Import outboards on old boats.

New imported motor (Suzuki DT 15s, Tohatsu M 18S, Yamaha 30 SUI) to the old boat Krym, Dnepr, Yuzhanka, Ob-M.
Where to begin updating its technology vodnomotornik typical amateur managed to accumulate sufficient funds for this purpose? Of course, with the equipment, the most worn and unreliable, requiring time-consuming repairs and increased maintenance costs. Experience shows that in this category more often fall into engines of domestic production, capricious at launch, low economical and long time did not meet the requirements of modern motors for small vessel. Their main advantage – low price – is becoming increasingly non-obvious as it is imported into the country, as a rule, were in use, and therefore cheap, but still quite reliable imported outboards. But domestic boat 20-30 years old – usually duralumin – widespread, still successfully operated, and liquidity in the secondary market.
Our readers are constantly asking questions, what benefits are available and what are the problems faced by adapting the American, Japanese, European outboards to their old “dyuralkam”. Does the height and thickness of the transom fit with the increased weight of the motor? It is known that “their” strength is not quite correspond to “our” ( “their” strength is usually measured on the propeller shaft, and “our” – on the crank); whether to increase the speed and security will deteriorate if? What will happen with the economy running?
To answer these and other questions, we conducted a special test, which involved several popular motor boat, borrowed from existing holders, under the three Japanese outboard motors of different power. Please find the results.

Basic data tested boats
Feature	Yuzhanka	Ob-M	Dnepr	Crimea
Greatest length, m	4.63	4.42	4.20	4.40
Greatest width, m	1.59	1.52	1.55	1.59
Height of transom, m	0.38	0.38	0.39	0.38
Passenger capacity, pers	4-5	4	5	4-5
Capacity, kg	400	400	400	400
Mass of equipment, kg	145	170	190	190
Admissible power PM, hp	25	30	30	30

Applicants
The “Ob-M”, “Crimea” and “Dnepr” on our test windy reaches Vuoksa lake in Leningrad region participated in four models -starushka- “Yuzhanka” boats and more modern (so to speak). They all have similar passport characteristics, so their driving performance, capacity, efficiency, ergonomics and so it is advisable to be compared under the same motor power capability. Motor Park made three-stroke “short” motor capacity of 15, 18 and 30 hp – Accordingly «Suzuki», «Tohatsu» and «Yamaha» fully complete with standard screws. These engines fully understand the stated capacity, similar in specific fuel consumption, its representative office in Russia provide full support for its products. We sought to compare not only the engines, how many boats, so related to motors criticisms from the margins. Naturally, because of the shortage of time tested simple steering gear motors, less convenient to manage, while providing a more favorable alignment for boat speed.

Plants, planting and tolerances
Installation of motors on the transom of boats much difficulty did not cause. But guaranteed to tighten to lock the clamp could not even once: the thickness of the chew long operation transom boards (about 25 mm) Japanese requirements did not respond, and the engines were fixed somewhere at the end of the screw thread, and under «Yamaha» had to enclose and special dosochki . Anyway, we did not go into the water without a safety rope. Transom height 380-400 mm enough in all cases, only one “Dnepr” to “Tohatsu” showed a strong tendency to spatter out of the “legs” of the motor, probably because of her excessive dipping. Most problems are caused by the inability of some boats to tiller steering. The “Crimea” had to reach for the highest tiller through the aft bulkhead, and the “Dnepr” he generally rested on the inclined wall of the recess, limiting and complicating management. Most comfortable to operate the tiller was “Ob-M” bypassed “southerners” with its tight narrow stern.

