Finding the best solution for mobile fishing often comes down to trivial but critical weight arithmetic. PVC inflatable boatEvery extra kilogram puts a significant strain on the back and shoulders of the fisherman, especially if you have a long way to the water without the possibility of getting up by car, which is why the question of what is the lightest outboard motor 2 hp now worries owners of compact boats no less than their cost or fuel consumption.
The modern boating market offers many options where engineers sacrifice power for weight loss, or vice versa. However, the 2 horsepower segment remains unique: there are models that weigh less than a full can of gasoline, making them ideal for the future. solo-fishing In this article, we'll take a look at leaders by weight, their designs, and help you make your choices.
It is important to understand that "lightness" is a relative concept, depending on the type of daydvut and the presence of a transmission. Weight record holders often use a plastic lower unit pipe and a simplified gearshift system.This is a way to minimize the weight, but it can affect the durability of the stony waters, so we'll look at the nuances so you don't overpay for air, but you don't buy a fragile toy.
Criteria for choosing a light motor for a boat
When choosing petrol-engine So, not only is the weight tag of the minimum power, but the weight distribution is also of paramount importance. A light motor has to be balanced, otherwise it's going to be constantly trying to fall into the water or, conversely, to bully the lower unit, and the center of gravity is crucial to driving comfort, especially at low speeds.
The second important aspect is the lower unit material. Aluminum alloys are durable and repairable, but heavier. Plastic or composite pipes are much lighter, but they are more vulnerable to impacts on rocks or driftwood. For a fisherman who walks on proven routes, plastic can be a great solution, but for exploring wild rivers, it is better to compromise in the form of a compromise. aluminum-alloy with thin walls.
Also worth considering is the gearshift system. The lightest models often lack a full gearbox and have only neutral and forward, or use a reverse rotating rover. This simplifies the design and reduces weight, but requires addiction. If you need back-up maneuverability to moor on a steep shore, not having a full-fledged reverse can be a problem.
Leaders' review: who is the easiest?
Analyzing the market, there are several models that consistently occupy the top of the ratings for minimum weight, often named as the leader of Chinese brands that specialize in ultra-light solutions for the Asian market, where small sampanas and inflatable boats are popular, and their designs are as simplified as possible, which gives a gain in mass.
Among them stands the model. Parsun F2.6BMS (often labeled as 2.6 hp, but structurally close to twos), which weighs only about 9.5 kg in the dry state. It is one of the lightest gasoline engines in the world. For comparison, the standard "Japanese" or "Americans" of the same power weigh in the region of 10-11 kg. The difference of 1-1.5 kg may seem insignificant, but when carried on the shoulder it is very strong.
Another contender – the brand’s engines TohatsuThe Japanese build quality is combined with sophisticated ergonomics. Although it can be 300-400 grams heavier than Chinese counterparts, its life is often valued higher thanks to the use of better alloys and bearings, and weight is sacrificed for durability.
When buying a full tank engine, pay attention to the weight of the full tank. Dry weight can be misleading, as some models have a built-in tank that adds 0.5-0.7 kg to the total weight in running order.
specifications comparison table
To make an objective assessment of the differences between popular models, we can summarize their basic parameters in a single table, which will help to see how weight loss is achieved and what trade-offs come with ease.
| Model | Power (hp) | Weight (kg) | The kind of lower unit | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Parsun F2.6BMS | 2.6 | 9.5 | aluminum | tiller, no reverse. |
| Tohatsu M2B2S | 2.0 | 9.8 | aluminum | Japanese assembly, reliable |
| HDX T2.6BMS | 2.6 | 9.7 | aluminum | Budgetary option |
| Mercury 2M | 2.0 | 10.2 | aluminum | High liquidity |
As you can see from the table, the range of scales is minimal and within one kilogram. neutrality Parsun and HDX often have a system where the switching takes place by rotating the rompell, eliminating the need for complex mechanisms inside the lower unit, making it lighter.
Tohatsu and Mercury models have traditionally retained the classic lever-switching circuit, which adds weight but increases usability. For a beginner who is just mastering the water element, having a lever may be a more understandable and safe solution than manipulating a tiller.
Two-stroke vs. four-stroke: Which is easier?
In the low-power segment, especially up to 5 hp, there is an eternal struggle between two-stroke (2T) and four-stroke (4T) engines. If your main criterion is minimum weight, then two-stroke engines are the undisputed leaders here. The 2T engine design is simpler: fewer moving parts, no crankcase lubrication system, no valve mechanism.
Four-stroke motors, such as Yamaha F2.5 or Honda BF2.3They weigh considerably more than their two-stroke counterparts, and the difference can be as high as 3-4 kg, which is a significant indicator for the ultralight category, but 4T engines are quieter, more economical and do not require a fuel mixture, which for many outweighs the scales in their favor, despite the extra pounds.
