Best 4 or 5 hp outboard for a canoe

[lucescoflathead]

I plan on purchasing a Meyers S15 Sportpal Square stern canoe. It’s rated for 5 hp motor. I’d like a 2 stroke with an attached fuel tank. Any suggestions for an engine? I like the looks of the older Evinrudes and Johnsons, but am open to any brand. Thanks Todd

[Casey Lynn]

An early 50’s 7 1/2 might fit the bill. Could throttle back for quieter operation (compared to a 3hp at WOT) and still have plenty left for when you need it.
I run a Grumman Sport Boat with a 3hp on it and it flies for what it is. Won the 3hp races with it in Suwanee. Do not under estimate that little engine either.
The later 4hp engines had a horseshoe shaped tank that fit around the mid section that would work for you as well.
Mid-60’s 5hp as well but no integral tank on those, however there are alot of built-in oil tanks that could be modified and mounted on the transom to suffice.
By the way….when are you going to step up to the plate and join AOMCI….!

[cajuncook1]

Johnson TN 26, 27 or 28 5hp motor. They have an integral tank and neutral shift. SWEET running motors.

Early to mid 1950’s Gale/Seaking 5hp with integral tank and neutral shift.

Early to mid 1950’s Elgin 5hp with integral tank and neutral shift.

Early to mid 1950’s Scott Atwater 5hp with integral tank and FNR shifting.

If you don’t mine a separate tank options then a evinrude or Johnson 4hp from the 1969 to mid 1970’s or Evinrude’s 5hp Angler.

[lucescoflathead]

This motor will be used for fishing. I’d like the lightest weight I can get. Did any company make a seperate tank smaller than the 6 gallon tank? Theres a really clean Evinrude 4 HP for sale locally but it uses a seperate tank.

Looks like it’s time to join this club. Thanks Todd

[cajuncook1]

You can certainly purchase a 3 gallon fuel tank for that 4hp Evinrude. Academy or Walmart definitely has what you need. The tank, connector, and the fuel hose are sold separately.

[bob]

Yes,there are 3 gallon plastic tanks available.you will also have to buy the gas line with primer bulb separately.I don’t know what 4 hp motor you are looking at,but if it is the evinrude 4 horsepower with the throttle on the side and no gearshift use some caution.These motors have a history of overheating,so check the cylinder head for any paint discoloration or rust on the plugs.If you can live without the tank,i would suggest you use a johnson or evinrude 3 horsepower from the 50’s or early 60’s.it would be more than enough power for your canoe and has a weedless prop for fishing/hunting.When tuned right these motor also idle down very low for trolling.You can probably buy one from one of the members here that will be ready to go and at a fair price.You can always keep a gallon gas can of premixed gas/oil in the canoe(16/1 mix)if you need more gas.very lightweighr at 32lbs.

[gjonz]

I’m thinking a Martin 40. Best hp to weight ratio. Better than 5hp, on board tank, parts readily available. Nice n quiet. Easy to operate.

Otherwise, the all too common Johnson TN series mentioned above. Reliable too!

Greg

[Casey Lynn]

quote lucescoflathead:

This motor will be used for fishing. I’d like the lightest weight I can get. Did any company make a seperate tank smaller than the 6 gallon tank? Theres a really clean Evinrude 4 HP for sale locally but it uses a seperate tank.

Looks like it’s time to join this club. Thanks Todd

You can use a 1.8 gal VRO tank.Small, lightweight and the fuel level can be seen through the sides.
As far as overheating goes there was either a dealer service bulletin or an update covered when the dealers went to the yearly service seminars that stated to drill out a small cooling hole beneath the exhaust cover. That worked like a champ and no biggie.

[steveh]

I have an 18′ Grumman canoe and I use a Johnson HD-25, 2.5HP on it. It will push the canoe along at about 6-7mph on flat water. I’m not sure I’d want to go any faster, as I tend to use it on narrow, windy rivers. A tank of fuel will run the thing about an hour, so I can go about 6 miles on a half-gallon of gas. I also carry lots of shear pins for it…seems I’m always hitting rocks and logs.

[weedlessdrive]

I would get a 4hp evinrude or Johnson with the fisherman drive.

[Author]

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