Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

[patrickdiviacco]

I own a Topcraft 420 Comfort and I need a boat. I use it to go out for fun in the weekends or few hours during the week.





Since I have zero experience, (I underline zero), I was thinking to avoid to buy a second hand motor to avoid bad surprises. I don't need a powerful motor, I prefer a cheap motor that can last for years without giving me troubles.


I've seen few models under 1000 euros, such as a SUZUKI DF 2,5 for 849 euros.


Do you think such engine is good enough for me?
Or should I consider to spend a little bit more for the engine?


Thanks

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

Do boats in your area have motor HP capacities? That boat looks to need at least a 25HP motor, likely a 35HP motor would be better. I have never seen a steering wheel on a 2.5HP motor.

 

[Chris1956]

Re: Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

Let me clarify... I have never seen a steering wheel setup used on that small of a motor. Am I right to assume that 4.2 means meters? Makes the boat 13-14 foot? Kinda looks like a Whaler. We would normally have 35-40HP on a boat like that.

 

[RogersJetboat454]

Re: Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

Just like buying a used car, a used motor that's been well maintained will offer you many years of service.

Putting a 2.5HP engine on that rig would get old real quick (would never plane out), and may actually be a bit on the dangerous side if you boat in a place with a respectable current.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

A 420 medium loaded boat uses m?nimum 30 HP engines to have fun. Do you plan in using a center console or just tiller steering ? A 2.5 HP engine is a very poor performer. Go for at least a 3.5 to 5 HP engine, anyway both are good for pottering, goofing around at max 5 knots. M?nimum ideal would be 15 to 18 HP. Check if you can get a 2 strokes Tohatsu 9.8, much better tan 2.5-3.5-5 and 8.

Happy Boating

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

strange set-up with the driver all the way practically on the transom

 

[TD_Maker]

Re: Is an engine under 1000 euros, good enough for my needs?

When I was in Amsterdam, I saw quite a few of these boats idleing through the miles and miles of narrow (and crowded) canals which snake through the city. 2.5 hp will idle you all day long on very little gas.