Finding Reliable and Affordable outboard For a small boat, it often leads potential buyers to legendary Soviet and Russian classics. outboard motor Whirlwind 20 to buySo you need time-tested technology that can work in the harshest conditions in our waterways, and that's a solution that's chosen by those who value repairability and simplicity over modern design and electronic control systems.
The market of water technology is now saturated with Chinese analogues, but Whirlwind-20 It's still in demand because of its unique repairability, and even if it fails far from civilization, it can be repaired with a minimal set of tools, which is not possible with most imported models, and it's this reliability that makes it popular with fishermen and hunters who don't want to depend on service centers.
In this article, we will discuss in detail where it is best to buy this unit, what modifications should be paid attention to and how not to make a mistake when buying a used copy. The engines of the series Virgo-20 are produced since the 1970s, and this period is considered the peak of the quality of assembly of components and parts. You will learn about the technical nuances that will help you make the right choice and save your budget.
Why you should choose a vortex-20 engine for a boat
The main advantage of this model is the two-stroke engine operation scheme, which provides high specific power at a relatively low weight. Whirlwind-20 It requires two cylinders, which makes the power plant work smoother than its single-cylinder counterparts. torque It is transmitted through a conical transmission, which is characterized by durability with proper maintenance.
Another important aspect is the versatility of the installation, which is suitable for a wide range of boats, from PVC inflatable boats up to 4 meters in length to light metal "Kandak", the control system can be both rampel and remote, which expands the capabilities of your boat. fuel It is within reasonable limits for its power class.
And don't forget the availability of spare parts, and unlike the rare imported models, parts are available for the rest of the world. vortex You can find it in almost any specialty store or even in auto-disassembly, which is a critical factor for those who plan to operate the equipment in remote areas where service is not available.
- 🛠️ High maintenance and availability of spare parts in any region.
- ⚓ Possibility of installation on boats of different types and sizes.
- 💰 Affordable cost compared to foreign analogues.
- 🔧 Simple design, understandable even to beginners.
The main modifications and their differences
Over the years, the line has changed, and now you can find different versions on the market. Whirlwind-20 It is equipped with a magdino ignition system, which makes it independent of the battery, but requires periodic adjustment of the gaps. Whirlwind 20 E and Whirlwind 20 ESWe received an electronic ignition system, which improved the start-up and stability of operation.
The C-coded modification means a forced reverse system, which makes it much easier to operate the boat, especially when mooring or maneuvering in narrowness. There are also shorter-dadewood versions designed for shallow water, but they are less common. It is important to pay attention to the year of release when choosing, as metal processing and assembly technologies have changed.
⚠️ Note: When buying a motor without documents, make sure that the number on the cylinder block coincides with the number in the passport (if it is preserved), otherwise there may be problems with registration in the GIMS.
It is worth mentioning the version separately. Whirlwind 20 MIt's a refrigerated cooling system, and it's got better lower unit fluid dynamics, and it's been able to reduce overheating when you're working at full speed for a long time, and if you're planning long transitions, it's going to be preferable to the basic versions.
What's the difference between E and E?
The Virgo-20 E has electronic ignition, but the reverse and gas control is carried out only by a tiller. The Virgo-20 ES model is equipped with a reverse switching system, which allows you to install remote control (wheel and gas), which is more convenient for boats with a console.
Technical specifications of the engine
To understand the capabilities of the unit, you need to consider in detail its data-sheet figures: a two-stroke gasoline engine develops a power of 20 horsepower, which is the optimal indicator for planing light boats. The cylinder capacity is 346 cubic centimeters, and the maximum number of revolutions reaches 4500-5000 per minute.
The power system works on a mixture of AI-92 gasoline and a special two-stroke oil in a ratio of 1:25 (for running) or 1:50 (for main operation). lubricantsIt's a refrigeration unit, because it's a refrigeration unit, and it's cooled by off-shore water through a pump in lower unit.
| Parameter | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Power | 20 hp |
| Workload | 346 cm |
| Number of cylinders | 2 |
| Weight (no fuel) | 25-27 kg |
| Recommended screw | D 230 mm, step 280 mm |
The weight of the motor in running order varies depending on the modification and availability of the electric starter, but usually does not exceed 27 kilograms. This allows one person to transport and install the unit on a transom. The propeller It has three blades, which provides a good focus on average speeds.
