Choosing the first outboard motor is always a balance between the desire to save money and the need for reliability. When it comes to low-power units for inflatable boats or small aluminum kazaks, models with a capacity of about 5 horsepower occupy a special place in the niche. Honda BF5 It has proven itself as an ageless classic, available even if you buy a used copy.
This engine is often called "perpetual" and there's good reason for that, and it's decades-old, and it can be run half-around even after a winter downtime, provided the owner has met the minimum maintenance rules. Unlike many Chinese equivalents, you won't find cheap plastic in critical nodes, and the build quality remains at a high level.
When you look at this unit, it's important to understand that you're not just buying hardware, but you're buying a ready-made solution for a relaxing holiday, and it won't break water at the speed of a racing car, but it will confidently lead two adults and a child to planing on a light boat. four-stroke This model is preferred by most fishermen and tourists.
Technical features and engine design
The heart of the unit is a single cylinder four-stroke engine This scheme provides a more complete combustion of fuel and significantly reduces noise compared to two-stroke analogues. The displacement is 49.8 cubic centimeters, which allows you to develop a maximum power of 5 hp at 3600 rpm.
The cooling system deserves special attention. Water cooling is carried out through the water. water-intakeThe pump is designed to minimize the risk of sand, although caution when starting in shallow waters is still necessary. The thermostat is absent in this model, which simplifies the design, but requires attention when operating in the cold season.
If you run at idle speeds for a long time (less than 2,000 rpm), the water cooling system may not work properly. Periodically add gas to make sure that the control stream of water is running at a good pressure.
The transportation of the motor is also thought out to the smallest detail. Oil Pan (a sealed pallet of a crankcase), the unit can be transported in any position without fear of oil leaking, a critical advantage for inflatable boat owners who often have to fold the motor in the trunk along with their belongings.
- 🔹 Engine type: four-stroke, OHV, 1 cylinder
- 🔹 Launch system: Manual starter
- 🔹 ignition system: CDI (electronic, no contacts)
- 🔹 Shifting: Front / Neutral / Reverse
Fuel consumption and efficiency of operation
One of the main arguments in favor of buying Honda BF5 It's incredibly economical, because it doesn't have to mix gasoline with oil, and it burns the mixture efficiently, it consumes minimal fuel, and for many owners, it becomes a critical factor in multi-day fishing expeditions.
Medium. fuel At full gas, it's about 1.0 to 1.2 liters per hour, and when you're driving in economical mode, which is most of the time you walk or fish, you're going to consume 0.6 to 0.8 liters, which means you're going to have enough of a standard 12 liter can for a day of active work.
Saving on fuel and the absence of the need to buy a special two-stroke oil makes owning this engine cheaper in terms of motor hour than most competitors.
It is important to note that the engine is capable of running on AI-92 gasoline, but the use of high-quality fuel with an octane number of at least 95 (AI-95) will prolong life. carburettor The fuel system has an efficient filter-sludge that traps large particles of dirt, but the purity of the gasoline you pour is on your conscience.
| Mode of work | Turnover (rpm) | Expenditure (L/hour) | Working time of 10 l |
|---|---|---|---|
| Idle move | ~1500 | 0.4 - 0.5 | 20 hours. |
| Cruiser (50%) | ~2500 | 0.7 - 0.8 | ~12 hours |
| Full gas (WOT) | ~3600 | 1.1 - 1.2 | ~8 hours |
tiller control and ergonomics
The engine is controlled through a humcle, which is highly ergonomic, the gas handle is conveniently located, it runs smoothly, without jerks. F-N-R (front-neutral-back) is made in the form of a rotary handle on the tiller, which allows you to control one hand without releasing the tiller from the grip.
For beginners, the rev limiter feature will be useful, which prevents an inexperienced user from accidentally opening the throttle to full power. This prevents a sharp jerk of the boat and possible accidents. However, experienced users may find this feature slightly annoying, although it is removed quite simply.
The diewood tilt mechanism allows you to lift the motor to pass shallow water or pull ashore. The tilt fixer is reliable, but requires some effort. It's worth remembering that some versions do not have a separate bulge for shallow water, so you need to be careful when you lift the motor into motion so that you do not damage the screw to the bottom.