Mounts and heavy-duty
During the tests was blowing moderately strong wind razvedshy wave of 0.2-0.3 m in height, and he revealed some features of the vessels. His influence was taken into account by averaging the data obtained in the runs with the wind and against it. Speed and mileage on measuring the fuel tank fixed on the GPS-receiver, speed – electronic tachometer «Stihl». Tests for handling correspondence and boat engine power held by the method 150 on the marked buoys track.
Full passport load managed to bring onto the plane even in the weakest 15-strong “the Suzuki” all boats, except the “Dnepr” – he was able to “get” no more than three. “Crimea” is displayed simply wonders duty – under the same forces of 15 he went to hydroplaning (or rather – tore off the flow from the transom and gave unwind motor) as many as six passengers! On the charts speeds depending on the load it is clear that this boat is properly carried more cargo in all tests, but its advantages in driving performance is particularly evident at low power. Under the “thirty” “Crimea” sought to press his nose at full speed and lost in propulsion “Obi”, with the progress of “Crimea” comfortable call was impossible: a spacious enclosure loudly lumbered with a rather hard-hitting about the wave is constantly sought to bear off from the course with a head wind and zaryskival a passing wave.

“Ob”, on the contrary, confidently outperforms all others at very low load, quickly losing speed its growth – this boat is especially good when installed power of not more than 25 kg per horsepower-displacement motor./div>
“Yuzhanka” proved to be a strong middling, excelling in deadrise “Dnepr” rate, but yielding “Obi-M”, especially at the higher powers; 15-18 import forces for it – that’s it. At speeds above 30-32 km / h “Yuzhanka” already tried “podlipnut” nose and stronger than others swayed to counter the wave, and at oblique courses wind could suddenly throw sideways parusyaschy nose, almost turning the boat suddenly steering. In addition, it gave trouble to the absence of a recession, when going astern the cockpit zapleskivala even low tide.

“Dnepr” showed himself in a special way. Deliberately losing speed other applicants, it is, nevertheless, looked on course “correct”, as befits the average seaworthiness: smoothly without shock wave passes and reliably ruled over the entire speed range, but more about that in the next section. Detect and another great feature. When the two passengers sitting in the stern and bow seats, added a third in the stern, the rate was exactly the same as with two. This is indicative of excessive nasal centering the boat when it is controlled by regular post driver and even more so when the passenger sitting next to the driver; for cost-effective high speed feed management console would be more appropriate here.

If we compare the results with reference data on the boats obtained when testing them with domestic motors, the findings will be not in favor of the latter. “Ob-M” under the “Whirlwind-30” and the full load would be to develop a speed of 32 km / h, while under “the Yamaha” she confidently ran for 40; under the 25-strong “Whirlwind-M” and with minimal load it does not give it, what can “tag”, “the Suzuki” (35 and 37 km / h, respectively). “Crimea” at full displacement 515 kg (which corresponds to our load of three men) is to develop a “thirty” 38 km / h, “the Yamaha” as it broke up to 39.7 km / h. “Yuzhanka” under the “Whirlwind-25” should show the same speed that it has developed under our “Tohatsu”. Only the “Dnepr” at full load indicated by “thirty” declared reference speed, although the maximum speed with a 25-strong “Whirlwind” still was almost the same as that under “Tohatsu-18” (37 and 36.2 km / h respectively ).

