I Bought the CHEAPEST Boat Motor on Amazon! (Does it Suck?)

I ordered the CHEAPEST outboard boat motor that Amazon had to offer. At only a $180 price tag, I am putting this Hangkai 3.6 hp outboard to the test to see if it is a decent motor- or if its a $180 pile of junk. WE SHALL SEE!
Link to buy the motor: amzn.to/3AmzpIn
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[@axscdvfb]

As a Chinese, I am proud of this Hongkai. A brand new motor for the price of 10 General Tso's Chicken take outs? What else can you ask for?

[@BoatBusters]

You really can’t ask for much more than that!!!

[@db9818]

Now I want Generals chicken 🤣

[@mattt6511]

Best comment ever it’s 100 percent true not all of us have several thousand dollars and for a brand new motor they are a steal

[@DiabloOutdoors]

It might not last long as 10 General Tso's tho.... the propeller is obviously made of very cheap plastic and will break upon the first impact.

[@BoatBusters]

@@DiabloOutdoors there are shear pins inside the housing though so hopefully those would break first as intended!

[@michaelh7527]

I have the 18hp Hangkai and i have nothing negative to say about it. It was well packaged, came with 6 gallon tank, and fuel hose assembly. The motor is a Yamaha clone. It starts on the first or second pull every time. I did pull the stickers off the cowling. I got tired of people and their passive aggressive comments 😂. They would say that thing will leave you stranded. Or say its foreign made junk 😂.

[@BoatBusters]

Yea the cowlings don’t do any services for boat ramp reputation 😂😂 but for sure acceptable motors for the price

[@joshuawhite796]

😮

[@joshuawhite796]

3:51 3:51 😮 3:51

[@taylorbrittain5694]

Put a Yamaha sticker on it, they'll all say it's cool😂

[@edpetrikk2027]

Just ask the wise butts …how many items they have in their house ..or garage..that are made in China …End of conversation 😊

[@jamesjoung2793]

Probably a centrifugal clutch.

[@EricUdell]

Yeah, it's a centrifugal clutch, like a mini bike. My 2HP Honda has the same thing. From what I see on this vid, the 2HP is faster, as is my 1.3HP electric.

[@duncandmcgrath6290]

@@EricUdellYours has a clutch? My 2hp Honda is direct

[@amberman9153]

Direct

[@SimonAdopleh]

How much is it

[@freedomisntfree_44]

So it’s a liquid cooled weedeat motor 😂

[@AlarianDarkwind]

I have this motor. For the most part it was an ok motor. Used it for 3 years before upgrading to an 8hp mercury. Keep it away from weeds! If it sees a weed it will come to a stop.

[@theburnhams2925]

It's called a CENTRIFUGAL clutch (like on your weedeater) Sport---NOT a "neutral gear."

[@ricoreelsfishing6504]

I bought the expensive one they had, the 18hp, and it rips no lie. It’s just a Yamaha clone. It’s surprisingly not bad. I like it for the price.

[@BoatBusters]

I’m telling you man for the price difference they’re honestly not a bad option

[@eduffy4937]

180 bucks and they include parts. ....hard to beat that

[@BoatBusters]

Certainly can’t beat it!!

[@meowkie8549]

180 bucks and it actually works!😅

[@Wesmancan]

@@meowkie8549but for how long.

[@AD-ds3sd]

I’m glad you got an authentic Hangkai. I didn’t check if I had the certificate of qualification when I got mine, now I’m a little worried that I got a cheap knock off motor.

[@BoatBusters]

@@AD-ds3sd I hope not… only the finest around here 💯

[@upsidedown1986]

Hope you put gear oil in it they come dry..... They are a great little motor if you do a few little mods and look after it, i have one iverca year now and its great.... Ok I see you did good stuff 👍 you also have to break the engine in for 10 hours.... Before you take it out.. it has a centrifugal clutch so it won't pump water while idling..

[@PT-mj3bk]

it looks air cooled why would it pump water at all

[@expmovingleroy]

What mods are you referring to? Am actually becoming interested in these and am curious

[@davesmith-rs1yo]

Air cooled engine, water cooled prop.