⚠️ Attention: When choosing a 4T engine, keep in mind that it can not be tilted more than 45 degrees (or put on the side) without draining the oil, otherwise oil starvation and piston bullies will occur. 2T engines in this regard are more "omnivorous" and allow for greater roll.
If you plan to use the motor primarily for trolling at low speeds, the 4T will be more comfortable due to the lack of vibrations and smooth thrust. But if the task is to quickly get the boat to the point and back, and then drag the engine along the shore, the 2T will remain the king (lightweight).
The secret of durability of 2T engines
Use only high-quality synthetic oil for two-stroke engines with JASO FD or ISO-L-EGD tolerance. Cheap mineral oils lead to candle-on-candle and piston ring soaking, which is critical for low-power engines with their small cylinder volume.
Features of operation of light motors
The ultralight motors have their own specifics, which you need to know about in advance, because of their low power and weight, they are very sensitive to overgrowth of the screw by algae, and even a small bundle of grass can completely stop the boat or cause overheating, because they have minimal thrust reserves.
The propellers on these engines often have a pitch designed for light boats, and if you put two adults and a load in the boat, the engine may not be able to glid or even reach full speed. Load capacity 2 hp motor is usually limited to 200-250 kg of total weight (boat + people + cargo).
It's important to pick up the right screw. For heavy boats, it sometimes makes sense to put a smaller screw in order to spin the engine to the working speed. However, the standard screws that come with the kit are optimized for medium loads. Regularly checking the lower unit for sand and dirt is a mandatory procedure.
☑️ Pre-season checks
Maintenance and care of light motors
Despite the simplicity of the design, lightweight motors require regular maintenance, the main problem is the cooling system, the water circulates through small channels that are easily clogged with sand or silt. After each unloading of the boat from the water, especially if it was shallow water, it is recommended to "gag" the engine in a barrel of clean water or just let it work for a few minutes to drive the sand out of the pump.
Winter preservation also has its own peculiarities: Two-stroke engines must either generate fuel from a carburetor or add a stabilizer, otherwise the gasoline will dissipate and clog the jellyplants over the winter. For four-stroke counterparts, it is critical to replace the oil before storage, since the used oil contains acids that can corrode engine parts during downtime.
If you don't have space and you have to put it on your side, you should do it strictly on your left side (opposite exhaust) or on a lower unit, but only after the liquids are completely drained, if it's a 4T model. For 2T models, the storage position is less critical, but the vertical is preferable for preserving the glands.
⚠️ Attention: Never leave the motor in water when it is not running for long periods of time. A galvanic aluminum-steel pair in salt water (even slightly brackish) will cause the lower unit to corrosion quickly. Always remove the motor after fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a 2 hp motor enough for a 3-meter boat?
For a three-meter boat, the 2 hp engine will be more auxiliary. It will be able to bring the boat to plane with only one light person on board (up to 70-75 kg) and a minimum load. It will mainly provide a speed of 5-7 km / h, which is enough for moving, but not for fast delivery. For confident planing on the "three", it is desirable to have at least 3-4 hp.
What is the lightest four-stroke 2 hp engine?
One of the leaders among the 4T is the Honda BF2.3 weighing about 12.5 kg. Also worth noting is the Suzuki DF2.5. They are heavier than two-stroke counterparts (a difference of about 3 kg), but provide silence and no need to mix oil with gasoline.
Can you reach speeds above 10 km / h on a 2 hp engine?
Yes, a light inflatable boat with one person and a correctly selected propeller can achieve speeds of 12-14 km / h. However, this will be at the limit of the engine, which will affect the fuel consumption and resource of the piston group. Comfortable cruising speed - 6-8 km / h.
Do I need to register the 2 hp engine in GIMS?
In Russia, engines up to 8 kW (approximately 10.8 hp) do not require registration if the boat itself has a payload of less than 225 kg. The 2 hp engine (about 1.5 kW) does not exactly require registration, which is a huge plus for owners, eliminating bureaucracy and annual inspections.
The lightest motor isn't always the best choice, and the balance between weight, reverse and build quality will determine how long you'll be served by that water assistant.
In conclusion, choosing the lightest 2hp outboard motor is a trade-off between portability and functionality. If you value every gram and are willing to put up with the lack of reverse, the Chinese 9.5kg models will be a great choice. If reliability and comfort are the priority, add a kilogram of weight, but take a proven brand with a classic design. In any case, the 2hp engine opens the door to the world of mobile fishing, allowing you to forget about heavy oars and enjoy the process.