Mercury 3.5HP replacing Honda 2.3HP (motor review, speed test and patrol drain)

I changed my Honda 2.3HP air cooling for a Mercury 3.5HP water cooling after 3 years of usage.
The Honda is a good solid little engine but it's noisy as hell and it just misses that extra little power that the Mercury has. I was initially going for the Tohatsu 3.5HP but it is actually the exact same motor (and maker) of the Mercury and some other brands out there.
In this video Im reviewing the motor,testing it's speed and giving you some tips on how to keep the motor in good condition by draining the carburetor and the gas tank.
Hope you enjoy this video, please subscribe to my channel for more useful content.
Subscribe: / fishandtips_your_fishi...
Instagram: / fish_kayak_film
#Mercuryoutboardmotor #Hondaoutboardmotor

[@John-B69692]

I love this motor. To drain the tank I disconnect the fuel line from the fuel cutoff switch and pour it back into the gas can.. Afterward, don't forget to run the engine til it quits. This drains the fuel bowl and carb completely.

[@brucejagielski7079]

If you choke the motor just before it’s ready to run out of gas, the motor will continue to run for about 30 seconds more, to get out the rest of the fuel in the carburetor, a marine mechanic told me that, that small amount of fuel will gum up

[@John-B69692]

@@brucejagielski7079 Yep that's right.

[@piart9377]

Hello from Good Russia. I buy this motor. Your video is very interesting and useful. Thank you. Sure - not war!

[@montyspearo]

Good advice on running carb dry, always done it and never had issue in 40yrs of boating. The other plus on portable motor like that is no fuel leaks out of carb when on its side. For the boating you do in sheltered waters a electric trolling motor with 100amp LiFePO4 battery (12kg) is quieter option and easier to transport. Don't need to wear lanyard when start motor as it is in neutral, must before putting in gear. With Honda which is always in gear then yes its good idea. I've put lanyard to test once, got wet but least didn't have to worry about boat doing circle and trying run me over.

[@willlowbridge350]

Thanks for your video. Following this I selected a 2.5hp Merc for my small 2.4m Bic Boat. Very pleased , quite a bit smoother and quieter than my honda but they all get so little use each year as a tender. I got a good trade in deal on my 14 year old honda 2.3hp so pleased all round. I would recommend a short safety cord from your boat to the motor just in case the two grips became loose. Your pump is handy. Try cutting the pipe that sits in your motor petrol tank this will make your Gerry can lower than the motor tank and will help you drain the remaining petrol/gasoline Thx again most helpful.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Glad to hear! Good idea on the safety cord, I wouldn’t like to lose that engine. I also cut the pipe right after I made the video and it indeed made the pumping much easier. Thank you for your comment and hope the motor serves you for many years to come!

[@hendriknijs5809]

I have the same, they did a test here withe the Yamaha. Tohatsu Mariner and Mercury, the Mercury was in every test the best ! Keep up the good video's. Greetings Hendrik, from the Netherlands.

[@vincentvanderven]

Nice! All my outboards have been Mercury. Love it!

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Yes I hear a lot of good stuff about them, I like the fact that this one is made by Tohatsu, should be good for at least another decade!

[@keithrichmond5045]

Just bought this exact motor today for my 12 foot Jon boat.

[@Stooch]

your accent makes your videos fun to watch, it's funny but in a good way

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Thanks, lovely comment :)

[@dmytrobryushkov]

Possibility to switch forward to neutral is the greatest advantage of such motor. Centrifugal clutch allows to move a boat with the relatively high speed only, what makes it very difficult if you have to maneuver in the narrow river.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Fully agree, I do like the fact that this one has neutral, the centrifugal clutch can be a bit tricky sometimes,

[@georgewashington938]

adding fuel stabilizer can extend the time for which fuel can be stored (in the motor, in a gas can)

[@ryanhenry21]

That’s a beautiful motor

[@davidchapman6308]

Tohastu now make most of the small 4 stroke motors for Mercury/Mariner/Evenrude up to 30 HP. I just don't see how the "mercury" model would outperform others as they are all the same engines, they even look identical except for the badging. Tohatsu have been making outboards since 1957. It would be interesting to see if the price is the same for all brands?

[@stevengraham185]

Thank You for very informative video. I am going to purchase the same motor for my 10 foot dinghy

[@ryanhenry21]

Definitely try get a stainless or aluminum prop. It will make a huge difference to motor performance. Plastic tends to flex too much.

[@drk4698]

Where’s a good place to find one for a 2.5

[@christinesmith7625]

@@drk4698 amazon

[@FerencHarcos]

Very nice video. I like the gas pump in the end of your video. I have the same engine from 2012.

[@profishinglb1344]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqqnqnp7n72moa8

[@zedzero77]

Honda is in a whole different class...it runs in mud water, salt water and ice water..can't say it's too loud...just say it's a beast

[@allgood6535]

Love my mercury 3.5 most powerful in the class!!

[@stevengraham185]

You can buy an aluminum prop on line. Specifically designed for the 3.5 hp Merc.

[@mikecamrcplus3057]

First off you NEED short full throttle runs to seat a new ring to get best sealing. Full throttle with some half throttle for cool down. Second even running the engine till it stops does not empty the carb. The engine stops when the fuel level gets down to the jet, not to the bottom of the bowl. The screw you mention to empty the bowl should be used every time it sits a month or more. For sure in hot climates. I drain my tanks that way too. Helps to flush anything out.

