switching can become tight or fuzzy, requiring intervention.
At the first assembly, be sure to check the level of oil in the gearbox - often it is not completely filled at the plant or there is no transport plug.
Fuel consumption and speed
Economy is one of the main trump cards of two-stroke engines of low power. In real trolling or low-speed mode, the fuel consumption of the Hangkai 9.8 is about 2.5-3 liters per hour. When driving half a gas, when the boat is already on the plane, consumption increases to 4-4.5 liters. At maximum speeds, which are rarely used constantly due to high noise and vibration, the engine can “eat” up to 5.5 liters of gasoline per hour.
Speed specifications directly depend on the displacement of the boat and its contours. On an inflatable PVC boat length of 3.2-3.6 meters with one passenger and minimal equipment, this engine easily accelerates the vessel to 25-28 km / h If we are talking about a heavier boat or the presence of a second passenger, the speed drops to 18-22 km / h, which, however, is quite enough for comfortable movement on the reservoir.
For clarity, compare the performance of the Hangkai 9.8 with the nearest competitors and previous models of the brand:
| Parameter | Hangkai 9.8 | Hangkai 9.9 | Tohatsu 9.8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Power (hp) | 9.8 | 9.9 | 9.8 |
| Weight (kg) | 27 | 27 | 36 |
| Workload (cm3) | 169 | 169 | 169 |
| Fuel tank (L) | 12 (complete) | 12 (complete) | 12 (option) |
As you can see from the table, the Hangkai 9.8 is almost identical to the 9.9, the difference often lies only in the settings of the carburetor and the marking. The main advantage over Japanese counterparts is the availability of a full set (tank, screw, tools) in the base price.
Proper breaking in procedure
Ignoring the rules of running is the main reason for premature failure of the piston group. The two-stroke engine does not have a separate lubrication system, the oil burns with the fuel, lubricating the rubbing parts. If you do not allow the parts to get lost in gentle modes, you can get bullies and loss of compression.
The process of running in takes about 10 hours or the production of 3-4 full tanks of fuel mixture. During this period, you can not open the throttle more than 50%. It is important to periodically change the load: do not keep the engine idle for long, but also do not give full traction. After each hour of operation, it is recommended to let the engine cool for 10-15 minutes.
The running mixture should be richer in oil than normal use. If the standard ratio is 1:25 (40 ml of oil per 1 liter of gasoline), then for the first hours of operation it is better to increase the oil content to 1:20, which will provide better lubrication when rubbing new parts.
☑️ Checklist before first launch
⚠️ Attention: Never run the motor "dry" or outside the container with water / pond for more than 10-15 seconds. the absence of water intake will instantly overheat and deform the impeller pump and glands.
Typical malfunctions and methods of their elimination
Despite its simplicity, the engine can be a hassle if you don't monitor it. Most often, owners face problems starting or unstable idling. 80% of the time, it's fuel or spark plug. Use of gasoline with expired expiration or improper octane number leads to the formation of soot and coking channels.
Cooling problems are manifested in the absence of a control jet of water, which can be caused by debris (algae, sand) getting on the water intake or the destruction of the rubber impeller pump. Regular visual inspection of the water jet is a mandatory habit of the aqueous motor before each trip.
If the engine stalls when you reverse or under load, it is worth checking the settings of the carburetor and the condition of the fuel hoses. Often, cheap rubber hoses bluff and crack over time, sucking air, which impoverishes the mixture.
The secret of stable work of the carburetor
Carburetors on Chinese engines often have poor membranes quality. It is recommended to replace the fuel hoses with better ones immediately after purchase (oil resistant) and check the tightening of the carburetor mounting screws, as they can weaken from vibration, breaking the tightness.
Comparison with competitors and choice of screw
In its price segment, the Hangkai 9.8 competes mainly with other Chinese like Parsun or the more expensive Tohatsu and Yamaha, the main difference being the availability of spare parts and the cheapness of repairs. However, the quality of casting and surface treatment from Hangkai is often inferior to market leaders, which requires more thorough primary defects.
A regular propeller that comes with a set usually has a pitch designed for medium load. If you plan to operate a full-load boat (2-3 people + gear), it makes sense to purchase a screw with a smaller pitch. This will allow the engine to unwind more easily to working turns, although the maximum speed may decrease slightly.
For high-speed walks alone, you can try a propeller with increased pitch, but there is a risk of not entering planing mode if the power of 9.8 hp will not be enough to overcome the resistance of the water.
The Hangkai 9.8 is the best choice for boats up to 3.8 meters long, where budget and ease of repair are the priority, not record speed or noiselessness.
Summary and recommendations
The Hangkai 9.8 has proven to be a workhorse for fishing and outdoor enthusiasts, and it is not without the disadvantages of low-end technology: noise, vibration, the need to be careful about the preparation of the mixture, but at its price it offers the functionality of a full-fledged medium-power engine.
Buying this unit is justified if you are willing to devote time to its maintenance: washing the cooling system after each outing, replacing candles and checking fasteners. In skilled hands, this engine can serve many seasons, delivering the owner to the cherished fish places.
You shouldn’t expect the miracles of four-stroke efficiency or premium brands reliability, but as a first engine or a backup option for a large boat, it’s a rational investment.
Always have a spare spark plug in the boat and a key to replace it. On water, the candle can fail at the most inopportune moment, and having a spare will save your fishing.
⚠️ Attention: With long-term storage (wintering), be sure to run out all the fuel from the carburetor or use a fuel stabilizer. The remaining gasoline evaporates, leaving a resinous plaque that clogs the jellyberries for the next season.
Which gasoline is better to use for Hangkai 9.8: AI-92 or AI-95?
The manufacturer recommends using gasoline with an octane number of at least 92 (AI-92). The use of AI-95 will not give an increase in power, since the compression ratio of the engine is not designed for this, and may even lead to overheating due to a longer burning of the mixture.
Why doesn’t the engine develop full speed?
There can be several reasons: a polluted air filter, improper adjustment of the speed limiter (if any), too big a screw pitch or overloading the boat, and it is worth checking whether the lower unit is overgrown with algae, which creates additional resistance.
How often should you change the oil in the gearbox?
The oil in the gearbox is recommended to be changed once a season or every 100 motor hours. Before replacing, be sure to check the color of the old oil: if it is whitish (emulsion), then water has got into the gearbox through the glands and they need to be replaced.