[@nicholashamelink6197]

​@@expmovingleroyI changed the spark plug, upgraded the fuel lines, wrapped some black tape under the handle so you don't have to hold the throttle, and wrapped a bungee cord around it so it doesn't kick up when coasting.

[@seanb2604]

It's called a centrifugal clutch

[@pgithens1]

Back in the day we had a 4.5 HP Evinrude with the throttle on the side of the motor housing. It had no transmission and, once it started you'd better be ready because you were moving whichever way it was pointed. I got very good at starting it, then whipping it around in a hurry to back off the beach.

[@Jezebel_Cat]

You’re lucky you caught that gear oil problem. I bet you many people with this engine never did this so excellent job.

[@BoatBusters]

For sure… thought maybe I didn’t catch it in time but also good to know the gears aren’t so cheap that they just shred right away 👍🏼

[@Backwoods.country]

I was wondering when you were going to put the oil in lower or if you did off camera 😂

[@germsgermsgerms]

​@@BoatBustersso I actually took my 6hp hangkai out on about 8-10 lake trips until I realized I needed to add gear oil. I finally did add gear oil just before my last trip to the lake this weekend, and it ran just fine all three days! Can't believe it

[@BoatBusters]

@@germsgermsgerms that’s crazy 😳😳

[@noyopacific]

I have a 25 year old Johnson 3hp 2 stroke that will push a canoe to 12 mph. I am guessing that they may have been exaggerating calling that a 3.6 hp. I had a 1-1/2 hp “Cruise-N-Carry” air cooled outboard many years ago that I’m pretty sure pushed a 9’ inflatable boat faster than 3 mph. I used that little motor for a long time, mostly fishing for trout and liked it a lot.

[@tonyquinlan7341]

How did you attach it to the canoe.

[@mortenvinje1817]

The neutral and drive is done by a centrifugal clutch. Honda use those on small outboards as well. Just so you know 😊

[@FosterFarmsOk]

your stunning review has made this a $200 motor now.

[@samholdsworth420]

Gosh darn youtubers

[@indy47150]

As of 8/9/24 $231

[@CMDRkarstenvader]

@@indy47150 back down to 160 as of 9/25/24

[@humbleevidenceaccepter7712]

Englishing Good! We understand very precise or clear manual for _Gear Oil_ addings. Important!

[@lawrencebernas9229]

You had a lot of trust in that motor, I failed to notice a paddle on board!

[@williammartin8636]

Camera boat had ors and safety stuff

[@ricardoplata9118]

I've been looking for a recent video of someone with one of these 3.6's!! I've kinda been on the fence of buying one of these outboards for my 12ft jon boat. This video has me leaning to go ahead and buy one. Thanks for the great video!

[@BoatBusters]

You bet man! It’s honestly a decent little motor. Of course I cannot personally vouch for its longevity, but it does seem like it’s possible to find parts for and it’s lasted a while for others. Best of luck and I really appreciate you watching!

[@fromthebackofmymind]

I had an Abu-Garcia Open spincast reel. The gears were powdered metal zinc. Took it apart to clean and grease and gears crumbled to bits- junk.

[@landoncustomclassics]

I have an old Evinrude like that. No shifter and it spins around so you can go backwards.

[@k9er233]

As they always say: "When all else fails, read the destructions!" 😉

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

Especially since they are written in Chinglish as they say.

[@earnestmatlock9694]

It's uses a Stihl string trimmer centrifugal clutch. Fuel lines suck, so you will need to replace them very soon. Ethanol fuel will cause lots of problems with most 2 strokes.

[@Voxguitarsrock]

Might need to get one of these for my kayak! Thanks for the rundown

[@BoatBusters]

Perfect for a kayak. Appreciate you watching!

[@poepflater]

Hankai sounds a bit like anchor, dual use?

[@Michdennis]

Had that same type and clutch on a Sears was an awesome little motor.

[@TooManyHobbies]

Pretty cool that it has a centrifugal clutch, I have mud motors that are always in gear and it's generally a pain. Loving the channel, cool to see another Ohio person!

[@BoatBusters]

Thank you man! And yeah it is pretty cool…somebody’s gotta represent ohio 🤣

[@bigwu100]

Folks from Ohio can't read those warnings stuck on the motor, yes the advantages of a public education. Ohio isn't that the state that's on fire , yes Centralia Ohio.

