Best 4 or 5 hp outboard for a canoe

[legendre]

The 4-5 hp Mercury singles, made from I believe the late 60s through the mid-late 1980s are very sweet running engines, and they have a full F/N/R transmission with auto reverse lock. On the downside, the Mercs tend to be a little heavier than others, as they have a very strong (and heavy) cast aluminum nacelle vs. sheet metal, fiberglass or even plastic on other makes. The power head is also a bit heavier, due to the use of full ball & roller bearings throughout.

They also use a external fuel tank.. but think about it. Prudence dictates that you’ll have to carry several tanks worth of fuel irrespective of whether it’s in one tank (external) or two tanks (internal + gas can). I’d just as soon have only one tank, and not need to stop & refuel!

[auldscott]

As much as I like the classic 2-strokes (and there are a great many good, reliable motors in the under 5 hp range) if I were powering such a boat for general use I would buy a newer 4-stroke.

I have multiple sub-5 hp motors, including a sweet running 1958 Lightwin. I also have a 25 hp Yamaha 4-stroke on my "everyday" boat. The lack of smoke and fumes, and the eerily quiet, smooth idle were a revelation when I first bought it. I still like that characteristic of the 4-stroke. And no mixing!

A 2.3 hp Suzuki 4-stroke weighs 32 lbs. 4-strokes have come a long way in weight and performance.

If you want a classic motor for everyday use, keep it light. In my view, the integral tank is fine if you will be using the motor for short intervals, but gassing up any motor over the narrow stern of a sportboat or similar is unnecessarily difficult. Go for a 3 gallon remote tank. 5 or 5.5 hp OMC is probably an excellent choice for many reasons.

[westwind]

A Martin would be a very good choice for that boat. It also idles down well for trolling. Light weight on the transom is what you want. A Martin 40 is 4.5HP and weighs only 37 lbs, only 5 lbs more than a modern 2.3HP and much more power. It also has a great transom pivot system to clean any weeds from the lower unit.

[Mumbles]

I’d be a bit leary of the small single cylinder four-stroke thumpers as they shake and vibrate a lot.

[lucescoflathead]

Pappy what do you have to do to convert the VRO tank to a fuel tank? it it as simple as changing the fitting for the Evinrude fitting? This would be a perfect size tank for the canoe. Thanks Todd

[Michael Anfossi]

If you do not mind a newer engine, how about a Yamaha 4hp or Mercury/Mariner 4 or 5hp. They could with an integral tank and most if not all can also use a remote tank. They weigh about 45 pounds and are quiet, and have a full gearshift. Pretty nice little motors, even if ?modern"m

[Michael Anfossi]

And yes I have used many VRO oil tanks as fuel tanks. Hose size is normally 1/4" so just get a 1/4" OMC fuel connector and go.

[jasonh]

My choice would be a Mercury Mark 5. Integral tank, neutral clutch, 41lbs, and a very healthy 5hp. My feeling is these motors are always overlooked. I won a slow race with mine and know of others that have won how slow will it go competitions. They are super smooth running and lots of power.

[1946zephyr]

The JW/Lightwin is the most practical motor for a canoe, that I have seen. So many years of production and very reliable

[bobprock4200]

I’m with Zephyr, the JW/Lightwins are only 35 pounds, strong runners and the weedless L/U might just come in handy.

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