Is the power of the passport?
We are not the first test boats for compliance with the limit of the declared capacity European standard 150, when a ship with full speed at minimum load should be no problem to pass a 90° radius of not more than six lengths of the body (this applies to speeds up to 30 kt or 55 km / h – our case). The problems considered podlety with sliding board, lateral wobble, air pickup screw.
We marked out by buoys square 25×25 m For this test, which had to fit in the boat when turning at a right angle. If by motors 15 and 18 hp This could be done with all the “experimental”, that “the Yamaha” strongly weed out three-quarters of applicants – “Ob”, “Yuzhanka” and especially “Crimea” brazenly slipped overboard and grabbed the air screw. Only the “Dnepr” confidently demonstrated the benefits of 14-degree deadrise bottom that hangs on the transom powerful modern motor – cornering him was perfect, except that the force on the tiller almost Collapsible steering arm, in addition uncomfortable sitting at the close high-recession. The test showed that the installation of corporate outboards maximum allowed power demand from the driver of the increased care in the management and accurate work the throttle.
How much kilometer?
Measurements track fuel consumption – is perhaps the most interesting part of these tests, as they are affected by many influencing profitability boats factors and fuel consumption of engines and hydrodynamic quality of housing, and the right choice of screws, and even competent distribution of passengers (known fable “Quartet” there is clearly irrelevant). In our case, as we mentioned, all engines have approximately equal fuel consumption characteristics, screws also gave momentum close to the optimum, with the exception only slightly nedokruchivavshey “the Yamaha”, so that the value of “resting” of travel expenses for the most part in the propulsion test buildings and their compliance with the established power of the motor. Measurements were carried out on the odometer of GPS-receiver for spending time with 500 ml of fuel from the tank at a volumetric load of two people.
The results confirmed the above conclusions about the quality of the course tested pairs “boat + motor”. “Ob” proven reputation for high-speed boats for moderate and low loads – it went on for “the Yamaha”. “Yuzhanka” as “Crimea”, by contrast, was more economical with less powerful engines. Results for “Dnepr” ambiguous. On the one hand, at the load it further left under the “tag” when slightly behind it from “yuzhanka”, on the other hand, 15 hp – This is clearly not the kind of power, which is to use the “Dnepr”, and in this case it will be necessary to put up with obviously reduced profitability vessel.As a test case, out of the competition, we also measured the consumption of gasoline in the “southerners” with the established 15-strong “the Honda”, because of the economic advantages of four-stroke engines a lot of unverified rumors walks in front of two-stroke. We, the pair was able to get away with full speed on gasoline by as much as half a liter of 3.15 km, ie, a third more than for push-pull «Suzuki». In terms of the usual liters per 100 km is obtained for «Suzuki» – 24 liters for «Honda» – 16 liters. Given the high quality two-stroke oil additive in the fuel, the difference in the cost of every hundred accumulates substantial – 576 rubles. against 304 in 2005 prices, ie, up to 48% savings, if not wise octane and “singed” oil brands. This is a significant argument in favor of chetyrehtaktnikov, not whether their costs are higher by approximately the same percentage, t. E. Are coming thousands of kilometers of travel before a more economical engine will begin to pay for itself.

Ergonomics, or how to live with the motor
The test allowed us to draw some conclusions about ergonomics and outboards. All agree that they should have not only the abolition of the technical characteristics, but also good ergonomics. That is, to be easy to transport and handle have reliable, so they can be comfortable with sufficient moved from place to place. The experimental engines were not the best in this regard, but also not the worst.

