4 HP Yamaha or 5 HP Mercury

S

Studman

Member
Sep 30, 2011
196
Milford , CT
Boat Info
1985 38' Egg Harbor
Engines
375 HP Cat 3208 TA's
Looking to get an inflatable and have a choice of 2 different motors
One is a 1999 4hp Yamaha and the other is 2005 5hp mercury
I am looking to use the inflatable as a tender and do some exploring when in different ports
I am concerned with weight and reliability but also power for the inflatable
The 4hp comes with a 9’ inflatable but not the 5hp, I would need to find a boat
Anyone have any experience with either of these motors? Things I should look out for?
I have never owned an inflatable so any positive input is greatly appreciated
Thanks
Studman
 
Are they both four-strokes? I'll be honest, and this is coming from a four-stroke owner, I'd get a two-stroke just because the two-strokes are more gutsy on these small motors. Either would be good motors, and all things being equal, I'd get the bigger one. I don't know if that Merc is actually a Tohatsu. If it is, you should be able to buy a different carb and make it a 6hp.
 
I've got a 5hp Mariner 2 stroke I just picked up to use with a Baltik 8.5'. Haven't used it yet, but I doubt there that big a difference between the 4 and 5 hp.
 
I use my inflatable all the time.

Find a new (old stock) or used two stroke because,
They are lighter, more powerful, can be stored on either side, easier and less to maintain.
I had a 2004 Merc 5hp and wish I kept it...Great little motor. I have a 2004 15hp Johnson now and love it.
Never thought...."wish I had less horse power"
The newest biggest two stroke is the way to go.
 
Last edited:
Less weight better
Hard bottom on inflatable if you go on sharp beach material. Soft bottom if you go on sand. Soft bottom is a lot less weight.
 
You can buy my inflatable boat and 6HP Mercury. They are in great shape and are 2006 models. Shipping may be tough though!
 
HUMPH said:
You can buy my inflatable boat and 6HP Mercury. They are in great shape and are 2006 models. Shipping may be tough though!
Click to expand...

How much are you looking to sell for and what is your zip code so I could find out what the shipping would be
 
$1400 at zip code 94553
 
I've had the 6HP Merc 4-stroke for about 10 years now. It's made by Tohatsu and is marketed by them, Merc & Nissan in a range of 4-6 HP.

It's been a good little engine, with a few easily-managed quirks. If it's laid on the wrong side, it will spill it's crankcase oil and make a big mess. It has happened to me several times over the years, but with a little care, is very avoidable. Annual oil changes are really easy, and I wouldn't be surprised if I spend less overall time draining and refilling the crankcase than my friends do mixing oil into their gas.

The carb is very sensitive to bad fuel. Sitting for long periods, esp in hot sun with untreated fuel is a recipe for a clogged jet. Fortunately, the removal and cleaning process is a simple job. If I were to buy a used 5 HP, I would purchase a 6 HP carb and keep the original as a spare.

It's always been a 1-pull starter, even after winter storage. I have fouled the plug, but it's been my fault: I let her run with the choke for too long. Otherwise, the plug looks new at the end of what are probably more than 100-hour seasons.

A friend of mine has 9.9 2-stroke. I can only guess, but I would say my 6 is twice as loud at idle. Everything is a trade off though. It's loud, but clean. The 9.9 is quiet, and it stinks.

I can get on plane when alone, or with a kid or a dog. It moves along at about 15 mph pushing an inflatable with a roll-up floor. With 2 "full size" adults, it becomes a 3-speed: slow, loud, louder.

Another plus though, is the economy. The cost savings isn't significant, but a tankful of gas lasts a long time. I appreciate each time that I DON'T have to wait for someone to pump 200 gallons so I can pump 2. Good range too: years ago I fired it up, loaded up the dinghy and headed down the fairway, turned at the canal and went into the lake before realizing that I didn't have the fuel tank! The fuel in the line almost got me home.
 
If interested I have a 2007 8 HP 2 stroke Yamaha for sale. Bought in 2009 new has about 15 hours on it. 2 stroke power is awesome.
 
Hey Roller thanks for the info. Not only am I a newbie to boating but also dingys so all the info is very helpful

Hey Rocket not sure what I should do. I have been seeing a bunch of motors for sale but not to many boats.
Not sure if I should get the motor or boat first or just wait for someone selling both.
I am also not sure of size, I am thinking that I will mostly use it as a tender when needed but being new to all this not sure how much that would be.
I kind of like the idea of exploring with it so I am not sure what size I should get. I was thinking that I should get a "light" motor so it is easy to put on and off the dingy but that would mean something less powerful.
How much you looking to get for your motor? do you have a boat also for sale? where in long island are you?
thanks
Stud
 
Stud, I have used this motor on my 9'6" AB Rib. The 8 HP 2 stroke is very powerful. It would plane my Rib with 2 other people. The motor is only 50 lbs so it weighs less than a 6 HP 4 stroke. I am selling because I just bought a 15 HP 2 stroke I found on Craigslist. Reason for the upgrade is because my kids are getting bigger and want to knee board, tube and ski. I am in the north shore of Nassau county. My boat is not for sale. I am looking to get 1400 for the motor, I paid a premium for this motor because the 2 stroke is In high demand for power to weight ratio.
 
I have had both motors. The 4hp Yamaha did not work well at very high altitudes (11400 feet) it did work well at 3400 feet. The 5hp Mercury did work well but was sold because I need more engine for a spare kicker and went with a 15 Johnson 2 stroke, which which has been a fantastic motor. We use the 15 Johnson on the inflatable as well.

For a small motor we are using a 3.5 Mercury its been okay up high and it works very well at lower altitudes.
 
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