[@BoatBusters]

@@bigwu100 Your IQ must be insanely high 😳

[@AnthemBassMan]

@@bigwu100Uh, that would be Centralia, PENNSYLVANIA! Sincerely, another Buckeye. 😂

[@GONZOLIO420]

​@@bigwu100 go back to school dumb dumb. Sincerely, an Ohioan.

[@jimminniehan2548]

Thank you for doing this , very helpful and it created positive comments from other users which is helpful too. Great video!

[@sufferedenuf]

Ok. 1. Do you recommend ear plugs? It seemed loud. 2. Test some upgrades like a 3d printed prop and one from a trolling motor. I have a 6ft wooden boat that it might be perfect for.

[@1hjehje]

Pretty amazing value for the money. I have had really good luck with Chinese gas powered products such as snow blowers, lawn mowers, and trimmers. Take reasonable care of them and they will run for years.

[@SUPRAMIKE18]

I've put a Chinese knockoff Honda engine on my little trail bike thing has been riding along with no issues since 2015, not much maintenance beyond oil changes and fuel stabilizer every winter. It originally had a Briggs and Stratton that kept bending and snapping push rods for some reason.

[@mikesuch9021]

That looks like just what my Coleman Scanoe needs. The factory 4in aluminum transom will handle a 15hp engine. 25hp was pretty hairy. But fun. This will be nice to teach the grandkids how to operate a outboard motor boat.

[@geoffb108]

My experience with this. It ran quite well and i figured out as you did that you have to open the gear case to add oil. Mine sprayed water from the water jacket arond the cylinder. I contacted the seller to return it. They said not to return it and gave me a full refund. I gave it to a friend who used it for a few months. He gave up with its unreliability. Point to mention when its idling the water pump isnt pumping it must be in gear and reving to be cooling. I wouldn't recomend it. Always take a spare motor or oars.

[@blackflycreations]

Great review thank you! Perfect for small boats. I may try one on a 2 man fly craft. Wieghs 1/2 the wieght of a trolling motor with a 50lb battery.

[@BoatBusters]

Would be perfect for that! Appreciate you watching 💯

[@Raider243270]

Funny thing, I actually buy and fix up little outboards too. Love the videos

[@BoatBusters]

Thank you man!

[@mattkukla1073]

always have a safey rope on ur motor if it falls in

[@DireNeeds]

Maybe this motor uses something like a centrifugal clutch to engage the prop? Been looking at these cheap motors wondering if one could be of use on my boat. Might need something a bit bigger though.

[@SUPRAMIKE18]

These use the same centrifugal clutch found on some of those Chinese engine kits for bicycles.

[@myaccount7372]

I bought this same motor for my 1232 Fishmaster Jon Boat. It's not a speed demon but it definitely works here in SC in the rivers even against the current flow quite well. One full tank lasts a good while also. I do carry a 2 liter bottle as a backup in case I run out of fuel. I'm just curious if it actually sits a little to low in the water creating drag or not

[@nicholashamelink6197]

I have one. Couple things. Need to break it in for 10hrs with 35:1, and then run it at 50:1 after that. Also, I pulled the handle off and wrapped a little black tape under it so you can let it run without having to hold the throttle.

[@Bluedevil710]

Mines coming tomorrow did you upgrade the sparkplug to a ngk? If so can you give me the numbers I'm going to grab two tomorrow

[@nicholashamelink6197]

​​@@Bluedevil710 I did change the plug after the break in. I went with the Champion 843eco. I got it off the shelf at Home Depot.

[@fishingmark2643]

Was there a reverse gear option on that unit? If there is not, would the tiller swing all the way around the other way to essentially be reverse propulsion? Thanks for the vid.

[@BoatBusters]

Yes the tiller swings around for reverse! And thank you for watching I really appreciate it

[@jameslaw3740]

Thank you for answering this question. I have the same inquiry...... Had a 2.2 outboard many years ago that needed to be spun half way around, most fun I ever had with that little speed less demon.....now I'm off to Amazon

[@Clearanceman2]

I remember many hours spent with my uncle motoring up the Yangtze river using this motor.