A few words about motors

«Suzuki DT 15s»Suffice it convenient to carry alone, but only for short distances -. not more than 15-20 m If the distance is longer, then it makes sense to take care of that at hand was slip a piece of thick fabric, which can be wrapped carrying handle, otherwise its corners will be cut hand.Recline «Suzuki» made easy – in cap has a recess in which one can pull the motor. Fixation in the tilted state is also simple and reliable.The cap is removed and put in place without any problems. Understand how the clamps that hold the cap on the regular place easily. Tiller firmly fixed to “folded”. There is a mechanism setting the gas handle control efforts.
«Тohatsu М 18S»A little bit harder. Have any non-slip pads for the hands, especially when moving long distances alone, it is also desirable. When carrying it in a vertical position not at all confident to take on the opposite side of the motor mount. In principle, the groove is there, but if your hands are wet, there is a risk of slipping.
Recline also without much criticism. However, the stopper operates in is not very convenient algorithm – to fix the motor to “put back” position, it is necessary to perform more actions than with “the Suzuki”. If you need to tilt the motor, you can use the indentation in the hood, it does not cause censures.
The hood thanks to a special arm can be removed without problems. Problems can arise when the Establishment in place – it should be very precise to get a special metal clamp to the desired position and fasten the lock, otherwise it will be impossible to close the latch. A few pickup-equipped hood algorithm to digest, but the first attempt may be unsuccessful.
«Yamaha 30 НМН»Wrap should be two or three, alone – will not work. Set on a boat is also better with a group of mates, otherwise, without hitting the transom clamps on, it can simply be dropped. Carrying this motor is not very convenient, since the frame for which have to take, is small and medium-sized two hands placed in her badly. The desire to have some thick skid pad occurs in 3-4 m the way. In the upright position to carry this engine is difficult due to its weight and size, however, the place for which it is up for grabs, there.
Recline this engine is quite simple. “Shallow water” mode is relatively easy to use.
The cap is removed and put on simple, without too much difficulty. But its retainer is arranged so that it is possible to mutilate the fingers, especially in cold weather, the handling of them.If the boat I would choose …
Konstantin Konstantinov: It so happened that all of the tested “dyuralek” “Ob-M” was under my utmost attention. Over 27 years this boat has all the time in my mind. The former owner – a passionate fan of speed walking, amateur water ski enthusiast of any improvements on the boat and motor – went recently with “Whirlwind-30.” Under a well-tuned engine with polished and trimmed standard screws with unpainted smooth bottom of this “obishka” single driver “ran out” of 42-43 km / h (passport 38-39 km / h).
Hour walk nearly full throttle dispensed in 14-15 liters of fuel. It was her usual limit under our “thirty”.
Especially striking were her new opportunities for imported motors, especially under «Yamaha-30.” The first impression – greatly reduced the effect of “empty tin”, the vibration body has fallen sharply from the working motor. Starting characteristics of the boat significantly improved, which is especially important for skiers. First of all, speed indicators grew impressively. Roughing with a standard screw I was able to accelerate to 49.3 km / h! Everyone knows how difficult it is given on the water rate increase for each kilometer per hour. And here … Where? The same “thirty” …
Advanced vodnomotorniki already know that the imported horse power outweighed domestic: foreign manufacturers indicate power output on shaft instead of the output from the crankshaft, as is customary in our country. But the main thing – the boat opened its possibilities inherent in her designers. Hydrodynamic calculation of contours, which has carried out in 1973 at TsAGI, proceeded from the fair 30 hp Look carefully at the photo (page 103.): Side water jets cut off already cheekbone first and second developed cheekbones, replacing sloping boule, generally do not washed out at speed. The decrease wetted surface and the real 30 hp – That’s the main source of growth rate. Of course, the economy and “Ob-M” for “liter permeability” of 3.9 km / l showed with “the Yamaha-30” is the best result of the four boats. Swimmers are told to develop a high speed, the water can not be beat. See how neatly is “Ob” – minimal spatter, bryzgovaya veil is broken only by the stern-thirds of the body.
In this case the motor excessively recessed, so it is advisable to increase the height of the transom board by 4-5 cm. Not enough and servo motor on the transom otkidki least for another division. Add the potential for selection of the optimal screw – and you get 3-5 km / h in stock.
Rough calculation made immediately on board showed that if the motor operated at two-thirds of gas, the fuel consumption is reduced significantly; at speeds of 43-45 km / h at a cost and high octane fuel oil company (and we poured 1:50) become comparable to domestic refilling motors.

Stops the price of imported motor – for many it is difficult to immediately put such a sum. However, given that the resource imported outboards averaging 2.0-2.5 thousand. Meter, it turns out that during his life you would have to change not less than four domestic engines.
With increasing speed usually increases the risk of weakening riveted joints. Alternating load lock-powerful motor is particularly manifest themselves during the course in the wake of boats with flat wide, weakly supported by a transom; in these cases it acts as a transom membrane shaking riveted joints. In motor boats “Ob” this disease is usually not observed, since the transom has a convex in shape, and its width is less than amidships.
And one more observation. Of the four boats “Ob-M” is, in my opinion, the most successful compromise contours, which are well-kept small three-point wave and not lose speed in calm water due to excessive deadrise.
Are there any disadvantages? Of course, a lot of them, like any already archaic boat. Awkward bow sundeck, a bad windshield smallish side and so on. D. But in our case, I would, without hesitation, chose the “Ob-M” + “the Yamaha-30.”

Alex Daniaev: Generally speaking, would not want to link the fate of an open motorboat, particularly duralumin. But, if you choose from the available, would prefer to “Dnepr” with a powerful motor – tested on other boats to go to our Gulf of Finland would be simply unpleasant. Performance efficiency under a 30-strong «Yamaha» had decent, but if you have to add a couple of longitudinal redanov on the bottom and move the steering console aft, I think, turn out very good option.

