The search for a reliable and economical engine for a floating craft often leads a boating to consider Chinese brands, among which Hidea The 9.8 horsepower model is a middle ground, not only to plane with confidence on light boats, but also to be used as a primary motor for fishing or cruising. The decision to buy a 9.8 Heidi outboard motor is now being made by hundreds of Russians looking for a balance between cost of ownership and performance.
However, before you place an order, it is important to understand the technical nuances, because under this index hides different modifications: some models are equipped with a manual starter, others with an electric starter, and still others can have an elongated daywire, which is critical for high-sided inflatable boats. A careful examination of the specifications Before buying it will save you from disappointments on the water.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what this power unit is capable of, what weaknesses it has compared to Japanese counterparts and where it is best to purchase equipment to get an official warranty. You will learn why this power is considered optimal for PVC boats from 3.2 to 3.8 meters in length.
Why you should choose a 9.8 HP model
The choice of 9.8 hp is often driven by the owner's desire to maximize performance with minimal fuel costs. This class of engines allows for planing boats with two passengers and a small load, making them versatile for family holidays. Unlike 5-horsepower counterparts, which often work at the limit of their capabilities, the engine is designed to be a plane boat with two passengers and a small load. Hidea HD9.8 It has a sufficient supply of torque.
In some classifications and under certain registration conditions (although the legislation changes and this needs to be checked at the time of purchase), power up to 10 hp can simplify the accounting procedure or even allow you to swim without a license if the total power of all engines on the boat does not exceed the prescribed limit. Savings on bureaucracy A strong argument in favor of this category.
In addition, the two-stroke design used in most models in this series provides excellent throttle response and high specific power. For fishermen, this means the ability to quickly switch from trolling to a new fishing point. The motor is easy to transport in the trunk of a passenger car, eliminating the need to use a trailer every time.
⚠️ Attention: When buying, always specify the type of lubrication system. Some modifications require the preparation of a fuel mixture, while more modern versions can have separate lubrication, which is much easier to use.
Technical specifications and design features
Structurally, the Heidi 9.8 is a classic two-stroke, water-cooled engine based on time-tested solutions that ensure its maintainability even in the field. Carburetor system The power supply is easy to maintain and not as demanding on the quality of fuel as injection analogues.
The CDI ignition system, which guarantees stable spark formation at all speeds, is particularly important for long transitions or trolling mode, when the engine is running at low revs. The gearbox is made of an aluminum alloy that is resistant to corrosion, which prolongs the life of the unit in salt water.
The table below shows the main technical parameters of the standard model, which will help you navigate when comparing with competitors:
| Parameter | Meaning | Unit of measurement |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 9.8 | hp |
| Workload | 169 | cube |
| Maximum speeds | 4500-5500 | min |
| Launching system | Manual/Electro | - |
| Weight (no oil) | 25.5 - 28 | kilogram |
It's worth noting that the weight of the engine can vary depending on the configuration, models with an electric starter and a built-in generator for charging the battery will be heavier than manual versions, but the presence of a generator is a huge plus, allowing you to charge the battery right on the go, powering sonars and navigators.
Use only quality two-stroke oil labeled TC-W3. The oil savings can lead to piston group picking and expensive repairs through the season.
Comparison of Modifications: Short Shaft and Long Shaft
When you buy a Hidea 9.8, you have to choose the length of your daydive pipe, not just a technical detail, but a parameter that determines compatibility with your boat, and the short-leg models (S – Short Shaft) are primarily designed for low-transe aluminum boats or classic inflatable boats.
Long-leg options (L – Long Shaft) are designed for high-transe boats, sailing catamarans or situations where the motor is used as an auxiliary on a yacht. Installing a short motor on a high boat will lead to cavitation and loss of traction, and a long one on a low boat will create huge water resistance and the risk of damage to the screw to the bottom.
Visually, they can be distinguished by the length of the pipe from the crankcase of the engine to the anti-cavitation plate. The correct selection of length It provides the optimal angle of the trim and maximum efficiency of the propeller, and if you're in doubt, it's best to measure the distance from the top edge of the transom to the keel of your boat.
- 🚤 Short Shaft: Ideal for PVC boats with a length of 3.0-3.6 meters with a standard transcrete.
- ⚓ Long Shaft: Necessary for boats with high sides, keel motor boats and sailboats.
- 🔧 Universality: Some models allow you to adjust the height of the suspension, but within limited limits.
Don't try to build up a shorter daydive yourself. Disturbances in exhaust and cooling geometry will cause the engine to overheat and lose power. Factory modifications have already been optimized by engineers for specific operating conditions.