[@1956tojo]

It has a centrifugal clutch... Like many go-carts use...

[@classicxl]

It’s $700 for that same outboard on Amazon here in Canada plus our lovely 13 % sales tax . I wish it was only $180

[@BoatBusters]

@@classicxl thanks a lot Trudeau

[@mboemmels]

It's so sad to see what has happened to Canada...I can't believe the people are ok with dictator Trudeau.

[@P0LSKI]

Awesome and VERY entertaining video! Instantly subscribed!

[@BoatBusters]

@@P0LSKI thank you friend 🤝

[@fromthebackofmymind]

I miss my old Wards 7.5hp two stroke. Air cooled Tecumseh. Never let me down.

[@BoatBusters]

@@fromthebackofmymind the old wards kicked butt!

[@tinycmo]

Perfect for my 18 foot sailboat to get in/out of the harbor.

[@Kevincassum]

You can take off the cap you just have to take off the top of the gas’s tank

[@FlatlandMando]

You having some fun in a small boat with a small motor! You are out there...the setup is very portable, the setup is fun in the sun. With huge inflation, why go into debt? Well done, I'll check the Hangkai myself!

[@BoatBusters]

You get it man! Never go into debt for a boat!! Everybody just wants to be on the water so do it in a way you can afford. This setup was $300 total and had a blast 😎 thanks for watching

[@geofreak75]

There's a 10 hour break-in period with 35:1 fuel, then 50:1 after 10 hours. You're supposed to run it at different throttle levels starting lower end working your way up to probably 75% throttle. Never run full-throttle in first 10 hours.

[@kpadalldotablet1009]

It's a simple centrifugal clutch assembly.

[@M-n-Vacafornia]

That 3.6 hp outboard looks to me like it might be making about 0.5 hp. Watch a few videos of restored antique Johnson and Evinrude 3hp outboards and you'll clearly see they can push a lot harder than that thing. In a heavy headwind you may not be able to get home.

[@airman6822]

Wondered about these. Was looking for a 10hp or bigger. Honestly, you can buy a used one for 500 and might have to fix it anyway. Might be worth a look at this brand.

[@wendellsmith1349]

They no longer allow 2 cycle motors on the lakes here. I wonder what the cheapest 4 cycle one is and how it performs? Would you do one of those videos please? Thank you.

[@niteshades_promise]

i was looking at hangkai 4 stroke 4hp for around $300. this looks fun n cheaper but im not great at keeping 2 strokes running. 🍻

[@AzPauly]

How much does it weigh? wondering if it would work on my canoe...

[@MikeH-qs4os]

Does it have a tethered kill switch? Or is it not required?

[@Paul-ou1rx]

It was nice of them to suggest that you not waste money on the expensive high quality oil.

[@joshraczka8006]

I got the hangkai 3.5 (same shit) and mines still going strong after a few months in the ocean. Super reliable and efficient on my kayak

[@Greg-n-Simba]

I'm actually pretty impressed.... will be interesting to see if lasts more than 1 or 2 seasons without any problems

[@stanleybest8833]

Some air cooled four cycles are just a skin over that $180 and they start so much easier. Two cycle is kind of loud and the idle sucks. A mistake. Air cooled four cycle is worth it. Trivia: The exhaust is water cooled but the motor is air cooled.

[@thetabest]

Thanks for figuring this crap out for us, I'd have burned my lower gears too...

[@BoatBusters]

@@thetabest I burn out my lowers so you don’t have to 🫡😂

[@rickarndt3895]

Not a thing wrong with that little engine it really gets me how people think you got to spend a fortune to go out and have fun. I'm a tried and tru mercury man but if they had these back when I were younger I would have bought me one I bought a little 2.2 and believe me I could have bought four for what I paid for that little mercury.

[@BoatBusters]

@@rickarndt3895 glad somebody gets it… we’re all just trying to get out on the water. Who cares how you get there!

[@BuserODL]

Bro don't blame that on hankai. You had a big ass sticker right there and you failed to look at it. Like any of the number of times you were sticking it in the bucket which you could have easily used a large Tupperware container to avoid the prop hitting the bucket

[@sslcfc]

Centrifugal clutch? Like a mini bike.