Alexander Frumkin: In my opinion, this is a very interesting test on the current topic. Boats, calculated on a 30-horsepower engine, it lacks strong and 15-18 – in the mode of exit, pulling the goods, and good, besides it turns quite economical (exception – “Dnepr”: it is necessary to be sure to put “tridtsadku” 15 forces he hardly “rides”). I would have done something about the noise – all boats, in my opinion, it is very rattle. So my choice -. “Ob M” + “Tohatsu 18”.

Igor Lagutin: If I chose a set of “old domestic and foreign boat outboard motor” that would have stopped a pair of “Ob-M» + «Tohatsu». Detail is difficult to explain this choice, but overall the following considerations. A small light boat has the comfort of a minimum, which for me personally is quite enough. And with the engine «Tohatsu 18” this boat is not only good to go at a moderate excitement, but also carry a decent load without significant loss of speed. The motor does not produce a lot of noise, and they are in this boat convenient to manage. In other words, the couple – “Ob-M» + «Tohatsu» – meets most of my needs.

Now, regarding the standard transoms.
Opinions on this subject are divided. Some testers proposes to raise the transom. This, in their opinion, and the diagnosis and solution of many problems associated with the operation of all the boats. Moreover, to increase the height significantly are invited: 3, 5 cm or more, especially in light boats “Ob-M” and “Yuzhanka”. If the boat with the recession – “Dnepr” and “Crimea” – increase the height of the transom, then manage them in the “steering gear mode” will be easier, not much, but it’s convenient. “Ob-M” and “Yuzhanka”, on which the engine will sit up and work more effectively.
Noise in fact failed to measure the motor, as this parameter is superimposed noise of the boat, the oncoming wind and water. However, the general measurements showed that was «Yamaha» mode the maximum speed the quietest (taking into account the noise of the boat itself) that, in principle, naturally. The most noisy – «Suzuki», to the “golden mean” can be attributed, and “Tohatsu”, and “the Honda”. Curiously, the last when working at medium speed seems very quiet, but if it is to unleash the maximum, the noise from it is roughly the same as on the two-stroke. Here it is worth recalling that the boats, which were tested in the test, is not new and have a variety of noise sources – a place of fastening of oars, oarlocks, wood Loose banks and bottom ceiling, etc., but they often fall into the body resonance frequency. At best, the noise fit in the range of 70 to 92 dB, which is very good.
Vibrations. All participants in the experiments tend to the following opinion: The most quiet – it «Honda» and «Yamaha», a little more than nervous – «Tohatsu» and «Suzuki». But it is idle. By increasing the speed of the crankshaft vibration slowly go “out”, and when approaching the maximum practically vibrating motors. In general, these vibrations are significantly lower than domestic motors.
“Shallow water” mode. To convert the motors in this mode need to perform at least two movements, while in some other motors, which in this test were not involved, it can be done in one movement.
The fuel tanks on small boats must be placed “in the hold,” as an additional compartment size does not allow them to lay flat. The boats “Crimea” and “Dnepr” they are also better to install inside the enclosure. In a special compartment “Crimea” can accommodate even two fuel tanks of foreign production, but to use them (to switch, swap, etc.) inconvenient – you have all the time to deal with the bulkhead. Dimensions “Dnipro” does not allow to place inside the “recession” of foreign manufacture the fuel tank due to a peculiar design aft.
It seems that foreign-made engines are not designed for frequent rearrangements, presumably due to their great resources and rare failures.
I put it in the beginning of the season on the motor boat – and more of it, do not remove. As for preventive examinations and routine repairs, they can be carried out without removing the motor from the boat. This can explain the fact that foreign firms (though not all) pay little attention to the convenience of carrying motors
Test team – Constantine and Andrei Konstantinov Aleksey Daniaev, Igor Lagutin Alexander Frumkin.
14.09.2007
Source: Supplement to the “Boats and yachts”