Can you convert a short motor into a long one?
This is theoretically possible, but requires a replacement of the dead-wheel pipe, intermediate shaft and gear shift traction. The cost of such work and parts often exceeds the price difference between the factory models, so it is easier to buy the right version right away.
Where it is more profitable and safer to buy a motor
The question of "where to buy" is a thorny one today as the market is overflowing with offers from individuals and questionable stores. Hidea It guarantees that you will receive an original product that has undergone pre-sale preparation (break-in on the stand, compression check). Service centers are more willing to take on the maintenance of equipment purchased from partners.
Large Internet sites often offer lower prices, but there is a high risk of running into “gray” imports without documents or an expired engine. Lack of security in case of breakdown can reduce all savings to zero, since the delivery of a heavy unit to the service at its own expense is expensive.
When buying, be sure to check the equipment. The box should include: the engine itself, a remote fuel tank (if provided by the model), a hose, a spark plug, a set of tools, a passport and a warranty card with the seller's seal. The absence of any of these elements is a reason to doubt the integrity of the transaction.
⚠️ Attention: Beware of offerings to buy an undocumented or parts engine, which is often used to sell reclaimed or serious defective copies that cannot be repaired.
Compare delivery terms. The motor weighs about 30 kg in a package, and it's big, and if the store offers free delivery to the door, that can be a big plus compared to picking up from a point across town.
☑️ Pre-payment checks
Service and First Steps After Purchase
Once you've decided to buy a 9.8 outboard motor and brought it home, the most important step is getting it right, and the new engine requires careful care in the first hours of operation to keep the piston group and bearings rubbed together, and neglecting this rule reduces the engine's lifespan by many times.
The break-in process usually takes about 10 hours or several fuel tanks to produce. It is not recommended to give full gas in the first hours. The optimal mode is to work at medium speeds with periodic short-term load increases. This allows you to evenly distribute the lubricant and remove the primary wear products.
Don't forget to preserve. If you plan to store the engine in winter or just between seasons, you need to drain water from the cooling system, treat the inner cavities with anticores and can the cylinders with special oil. Corrosion The main enemy of outboard motors, especially when stored in a garage.
- 🛢️ Oil replacement: In the gearbox, the oil is changed after the first break-in (10 motor hours), then once a season or every 100 hours.
- 🧹 Washing: After each operation in salt water or dirty water, the engine must be washed with fresh water.
- 🔩 Puff: Once a season, check the tightening of the bolts of the mounting of the deadville pipe and the rummel, as they can weaken from vibration.
Regular maintenance will avoid sudden breakages on the water, replace fuel filters and spark plugs, but it requires discipline. Always carry a spare candle and a key to unscrew it.
Timely change of oil in the gearbox and use of a high-quality fuel mix are two main factors that ensure a long life of your Hidea engine.
Frequent Buyer Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to register the Heidi 9.8 engine in the GIMS?
Under current Russian law, registration is required for small vessels with an engine of more than 8 kW (roughly equal to 10.88 hp). Since 9.8 hp is approximately 7.2 kW, formal registration is not required if the weight of the curb vessel does not exceed 200 kg. However, the rules may change, and the interpretation of inspectors on the ground is sometimes different, so you should always have the documents for the engine.
What kind of gasoline is best used for this engine?
For two-stroke engines Hidea It is recommended to use AI-92 or AI-95 gasoline. The main thing is the freshness of the fuel. Gasoline that has stood in the tank for more than 2-3 months loses its properties and can lead to the formation of resins in the carburetor. Mix gasoline with oil should be strictly in the proportion specified in the instructions (usually 1:50 for break-in engines and 1:25 for new ones).
Does this model have a backsliding effect?
Yes, the 9.8 outboard motor is equipped with a full-fledged reverse coupling, the gear shift (Forward-Neutral-Back) is done by turning the romple. The mechanism is reliable, but it requires clear movements: you can only switch at idle speeds to avoid breaking the gears of the gear gear gears.
Can this motor be used in seawater?
Structurally motors Hidea They are adapted to work in salt water, because they use corrosion-resistant alloys, but after each seagoing, the motor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water, so that the salt does not crystallize in the cooling system and does not destroy the metal, and it is also recommended to lubricate the movable joints with a special lubrication.
Where can I find the parts?
Hidea engine parts are widely available in the market thanks to the unification with Tohatsu engines. Piston groups, carburetors and gaskets are often interchangeable, making it easier to find components even in remote regions.