[@JasonCarrara]

You do have to take the prop unscrew that hub and put gear oil in them

[@Serrano46571]

Lower end needs to be in water much deeper or you will burn up impeller.

[@BoatBusters]

It’s actually mostly air cooled the impeller is only there to cool the exhaust housing

[@joeyhardin1288]

Thank you. This just came across my inbox. Loved the review and that boat.

[@carlzobel513]

How would this motor do going up stream on a river?

[@trevorbressman6717]

Where do you get your parts for the Johnson?!? I got one just like it and need it to go faster then 8mph up rover

[@sportsbank8428]

The clutch in it... why they sell extra clutches on Amazon... right with the motor listings. They probably wear out quick lol.

[@russelldieterle8846]

they rust if water gets into them

[@jellyellie4949]

Recognized the marina the moment I saw it. As another local to the area its amazing how many snags one can find in this water hole ;).

[@BoatBusters]

@@jellyellie4949 🤫🤫🤣 yeah it’s not fun

[@floridasurvivalcracker4630]

I actually own the exact same motor. It should have came with a replacement pull cord assembly. If it doesn't, get one and keep it with you. You will thank me later. I forgot mine and got stuck on Tosh Brown's Island. I am lucky enough to have really good friends who were able to come and get me. You will love it. Have fun

[@joewoodchuck3824]

He said it came with a spare pull start mechanism.

[@bradfordpalmer2298]

He showed the extra pull start

[@pamelagrusz8137]

Where did you get the boat motor caddy? Thank you

[@Longleafoutdoors]

I have a few regular customers who have the 6hp and it’s the same parts as a Mercury literally

[@davidsuchite9757]

You think this would work for a trolling motor in a 15 foot boat in puget sound ? I’m new to boating so I apologize if the is a stupid question. Also do you have to hold the throttle the whole time or can you lock it in at a slow speed ?

[@BoatBusters]

@@davidsuchite9757 there are no stupid questions! We all start somewhere. I would not use this for a trolling motor though. I would get an electric trolling motor especially if you’re fishing. This would however make a great “kicker” to have next to your normal outboard permitting it will fit your transom. For emergencies or to get you out on a horsepower restricted lake would both be ideal uses. Unfortunately, you cannot lock the throttle in place without modification

[@davidsuchite9757]

@@BoatBusters ya I have a little electric already. It’s just weak and barley pushed my boat which was n 1 hand isn’t bad for trolling but I’m not sure how long the battery will last so if it dies and I want to keep fishing I want a back up. Idk what to get though I don’t want to spend over 500$.

[@BoatBusters]

@@davidsuchite9757 if you have a spot to mount a foot controlled trolling motor you can find a good used Minn Kota on marketplace for $100 - $200 and then spend the rest of the budget on another good deep cycle battery

[@davidsuchite9757]

@@BoatBusters thanks man I’m subscribing to your channel…

[@davidsuchite9757]

Ya I have 2 spots left n the back to mount but none on the front.

[@francus7227]

I have one, too. I use it every morning to scramble my eggs......

[@The_Wiry_Woodchuck]

I wonder if this would fit on the back of a pedal boat

[@BoatBusters]

@@The_Wiry_Woodchuck I’m sure it would

[@jeffcee9457]

I had this motor before it work good for the first time but after it prove that it a piece of junk.It was impossible to start the pull cord keep breaking overall it will fail you at the worst time

[@brianforaker1160]

Probably has a small torque converter in it like a mini bike

[@Surinboy60]

Awesome man... That's so cool under a $200.00

[@ryeckley7267]

You made putting gear oil in it exciting.

[@BoatBusters]

@@ryeckley7267 Lmaoo accident but.. if it means better content then that’s cool 🤣

[@locker1325]

In your opinion. Would that engine work on some kayaks. Thats what I'd like to see.

[@BoatBusters]

@@locker1325 yes it would

[@RaulRodriguez-bq4nj]

Would be great as an auxiliary motor.

[@hectorjerez2614]

Muchas gracias no hablo inglés pero su ayuda es grande Dios lo bendiga. No sabía dónde poner el aceite .Gracias muchas Gracias.

