I saw and heard running today the 2.3 Honda and a 2.5 Mariner. The latter is
also sold badged as Mercury and is made by Tohatsu. Interestingly, they are
both much noiser than I expected, but the Mariner, which is a water cooled
2 stroke is much quieter than the Honda which is an air cooled 4 stroke.
Also, the vibration is much less on the Mariner. So, surprises all round.
Now I'm not sure whether either is suitable. I'll need to think about it.
What would be really nice would be the Honda engine from one of their
generators, which are really quiet, fitted to the marine output
transmission. The dealer I spoke to said the previous Honda model, a side
valve engine, was much quieter. He had also tried to silence the 2.3 without
success. It needs a bigger exhaust system apparently.


"Richard Ferguson" wrote in message
...
I have a 4 hp Yamaha 4-stroke, much quieter than my old 7 hp 2-stroke,
especially at low RPM. I imagine that a smaller Honda 4 stroke would be
even quieter.

I have not used it on my canoe, too heavy, probably too powerful, around
50 pounds, I recall. I use it on a 14 foot aluminum boat that weighs
150 pounds or so. The aluminum boat lives on the trailer, although I
think that it could be rooftopped with the right system.

Richard



Tony Roberts wrote:

Can't paddle like I used to - is a small outboard the answer?
Tony