Home › Forum › Ask A Member › Best 4 or 5 hp outboard for a canoe › Re: Best 4 or 5 hp outboard for a canoe
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!