Choosing a power plant for a boat is always a search for a balance between power, weight and economy. Motor boat 50 forces It is a power that allows most PVC boats to glid confidently between 3.8 and 4.5 meters in length, as well as lightweight metal "Kazanka" with full load, unlike less powerful analogues, the fifty not only puts the boat on mode, but also allows you to comfortably navigate against wind and wave.
The modern market offers a huge variety of models that can confuse even an experienced boater. What should you look for first? Of course, the type of engine: two-stroke or four-strokeIt's a fundamental choice that will shape the ownership of the technology for years to come: Two-strokes are traditionally easier and easier to maintain, whereas four-strokes are quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly. It is important to note that for many models of PVC boats, a weighty argument in favor of a two-stroke is the weight, which is often 10-15 kg less than that of a four-stroke counterpart.
In this article, we'll go into the technicalities, the operation, the subtleties of choice. You don't have to be an engineer to understand the difference between a carburetor fuel system and an electronic injection. We'll look at the real fuel consumption, engine life, and cost of ownership. A properly selected unit is a guarantee of safety and pleasure from fishing or cruising on water.
Technical specifications and productivity
When it comes to 50 horsepower, many people think of a huge roaring unit, but modern technology has allowed us to significantly reduce the dimensions and weight without losing traction performance, and the average weight of such a motor varies from 72 to 95 kilograms depending on the tact and manufacturer. two-stroke The option will be lighter, which is critical for inflatable boats, where every kilogram on the transom affects the differentiation.
Performance is directly dependent on the pitch of the screw and gear ratio of the gearbox. The standard gear ratio for this category is usually 2.08:1 or 2.15:1. This provides the optimal balance between speed and thrust. If you plan to use a boat to tow a water skier or tuba, you will need a screw with a smaller pitch for quick access to the plane. For fishing and economical travel, on the contrary, a large-step screw is preferred, allowing you to reach maximum speed at minimum revs.
Cooling systems are also key, and the vast majority of cases are forced water cooling (off-shore water). Thermostat It regulates the temperature of the engine, allowing it to warm up faster and maintain optimal thermal conditions, which is especially important for four-stroke models, where overheating can lead to serious consequences, such as piston group bullies or deformation of the cylinder head.
⚠️ Warning: Never run the engine out of water or without providing coolant. Even a few seconds of dry operation can cause instant overheating and costly repairs to the water pump and cylinder block.
Consider the comparative table of specifications of popular types of motors with a capacity of 50 hp:
| Parameter | two-stroke (2T) | four-stroke (4T) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight (average) | 72-78 kg | 95-115 kg |
| Fuel consumption (max) | 20-25 l/hour | 12-16 l/hour |
| Noise | High. | Low. |
| Resource to overhaul | ~2,000-2,500 motor-hours | ~3500-4000 motor-hours |
| Transportation | In any situation | Only vertically. |
Two-stroke vs. four-stroke: the eternal dilemma
Choice between 2T and 4T It's not just a matter of price, it's a choice of philosophy, and two-stroke engines run on a mixture of gasoline and oil, which means you have to mix the fuel in the right proportion (usually 1:50 for modern models) before each refueling, but this design allows them to develop high specific power and operate in any position that is convenient for transportation on the roof of the car.
Four-stroke engines that run on pure gasoline have no problem mixing fuel, and they have a full-blown lubrication system with a crankcase, like a car, which makes their work more stable and predictable. Electronic ignition system And the intake valves make the mixture burn more completely, and you get silence, no smoke, no exhaust smell, which is something that fishermen especially appreciate, because the smell of gasoline can scare fish away.
On the other hand, four-strokes are very tilted when transported, and they can't be placed on their side or upside down, because the oil from the crankcase can get into the combustion chamber or escape from the rubbing vapors, which will cause oil starvation the next time they run, and the two-strokes are completely free, and you can roll them any way you want.
The myth of fuel consumption
Is it true that two-stroke always eats more? Not quite. At full speeds, the difference can be double in favor of 4T. However, at low to medium speeds, when trolling or moving quietly, modern 2T with optimized purges can be surprisingly economical. However, in terms of motor hour 4T still wins in resource and environmental friendliness.
If you use a boat intensively, often and far from the base, the four-stroke engine will pay off at the expense of fuel savings. If the trips are rare, "on weekends" and the boat is small, the two-stroke will be easier to maintain and cheaper to buy.
