Outboards The Next Generation 9-10hp

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Following last month’s overview of 15hp outboard motors, the obvious choice would be to concentrate on 10hp models this time round. But there are only two such models. Well, that’s the case officially. Rumour has it, certain engines around this power are, in some territories, re-badged to comply with certain emissions standards so who knows how many there really are? The sensible thing to do is look at those motors that offer 9hp to 10hp.

Honda
Honda’s 10hp engine is one of the lightest fourstroke models in its class. A fold-away carry handle and ergonomic lightweight rounded design make it convenient to carry and easy to mount on the hull of small boats and dinghies. A forward mount shift lever affords fingertip shifting while a twist grip throttle and tensioner enables superior throttle friction control, meaning less work. And therefore less driver fatigue. Ultimately: more fun. Honda engines now boast the exclusive Power Thrust Kit, featuring a four-blade propeller that provides 60 per cent more thrust in reverse and 15 per cent more, forward.

Mercury
Compared to Honda’s one engine, Mercury has all the bases covered, starting with its own 10hp motor, a SeaPro model. The SeaPro range is designed and engineered to provide “ultratough working partners” for anyone making a living on the water so SeaPro engines have been modified with extra heavy duty swivel brackets, carburettors that run smoother at low revs, specially toughened gear cases and stainless steel shafts, fasteners and pumps for added strength and corrosion resistance. Then there are Mercury’s 9.9hp outboard motors. Like the Portable two-stroke, for instance a “pocket dynamo” providing quick, easy starts, variable trim and shallow water drive positions. The four-stroke 9.9hp model provides quiet operation and refined performance, plus the ability to troll more slowly and use less fuel than nearest competitors. Finally, Mercury’s BigFoot four-stroke is the ideal powerplant for specialised applications like houseboats and pontoons where the prop needs to sit much lower in the water. With larger components heavy-duty gearcases, propellers about a third bigger than competitive outboards there is additional strength and durability and less engine stress, so also less maintenance.

Tohatsu
Tohatsu gives you slightly less choice, by offering only three motors, but slightly more by making only one of them 9.9hp. The other two are 9.8hp. So the choice is yours: opt for the 9.8ph, it’s the MFS four-stroke or twostroke. The light and compact four-stroke boasts greatly reduced vibration for smooth and stable running and greatly reduced induction noise for a quieter ride. Meanwhile, the reliable two-stroke is simple in design and easy to use. It’s also safety conscious, coming with the safety lanyard that is standard on all Tohatsu models, plus start-in-gear protection for safer engine starting. But if you know that it’s a two-stroke that you want, you can also opt for a whole extra tenth of a power of a horse with the 9.9hp model.

Yamaha
Yamaha has also opted for that extra tenth of a power of a horse with its 9.9hp models. The Yamaha 9.9hp Portable four-stroke is the newest model in Yamaha’s four-stroke range, based on the 8hp model but providing more displacement. And it achieves this while still being the smallest and lightest 9.9hp model in the four-stroke class. The model also boasts 50 per cent less fuel consumption than comparable two-stroke outboards. Meanwhile, the 9.9hp four-stroke high thrust, also a new model, offers a higher gear ratio and a larger dual-thrust propeller that delivers excellent thrust and stopping power to control heavy boats. Finally, the 9.9hp two-stroke offers the largest displacement of its class, and does so while being almost a whole four kilograms lighter than comparable four-strokes.

Mariner
“Any colour, as long as it’s black,” was alleged to be Henry Ford’s response to “What other colour can you make the Model T in?” Mariner’s range of outboard motors between 9 and 10hp differ similarly: they’re all 9.9hp. The Portable two-stroke boasts a crossflow induction system that, along with the modular CD ignition system, ensures easy starting as well as smooth idling and superior trolling capabilities. It also has one-stage over-rev protection to guard the engine against potential damage. Mariner’s 9.9hp four-stroke model offers digital ignition for worry-free turnkey starting; a water-cooled fuel pump that virtually eliminates fuel vapour-locking problems; and an ever-reliably pressurised lubrication system. And the same whisper-quiet performance and 40 per cent less fuel consumption all of Mariner’s four-stroke engines deliver. And of course, there’s Mariner’s 9.9hp Bigfoot motor, delivering more control than competitive motors. Its larger and taller gear case, larger propeller and oversized antiventilation plate mean more leverage from the propeller, and hence, better handling, manoeuvrability and performance.

Suzuki
Like Honda, Suzuki applies the ‘KISS’ philosophy to its range of outboards: ‘keep it simple, sea-farer’. The DT9.9 is a twostroke engine for which shallow water drive, Suzuki’s own anti-corrosion system and stainless steel water pump house all come as standard inclusions. As with all of Suzuki’s two-stroke engines, dome-shaped pistons and cylinder heads help move more air and fuel into the cylinder to ensure maximum power in every stroke. Hence, better fuel economy, more power per cubic centimetre and greater overall performance.

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