Where to buy a new or used engine
The solution to the question where outboard motor Whirlwind 20 to buyNew engines are rare because production has been stopped, but the remains of warehouses or refurbished units can be found in specialized water stores, and they will be much higher than the used market.
The most popular option is to buy by hand through bulletin boards, and you can find the unit in various states, from "requiring bulkhead" to "sit down and went." When searching on Avito or Yula, be sure to check the compression state and the presence of a spark. Often sellers indicate "working", but do not say that the engine is smoke or warm.
- 🏪 Specialized outboard motor shops (new or after major repairs).
- 📱 Billboards (Avito, Yula) are the main source of used technology.
- 🤝 Forums of boaters and thematic groups in social networks.
- 🔧 Service centers selling equipment after Trade-in.
When buying used, always negotiate to test the engine on water. If you can't, ask the seller to remove the candle and show its color. Black soda indicates a rich mixture or poor burning of oil, and white indicates overheating. Visual examination of lower unit for dents is also mandatory.
☑️ Checking the engine before buying
Tips for Choosing a Used Motor
Buying a mileage machine always carries risks, but for vortex They're minimized by the simplicity of the design, and first of all, look at the condition of the lower unit, and the presence of deep scratches or dents can indicate impacts on rocks or underwater obstacles, which could have caused the shafts to shift or damaged the lower unit pipe.
The second important thing is the cooling system: ask the seller to start the engine in a barrel or a pond and show the jet of "control" (a signal stream of water), if the water does not come or is a weak stream, then the impeller pump is worn out or the cooling channels are clogged, and the operation of such a motor is prohibited, because it will lead to instantaneous operation. heat-up and jamming pistons.
⚠️ Warning: Do not buy a motor if you hear a knock at the bottom of the lower unit, which may indicate the development of propeller bearings, the replacement of which requires special removers and skills.
Also check the flange of the mount to the transom. On older motors, the metal may be tired or have cracks in the welding sites. Make sure all mount screws are present and not torn. If the motor is sold without a screw, this is a bargaining ground, because the original one is the one that is the first to be sold. propeller It costs money.
The ideal used Whirlwind-20 is a motor that was stored in the garage, has a full set of ZIP and is started from a half-turn after pouring fresh mixture.
Service and preparation for the season
After purchase, regardless of the condition of the engine, it is recommended to carry out preventive maintenance, starting with the replacement of all sealing gaskets in the cooling system and carburetor. Even if the old ones look whole, the rubber tans over time and loses elasticity, which can lead to air or water sucking.
Make sure to lubricate all friction knots according to the lubrication map. Pay special attention to needle bearings of rods if your model requires periodic syringes. vortex This is critical for longevity, and check the status of the magneto or the electronic ignition unit.
The first start after buying or wintering, make a fresh fuel mixture. The proportion of the oil for running or first start should be increased to 1:25. Let the engine work at idle speeds for 5-10 minutes, then add gas. Watch the temperature of the body and the presence of a cooling jet.
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the unit. Change the fuel filters, clean the carburetor from contamination and check the tightening of the fasteners after every 10 hours. Timely replacement Burned spark plugs will prevent problems with the launch.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which gasoline is best used for the vortex 20?
The AI-92 is recommended. The AI-95 is not advisable because of a higher octane number than the engine requires, which can lead to later combustion and overheating.
Can I use Whirlwind 20 on a PVC boat?
Yes, but with limitations, the boat must be stiff enough to have a tanning board that can withstand the weight of the motor (about 27 kg) and vibration. For inflatable boats less than 3.5 meters long, this engine can be redundant in power and weight.
Why does the engine smoke blue smoke?
Blue smoke is a sign of oil burning. If the smoke is moderate and disappears after warming up, it is normal for a two-stroke smoker. If the smoke is thick and persistent, perhaps the proportion of the mixture is disturbed (too much oil) or the piston rings are worn out.
Do I need to register a outboard motor in GIMS?
According to the current legislation of the Russian Federation, outboard motors with a capacity of more than 8 kW (about 10.8 hp) are subject to registration. Since the vortex-20 has a capacity of 20 hp, its registration is mandatory, even if it is installed on an unregistered boat (boats up to 200 kg are also not registered, but the engine is yes).