Advice from elder statesmen of small outboards re: light-weight 5HP?

[Good Trout To You Sir]

To frame my inquiry: Currently I use a 2.5HP (1987 Evinrude) as propulsion for a square-back fishing canoe. I’d like to acquire a 5HP 2-stroke outboard to shorten the running time to distant fishing spots. Fishing canoe design creates a weight limitation for the outboard. Believe I will reach this weight limit with an outboard dry weight of 48lbs, plus or minus.
To the small outboard enthusiasts: Do you have advice on well-made 5HP 2-stroke models that weigh less than 48 lbs and utilize capacitor discharge for the ignition?

 

[racerone]

A 1977 to 79 model 6 HP Johnson / Evinrude is a good option.

 

[oldboat1]

I had a '90 4hp Deluxe for a number of years, and liked it. The Deluxe would give you the full gearshift, although the other 4hp in the line would probably be lighter (don't know the weights). '86 through the early '90s at least would probably be a good target range. Pretty powerful little motors.

 

[kbait]

Johnson/Evinrude made a 5hp, single cylinder, water cooled two-stroke in about 2000. Has tank on top or hook to remote tank, plus full gearshift. I’m sure it’s less than 48lbs, and would suit your needs..here’s a pic:
https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8

 

[Tim Frank]

You do not mention what type of canoe you have, but having had a few adventures with these, believe it or not even 5 hp can be too much.
It is most definitely NOT just a weight issue.

 

[Good Trout To You Sir]

Thoughts greatly appreciated. Others please chime in if you have thoughts.
Racerone - My outboard dry weight constraint is 48 lbs. If NADA guides have credible data on specs, OMC 6s produced in the '77-'79 time frame are mid 50-lbs in dry weight. Too heavy for me.
Oldboat1 - Appreciate the input on 4s of '86 through early '90s. Trying to determine the performance difference I might realize between an OMC 4HP and the similar vintage OMC 2.5HP I use currently. Where should I look for a list of OMC kw power ratings by motor model for a paper comparison of 2.5HP vs 4HP power?
Kbait - I'm intrigued by your suggestion and will explore the 5HP OMC of 2000.
Tim Frank - Fishing canoe is an 84lb Sundolphin SS Scout Elite. I take your point. Canoes are not boats. I've narrowly avoided misadventures myself. I built a transom mount to elevate my 2.5HP and distribute force of outboard push.

 

[racerone]

If a 55 lb motor is out of your 48 lb category and motor is " too heavy " ---Then what about a full tank of fuel at 35 lbs ???

 

[oldboat1]

Oldboat1 - Appreciate the input on 4s of '86 through early '90s. Trying to determine the performance difference I might realize between an OMC 4HP and the similar vintage OMC 2.5HP I use currently. Where should I look for a list of OMC kw power ratings by motor model for a paper comparison of 2.5HP vs 4HP power?

https://www.boatdesign.net/threads/how-many-lbs-of-thrust-is-equal-to-1-hp.24964/

Geez. Think I would read the above discussion (among others) take a couple of aspirin and an ounce of bourbon, and buy one of the lighter larger motors. Then compare performance. :noidea:

 

[Good Trout To You Sir]

Thanks again, oldboat1.
Racerone - Totally get why you ask. The answer is weight distribution - not absolute weight. The watercraft I'm using is an 84-lb (mainly) plastic fishing canoe. I've assumed the 5HP will have a barb that connects to a remote tank. The tank will be positioned 3 feet forward of transom. I use this setup now with my 2.5HP and and a 3 gal remote tank. It's fantastic. But at some point the outboard weight hanging off the transom will become too great and push the stern too close to the waterline.
Here's the fishing canoe:
https://www.sundolphin.com/canoes/scout-elite-ss/

 

[Tim Frank]

Interesting that the manufacturer says "ideal for use with an electric motor".
Raising the motor also raises the CofG....not a great idea in a canoe.

 

[Bonaventure]

There was a 5 hp Evinrude/Johnson in the late 60's. It had points ignition, was 2 cylinder and had direct drive. I believe it weighed about 40 lbs, more or less.

 

[racerone]

For 67 the 6 HP models is listed at 51 lbs and the 5 HP model ( same power head with restricted carburetor ) without gear shift lists at 43 lbs.

 

[lindy46]

Interesting that the manufacturer says "ideal for use with an electric motor".
Raising the motor also raises the CofG....not a great idea in a canoe.

Yeah, I don't see anything in the ad which says anything about horsepower rating. Where do you see 48lb weight limit for a motor? I think I'd be afraid of putting an outboard motor on that transom.

 

[oldboat1]

I wonder if the limit is 48 lbs thrust?

 

[Good Trout To You Sir]

Yeah, I don't see anything in the ad which says anything about horsepower rating. Where do you see 48lb weight limit for a motor? I think I'd be afraid of putting an outboard motor on that transom.

My intent in starting this thread is a discussion of lightweight, 2-stroke 5HP models. This for the benefit of the readership (myself included) who have reason to be interested in this power size. To those who have expressed curiosity both on my use of the 5HP and the watercraft I referenced: You will not find a 48-lb outboard dry weight limitation referenced in fishing canoe manufacturer materials. The 48-lb outboard weight limitation is my own, and is developed through trial and error given the particulars of my outfitting.
Several great ideas have been voiced. Those with additional input, please share.

 

[Tim Frank]

Hey....I understand that you do not like some of the cautionary comments, and are set on your quest. The fact that at least a few of us went beyond the parameter outlined and questioned the wisdom and safety of the mission should not be regarded as anything other than genuine concern.
Here are a few other comments from "elder statesmen" .... of motorised canoes.

http://www.huntingbc.ca/forum/archive/index.php/t-76731.html

But whether or not I would call myself an "elder statesman", I have when I was a lot younger and more ignorant overpowered a 16' Grumman square-back....which is a lot more canoe than you are using ....with a 9.9 HP Johnson. :facepalm:
Scary....and dangerous. At 18 YO, my reaction time was enough to salvage the situation.....40 years on, no chance.

My last comment would be that if you are that intent on shaving time off your transit leg and won't just leave a little earlier, consider up-sizeing your rig so that it is properly combined....maybe a freighter canoe....16'....that would take a 5 HP maybe even a 6.

However you proceed, be safe, and wear your PFD and survival suit.