PVC outboard motors: catalog, prices and choice of the ideal model

Choosing a power unit for an inflatable vessel is always a search for a balance between power, weight and budget. The market is full of offers where Chinese brands coexist with Japanese classics, and prices range from several tens to hundreds of thousands of rubles. PVC outboard motors determine how comfortable your fishing or cruising on the water will be, so you can not approach the purchase lightly.

In this article, we will analyze the current catalog, analyze price segments and help you determine the key specifications. You will learn why it is sometimes cheaper to buy a more powerful model than to overpay for a brand, and what hidden costs can occur during operation.

It's worth noting that modern technology has allowed us to significantly reduce the weight of the structures, while maintaining their traction specifications. PVC We can install an engine that will lead the boat to plane with confidence, and let's dive into the world of mechanics and hydrodynamics to make the purchase as profitable as possible.

Classification of engines: two-stroke vs. four-stroke

The first thing that customers face is the dilemma of how to choose the tact of the engine: Two-stroke models are traditionally lighter, easier to maintain and generally cheaper to buy, and their design involves mixing oil with gasoline, which provides lubrication of rubbing parts, but leads to increased fuel consumption and noisier work.

Four-stroke analogs, by contrast, are quieter, more economical and more environmentally friendly. They don't require a fuel mixture, because the oil is in a separate crankcase. But these benefits come at a cost of increased weight and higher initial cost. flyboat weight becomes a critical factor, especially if the transport is carried out alone.

The choice often depends on the use case. If you need to start the motor quickly, drive a short distance and can it until the next fishing, a two-stroke will be ideal. For long transitions and trolling, where efficiency and the ability to charge the battery on the go, the four-stroke unit is out of competition.

The myth of the reliability of two-tacters

Two-stroke motors are said to break down more often, in fact, because of their simple design (lacking a complex valve system and an oil pump), they often outperform four-stroke engines when properly maintained.

It's also important to consider the inclination of the data-devut. Power Trim, allowing you to adjust the position of the screw on the move, which is critical to compensate for the different when changing the load of the boat.

Overview of price categories and popular brands

The outboard motor market can be clearly divided into three price segments, each with its own leaders: the budget is dominated by Chinese manufacturers offering affordable copies of famous designs, the middle segment is occupied by time-tested brands, and the premium is represented by technological innovations with electronic control.

When budgeting, you should consider not only the price of hardware, but also the cost of parts. Tohatsu or Yamaha have a wide network of services, while with rare Chinese brands, it may be difficult to find a piston group or carburetor.

Below is a comparison table showing the price dependency on engine type and power in the current season:

Power (hp)	Type of engine	Average price (budget)	Average price (premium)
2.6 - 3.5	two-stroke	25,000 rubles.	45 000 rubles.
5 - 6	two-stroke	45 000 rubles.	80,000 rubles.
9.8 - 10	two-stroke / four-stroke	70,000 rubles.	140,000 rubles.
15 - 20	four-stroke	110,000 rubles.	210,000 rubles.

It is worth noting that prices can fluctuate depending on the exchange rate and logistics chains, and it sometimes makes sense to consider used engines in good condition, especially when it comes to reliable Japanese models, whose life is estimated at thousands of motor hours.

Selection of power for the size of the PVC boat

The rule of selection is that the engine power must match the maximum power specified in the transom of your boat. forbidden It can cause transoms to collapse or a boat to tip over at high speed, and for a standard two-seater boat 2.8-3.2 meters long, the best choice would be models with a capacity of 5-9.8 hp.

If you plan to get on the water with a full load (two people, tackle, anchor), it is better to take a motor with a reserve of power. For example, on a boat with a limit of 10 hp, it is often put a “ten” because the “five” may not bring the boat to sleeve at full load, forcing the engine to work at its limit.

For large inflatable catamarans or keel boats longer than 3.6 meters, it is advisable to look towards engines with a capacity of 15 hp and above.

It is also important to consider gear ratios. For heavy boats, gearboxes with a large gear ratio are preferred, which provide better traction at low revs, allowing you to start from a place more confidently.

Top models for small inflatable vessels

In the segment of low power (up to 6 hp) the undisputed leader has been for many years. Tohatsu M5BDSIt's a lightweight, reliable two-stroke that's easy to start and has a built-in generator to recharge the battery. Yamaha 5CMHSIt is a little heavier, but famous for its “unkillability” and the availability of spare parts in any port.

Among the four-tact class is distinguished Mercury F5MIt's heavier than two-stroke counterparts, but it uses significantly less fuel and works quieter, which is important for fans of quiet fishing. Hidea or ParsunThey offer similar specifications for 60-70% of the price, which makes them attractive for economical buyers.