[@RaulGarciaFishingandOutdoors]

Man, I wish they had those in Canada for that price

[@davidcraft3103]

You didn't say if the motor was pumping out any water from the tattletale. Also sounds like it has a centrifical clutch.

[@juanziegler1471]

Get two of them and a tiny tunnel hull boat !!! speed test time lol . nice video please tell me the drone is a Potensic atom .

[@BoatBusters]

DJI Mini 3 Pro!

[@gt1man931]

Beats the hell out of rowing or an electric trolling motor.

[@BoatBusters]

100% does 👍🏼

[@openpalmjustice]

I have an old sports pal aluminum canoe with a mount for a motor. This engine looks tempting, but it's not something I'd register. Can i get away with not registering a boat with an engine under a certain size?

[@BoatBusters]

Depends on state law, here in ohio motors under 10 horsepower do not require any documentation

[@username-mc7jw]

Anything with a motor (gas or electric) or sail needs to be registered in UT.

[@Hippietrails1]

Wonder how it would do on a kayak?

[@madcat282]

I have one of these, its pretty good. I can show you some things to make that thing way better

[@davesmith-rs1yo]

Mine makes a shinning sound at high revs?

[@marceldagenais1893]

So buy a good one if anybodies thinking about learning bait cast cheap one will discourage a lot of people Abu ambassitor good place to start .

[@glenmel78]

Ya don't need a bucket for an air cooled motor😅 I've had one of these for 2 years now and start it out the water with no problems.

[@BoatBusters]

It’s both 😁 it has an impeller to cool the exhaust and pumps water. Better safe than sorry for me!

[@matth6762]

for 180 bucks you really cant beat it. Comparable electric would be 800 plus

[@Wesmancan]

It’s a centrifugal clutch. Not a new concept.

[@BoatBusters]

@@Wesmancan it is for someone who has never worked on an engine that has one. Thanks for watching!

[@claudiopascarelli3159]

Is It good for marine (salt) water? Is there additional maintenance to do in this case? 🙏🏻

[@BoatBusters]

@@claudiopascarelli3159 I’m not near any saltwater however boating in saltwater has much higher risks and I would prefer something of higher quality as my main engine. This however would be acceptable as an emergency / backup!

[@claudiopascarelli3159]

@@BoatBusters i urderstand your tought but i refer to corrosion and stuff like that. Does the manual report something about this? Thanks

[@BoatBusters]

@@claudiopascarelli3159 haha unfortunately unless you speak mandarin the manual is pretty worthless. This engine is actually mainly air cooled, the impeller and water pump is really only to cool the exhaust housing. My guess however is that if you run the motor in a bucket of freshwater after every trip and keep it properly flushed, you should be fine!

[@christianworthinton8000]

For salt water it would need a zinc anode attached to it. Bolted on, or hose clamped over some underwater metal with a little bit of paint removed to get good contact.A boat shop should have different kinds.The zinc anode rots instead of your outboard. Cheers.👍🇨🇦

[@Osgood-e4m]

Abu Garcia makes some really good stuff. Swiss made I think.

[@mandaotto]

ABU was originally a manufacturer of quality clock movements that became a manufacturer of some of the world's finest fishing reels. It was the time when Sweden was the best in the world in many manufacturing areas and the host leader in every imaginable area of ​​technology. Nowadays we are not good at anything. We buy Chinese, at best Japanese. The last remnants of Swedish industry's crown jewels are now owned by China. The Chinese build our bridges and railways. The only remaining high-tech manufactured in Sweden that is desired from abroad is the SAAB Jas 39 Gripen and other non-consumer weapons. Rapid rise in Laissez-faire, slow decline under Socialism. True story

[@mandaotto]

Sweden. Not Switzerland

[@c4myles]

How do you source the parts for a motor, build it, and sell it for a profit at $180.00? Do the employees pay the company to build them?

[@BoatBusters]

@@c4myles unfortunately Chinas labor laws are a wee bit looser than they are in the states

[@wilsont1010]

It's impossible to start when the engine is warm?

[@bryertonmichael8620]

Wow, at that price, I just might buy one.

[@r.bouth.6457]

Hello. Great reserve motor You say only 180 $ ?