I've got Academy gift cards burning a hole through my pocket and I'd like to get an outboard motor for my 12 foot v-hull. The 2.5HP Merc is $899 and the 5HP Coleman is $999. Double the power for $100, but am I potentially also doubling my trouble with an "off-brand?"

Anyone have any experience, good, bad or indifferent with either?

TIA

Salt water involved?

They're both 4 strokes I presume. The difference may be that with a VERY light load, the 5hp might plane the boat, and the 2.5 couldn't. I think that I'd go for the merc, most likely.

I had no idea Coleman made motors. Knowing nothing more than what you said, I would think this is a get what you pay for scenario. Let the motor guys do motors and the lantern/cheap tent guys stick to that.

FYI, the Mercury is a rebadged tohatsu or another small engine manufacturer made in China. Not a mercury design.

Very unlikely that saltwater would be a factor. Maybe 3-4 times a year, if that.


[This message has been edited by 2001AggieDJ (edited 7/26/2014 1:38p).]

The boat is rated for a 7.5 hp max motor so I don't think the 2.5 would be able to plane.


[This message has been edited by 2001AggieDJ (edited 7/26/2014 1:46p).]

5hp would have a hard time, too. I had a 6hp on a small jonboat once, 2 stroke, and it would only plane with one person in it.

I have a 4 horse I'll sell you. Older 2 stroke. Had the carb redone. Haven't used it in 4 yrs.