• 🚤 Tohatsu M5BDS - Reliability standard, weight only 19 kg, built-in generator 6A.
• ⚓ Yamaha 5CMHS - classics of the genre, excellent traction, high liquidity in the secondary market.
• 🔧 Parsun F5BMS Best budget four-stroke, quiet work, but requires high-quality running.
• 🌊 Mercury 5M - compact two-stroke with exhaust gas cleaning system, very light.

⚠️ Note: When buying Chinese engines, be sure to check for a GTD certificate (Freight Customs Declaration). Without this document, you will not be able to officially register the engine with the GIMS, which will entail fines when checking on water.

When choosing a particular model, look for an ignition system: Electronic ignition (CDI) is more reliable and does not require adjustment of the gap, unlike the contact-magnetic system, which is found in older or very cheap models.

Middle class: engines for planing

The 9.8-15 hp category is the middle ground for owners of PVC boats 3.2-3.6 meters long. This is already the beginning of serious speed. Tohatsu 9.8 and his branded clones Mercury 9.9These motors often have the same piston group, but differ in the settings of the carburetor.

Special attention should be paid to the possibility of software or mechanical “smothering” of engines 9.8 hp to 15-20 hp Many manufacturers suffocate the engines to meet environmental regulations or licensing requirements, but structurally they are ready for more power, which allows you to buy a more affordable version and if necessary increase power.

In the four-stroke segment, models from Suzuki and YamahaThey're heavier, but they allow smooth running and no vibrations. For inflatable floor boats (BBBBs), the weight of the engine is less important because the boat itself is heavier and balancing becomes easier.

Remember the length of the daydwoot. PVC boats typically use short lower unit (S – 381 mm or 440 mm depending on the brand), and installing a long-legged motor on a small boat will cause the propeller to bury and lose speed, as well as increase water resistance.

breaking in and maintenance

The engine life is directly dependent on the quality of the break-in. For two-stroke engines, this is a critical step, since the piston group is laundered. Standard break-in mode involves 10 hours of operation on a mixture with an increased share of oil (usually 1:25 instead of the standard 1:50) and at speeds not higher than 50% of the maximum.

Four-stroke engines also require breaking in, but it is less critical to the resource, although recommended by the manufacturer. In the first hours of operation, do not give full load to the rings evenly distributed throughout the cylinder. After the first 10 hours of motor racing, be sure to replace the oil in the gearbox and, in the case of a four-stroke, in the crankcase of the engine.

• 🛢️ Fuel mixture: Use only fresh AI-92/95 gasoline and special oil for boating vehicles with markings. TC-W3.
• 💧 Washing: After each exit into salt water or a muddy river, flush the cooling system with fresh water.
• 🔩 Anodes: Regularly check the condition of the magnesium anode on lower unit, it protects the body from galvanic corrosion.

⚠️ Warning: Never store a full tank of gasoline in winter. Gasoline oxidizes and loses properties, and can damage the rubber elements of the carburetor. Before preservation, generate fuel from the float chamber or use a stabilizer.

Regularly lubricating the rotary points and thrusts of the rummel with lithium lubricant will prevent acidification of the compounds. In an aggressive aquatic environment, corrosion is the main enemy, and prevention takes less time than repair.

Frequent Questions and Answers (FAQ)

Can I carry a outboard motor in the trunk of a car?

Yes, but only in a horizontal position and necessarily on a certain side (as indicated in the instructions, usually on the exhaust side or on the opposite side of the carburetor). Before transportation, you must completely discharge the oil from the gearbox and develop or drain the fuel from the carburetor to avoid oil entering the combustion chamber and contamination of the cabin.

Which is better: a three-bladed or four-bladed screw?

The three-blade propellers (Standard) are versatile and provide top speed. The four-blade propellers (High Thrust) create high thrust at low speeds, which is useful for heavy boats but reduces top speed slightly. A three-blade propeller is usually enough to plane light PVC boats.

Do I need to register the engine in GIMS?

Registration is required for small vessels weighing more than 200 kg (in running order) or with an engine power of more than 8 kW (about 10.88 hp). If your boat is lighter than 200 kg and the engine is more powerful than 10.88 hp, you only need to register the boat, but you must have the engine documentation with you. The rules may change, so the current information should be clarified at the local branch.

Why does the engine stop at idle speed?

The most common causes: a contaminated carburetor (especially an idle jet lane), improper tuning of the screw quality of the mixture, air sucking through the gaskets or a damaged fuel hose.