Oil maintenance and replacement
Like any four-stroke machine, Honda BF5 Unlike 2-strokes, the oil does not burn, but circulates in the system, lubricating rubbing parts, the first replacement is made after running (about 5-10 hours), then every 50-100 hours of work or once a season.
The replacement process is simple and does not require a complex tool: the oil is drained through the hole at the bottom of the crankcase, and poured through the hole under the tiller. SAE 10W-30 API quality class SG, SH, SJ or SL. The crankcase volume is only 0.6 liters, making the replacement an inexpensive procedure.
⚠️ Warning: Never start a motor without oil or if it is below the minimum level. Oil Alert (low oil level protection) system can work with a delay and you risk getting a low oil level. cock-head.
In addition to oil, you need to monitor the condition of the spark plug and air filter. The candle is recommended to twist and check every 50 hours, cleaning the soda. The air filter located under the casing should be blown or cleaned carefully, especially if you are actively fishing in dusty weather or in places with poplar down.
☑️ Annual motor maintenance
Repairability and typical malfunctions
Repairability Honda BF5 It's so simple and so logical that many small malfunctions can be repaired on their own in the field, and parts for these engines have been on the market for over 30 years, and it's easy to find them even for older models.
Typical problems include the wear of the lower unit glands, which eventually leads to water getting into the gearbox, and owners sometimes face contamination of the carburetor gillets using poor-quality gasoline. However, unlike the complex electronic systems of modern motors, there is little to break down.
The secret of the durability of the gearbox
Inside the gearbox is a transmission oil that also requires replacement every 1-2 seasons. If you see an emulsion (white slurry) during the drain, then the sealing of the oslugs is broken and they need to be replaced to avoid corrosion of the gears.
If the engine doesn't start, first check for sparks on the candle and fuel flow. Often the problem lies in a corny clogged filter-sludge or oxidized contacts of high-voltage wire. ignition eliminates the need to adjust the gaps, which also reduces the likelihood of failure.
Comparison with competitors: Tohatsu and Yamaha
In the market of 5-horsepower engines Honda There are two main competitors: Tohatsu M5B and Yamaha F5Tohatsu often wins in weight and price, being the lightest in the class. Yamaha is famous for its exhaust cleaning system and slightly quieter operation at low revs. However, Honda wins in terms of ease of service and availability of service.
Many users note that Honda is easier to start "cold" after winter due to the quality of the ignition system and the design of the carburetor. In addition, the location of controls on the tiller Honda is often recognized as more ergonomic than competitors.
When choosing between these brands, consider the availability of parts in your area. If Honda is in a nearby city and Yamaha is in thirty lands, the choice is obvious. On the dry balance, all three engines are excellent choices, but Honda holds the brand leader in terms of performance.
The Honda BF5 is the choice of conservatives who put reliability and ease of repair above minimal weight or price savings.
Next Next post: Should I Buy a Honda 5 HP?
outboard motor Honda 5 hp It's an investment in a relaxed lifestyle, it doesn't require dancing with a diamond, it forgives minor errors in operation, and it serves faithfully for years, and it's priced very high on the secondary market, which means it's liquid and it's in demand.
If you are looking for a motor for a small inflatable boat (PVC) up to 3.5 meters long or a lightweight aluminum boat, it is difficult to find a better option. It will provide comfortable movement, will not be stunned by noise and will allow you to forget about mixing gasoline with oil.
Which screw is better: standard or with increased pitch?
The standard propeller is optimal for most tasks. The propeller with increased pitch can slightly increase the top speed on a light boat with one person, but will worsen traction and acceleration, especially with a full load. For 5 hp, experimenting with propellers is not recommended.
Can this motor be used in seawater?
Yes, you can, but after each exit, you need to thoroughly wash the cooling system with fresh water. Aluminum alloys and magnesium anodes protect the engine, but constant contact with salt without washing will lead to rapid corrosion.
Why does the engine smoke when running?
You can have a little smoke and smell when you first use it, and you burn out the conservation lubricant and you grind the parts, and if the smoke is black or blue after the first 5 hours, you should call the service.
⚠️ Warning: Do not leave the motor in water for a long time (more than 2-3 days) without emergency. Slam shell framing and corrosion of the lower unit can reduce the life of the unit.