Amazing Quality of Outboards

[G DANE]

Reading the threads on this board gives many thourts. Considering the salty environment almost every outboard is exposed to, and the tough use, with many hours at almost top speed, its unbelieable how many outboards still in servise after 25, 30 and even 35 years of use. Compared to other smaller motorized products, i think outboards are in top !<br /><br />It gives one respect for the people who have designed and developed these motors. And it is not only one brand, but several of the major brands. The knowledge of you experienced technicians too, makes it possible for us ordinary unschooled mechanics to maintain some service ourselves, and make a good sparring partner to our shop mechanics. Great motors - Great board. !!

 

[Bear]

Re: Amazing Quality of Outboards

There is one explanation, I think. Amount of HP per 1000 cc:<br />My 808 cc Honda 50 = 62 hp 1000 cc<br />My 149 cc Johnson 6 HP = 40 HP 1000 cc<br />My 750 cc Kawasaki 80 HP = 107 HP 1000 cc<br />A 2000 cc car 150 HP = 75 HP 1000 cc<br />A 500 cc GP roadracing motorcycle 200 HP = 400 HP 1000 cc<br /><br />How about a 325 HP Honda 50 in racing shape? Or at least 80, close to the 100 HP per 1000 cc that is considered as normal. I think my Honda is 'lazy' but it will last forever with proper maintenance. <br /><br />There is some more if you compare an outboard with a motorcycle; often rewing to or past the redline for the first three gears, missing a shift now and then. Rewing at the redlight standing still, going off wheeling down the road. (Me? No. Well back in the old days...)<br />And my lazy Honda 50? Warming up while I undo the knots, crusing out of the port at 1500 rpm and then? Well today I'll go for 4500 rpms. All day.<br /><br />I know you know about the difference, but anyway... <br /><br /> <br /><br />/Bear

 

[robsd]

Re: Amazing Quality of Outboards

Well I think you have to look at the hours closely. Say a fisherman vs. a weekend skier /rec type person. My friends who are "serious" fisherman maybe put an hour or so an the engine per day. They power out, troll a spot with the electric motor, power back for lunch, then back out for the evening fish. They would rather take a nap that cruise the lake all day. Most lakes around here you can get around in quick time with the faster boats. But the rec. boater cranks her up at 9:00am and runs it all day. The fun here is not sitting fishing but running the boat all day.<br /><br />Just some thoughts. Still my 32 year old 9.8 I just got amazes me.<br /><br />Rob

 

[crab bait]

Re: Amazing Quality of Outboards

i know what your sayin' there G DANE. they are amazing engines.. it's like a car goin' up hill all the time .they are amazing!! i think there is alot to be said for 2 cycle .. i used to fly r/c airplanes . also 2 stroke for the most part. what power & rpm & reliablity !! ain't it great !!

 

[62_Kiwi]

Re: Amazing Quality of Outboards

Internal combustion engines... there's a certain quality about them that could never be replaced by an electric motor or whatever else they come up with in future.<br /><br />I predict that one day people will look back on these times of petrol engines with the same fascination as we now look at the old days of steam trains and steam boats ...magical times.

 

[ODDD1]

Re: Amazing Quality of Outboards

Yeah, Kiwi...the sound of a 2 stroke 'on the pipe' is one I will never tire of hearing....its kind of like a second language, they are always talkin to me.....