Selection criteria for PVC and aluminum boats
Making a motor for a boat is a multi-factor task, and for PVC inflatable boats, weight is critical. Motor boat 50 forces For PVC, it should be as light as possible so as not to overload the transom and bow. A heavy motor on a light boat will cause the nose to be upside down and the boat to burrow in the wave. The optimal weight for PVC is up to 80 kg.
For aluminum boats ("Kanak", "crow", "bob"), the weight of the engine is less critical, here is more important than thrust and reliability. The metal body is better at quenching vibrations, so you can safely put a heavier and noisier two-stroke. However, if you like to sneak up on the ducks or just appreciate the comfort of communication in a boat, a quiet four-stroke will be preferable. Also consider the length of the lower unit: for boats with high sides or when mounted on the bracket, you may need a long leg (L), rather than a standard (S).
An important aspect is the presence of an electric starter. For a 50 hp motor, pulling the starter lace every time is tedious, especially if the engine is hot or poorly heated. The presence of an electric starter and a charging coil (or a separate generator) allows you to charge batteries in transit, power sonars, navigators and other electronics.
⚠️ Attention! When buying a PVC outboard motor, be sure to check the maximum power specified by the boat manufacturer on the transom nameplate. Exceeding this limit can lead to the collapse of the transom and the boat tips over.
If you plan to change boats frequently or use the motor on different boats, note the presence of the tiller (gas) adjustment on the tiller, which allows you to use the motor without a separate remote control box, while maintaining mobility.
The process of running: first start and first hours
Proper running is the key to a long engine life, and many newcomers ignore this stage, relying on factory training, which is a gross mistake. New parts should be worn out. The break-in process takes 5 to 10 hours, depending on the manufacturer's recommendations, during which time you can not give full gas.
Usually, the procedure is the first hour of idling (water only), then 2-3 hours at 30-40% of the power, and only after 5-10 hours you can briefly go to full gas. During the break-in, micronervousnesses on the piston rings and cylinders occur. If you immediately give a load, you can get bullies that are not treated with anything but tearing.
Pay special attention to the fuel mixture for two-stroke engines during the break-in period. Some manufacturers recommend slightly increasing the proportion of oil in the mixture (for example, 1:40 instead of 1:50) for the first tanks to ensure enhanced lubrication of rubbing vapors. Be sure to watch the control stream of water coming out of the control hole.
☑️ Checklist before first launch
Maintenance and common malfunctions
Regular maintenance prolongs the life of the motor. two-stroke The main maintenance of the models is to clean the spark plug, check the fuel filters and lubricate the knots. It is important to change the fuel filters, the sump filters regularly, because poor-quality gasoline is the main enemy of the carburetor. Clogged jellybers lead to impoverishment of the mixture and overheating.
Four-stroke engines require a change in engine oil, the first time the oil is changed after running (after 5-10 hours), then every 50-100 hours or once a season, you also need to check the oil level before each trip, and the absence of oil in the crankcase of the 4T engine will lead to fatal consequences in a matter of minutes.
Corrosion is a common problem. Salt water is aggressive against aluminum and magnesium alloys. After each salt water trip, the motor must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Use special washing nozzles ("ears") on the water intake hole. Remember to lubricate the rotary mechanisms and the gas-reverse cables with special water-resistant lubrication.
⚠️ Warning! When you can preserve the engine for winter storage, be sure to treat the internal cavities of the cylinders (for 2T) or pour oil into the cylinders (for 4T) to prevent corrosion of the piston group during downtime.
What to do if the engine doesn't start? 1. Is there a spark? (twisted the candle, pressed to the mass and plucked). 2. Is there fuel? (check the sediment filter and hoses). 3. Is there any water in the tank? (often a problem in condensate). If there is spark and fuel and the motor is silent - maybe cut off the flywheel veneer or compression problem.
Overview of popular brands and models
The 50 hp market is represented by both global giants and budget Chinese brands. Yamaha, Tohatsu and SuzukiThe Yamaha 50HETS is a benchmark of reliability, a heavy but unkillable two-stroke. Tohatsu is famous for its lightweight and compact solutions, often put on PVC boats. Suzuki are known for their Lean Burn system, which provides excellent flow.
Chinese manufacturers should be selected Hidea, Parsun and Sea-ProMany of them are assembled in licensed factories (often replicas of older Japanese Tohatsu or Yamaha models), they are much cheaper, more affordable in parts, but can be inferior in quality of materials and assembly, but for amateur use with moderate loads, they are an excellent choice.
When choosing a brand, consider the availability of service centers in your area. The 50 hp motor is a complex unit, and the ability to quickly find parts or a skilled craftsman can save you a lot of time and nerves in the high season.