[@gilianrampart8514]

Go away

[@googleuser6440]

I have this motor and I don't like the way it runs, I was thinking about getting the Honda 2.3 to replace mine 😀

[@mikecamrcplus3057]

Suzuki

[@cesarebrunodibelmonte2182]

Hello, why? I'm looking for an engine to push my 4,20m sailboat (even without sails, for a trip) and am undecided between 2.3 and Mercury 3.5.

[@toddsichveland9756]

I like the video.

[@423alonso]

Awesome video thank you for sharing God bless.....

[@801Outdoors]

Very nice I have the same one

[@AmirGuitarlover]

It's doing a great job so far!

[@jasko346]

So there is no external gas tank port?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

@@jasko346 Unfortunatly not

[@doingthatthang]

You’re right the Honda 2.3 doesn’t compare to the Mercury, I believe Tohatsu makes this engine for Mercury made in Japan, the build quality it top notch, Iam much happier with this engine than the 2.3 Honda made in china.

[@allenly]

why dont u get rid of everything made in china then😂

[@henrikassaulys834]

Well,first Honda’s 2.3 was made in Japan

[@busdriver1469]

«Honda sounds Like a wet fart»😂😂😂😂😂

[@eneion7035]

Thanks man. Perfect video.

[@msher1438]

I currently have have the Mercury 3.5 but it doesn't get my 15' Jon boat on a plane so am probably upgrading to the Tohatsu 9.8 hp. I hear they are basically the same as a mercury with different namer.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Yes, its the same maker and its the exact same motor, The 9.8hp should do the job. good luck!

[@wiillthebarbertv9415]

Does the engine lock in place for dive mode or just when engine is in upward position?

[@ibrahimdaas]

Nice Video, which is better in term of engine performance and the ease of starting , and maintenance.... Mercury 3.5HP or Honda 2.3HP ? I will use it for my Inflatable boat and will need to lie it down when transporting it in the back of my car ... what you recommend ?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Thanks!In terms of performance both are good, both are also easy to start but the Honda is much easier to maintain considering that it doesn't have an impeller. The Honda is overall more forgiving but the noise is a pain

[@ibrahimdaas]

@@AmirGuitarlover Thank you..that was realy helpful ... I use to have 5hp mercury and whenever start it I will face problem because it was at its side and alot if smoke before starting ... I dont know about honda though

[@craigbarnard8721]

Go with the Honda. No water pump and a lot less maintenance.

[@fishnmetal4383]

Found this motor on Craigslist seller says about 20hrs of use so far and is asking 700 is this fair in your opinion. How has the motor been since this video?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Yes sounds fair to me, the motor is running fantastic, never had issues with it.

[@fishnmetal4383]

Thanks man I'll be seeing if its still available

[@fishnmetal4383]

Just subscribed

[@fabiorossi724]

yes good price. now its more expensive the new one... about 900 euros

[@fishnmetal4383]

@@fabiorossi724 I did buy it. Great motor. Even got him to take 600. Total score

[@yusuftopalogluizmir]

Hello i will choose a Suzuki 2,5hp or Mercury 3,5hp . Which one do you advise .Almost the same price . I had Tohatsu''s before and like it but they are more expensive than Mercury in Turkey at the moment.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Both are great engines and I had them both. I would personally go with the Merc as its a bit more quiet and stronger.

[@cemtuncer6916]

bence tohatsu 3.5 alin ayni motor aslinda😀 mercury or tohatsu much better than honda 2.3

[@alphasxsignal]

You have to worry about impeller for water pump and the air cool you don't. I have the Honda 2.3 on a Core Sound 17 sailboat. It works fine. I mainly use Yamaha on all my other boats for years. If I replace the Honda it will be with a Yamaha. Corrosion on Mercury motors in saltwater is bad. They sound like a sewing machine many Yamaha guys say about Mercs.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

You have to maintain the impeller but you get a slightly quieter motor and a gearbox so it's really up to your preferences. I do not have any experience with saltwater as I fish exclusively in lakes and rivers.

[@NinoSpinner]

hello, can you tell me if oil comes out of the carburetor or from another place if you turn the engine upside down?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Hi Nino, I am not sure to be honest, never seen it happen so far

[@狮子子]

Hi, Ive a Nissan 3.5hp which is same as this, they all made by Tohatu...

[@profishinglb1344]

Look my motor i started whitout vitesse

[@profishinglb1344]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqqnqnp7n72moa8

[@FAKE-NAME]

How hard is it to get at the carburetor drain screw? Considering getting one of these just incase my main motor decides to act up one day...i figure it would be much better than paddling and should have more pushing power than my electric trolling motor. Dont want to have to ever have to use electric trolling motor to get in..battery doesn't last long enough to get me back from where i go with my main motor.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Perfect choice for this purpose! its light, small, very reliable and easy to maintain. Very easy access to the carb drain screw as well. I have been using this motor now for 4 years on a regular basis and (touch wood) it never failed me.

[@DavidKlutho]

after you pump out the fuel and you said to turn a screw to drain the carbuerator......could you just start the motor to get that little bit out or is the screw the only way?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

You will have to use the screw as there won't be enough patrol in the carb to start the motor. This is just another step to make sure that your carb is completely drained.

[@reempire888]

I hear alot of bad things people are complaining this 3.5 motor being very unreliable. Some even called it JUNK. Is it really that bad?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Not at all, I have been out with it now at least 12 times and it works perfect, never had an issue

[@reempire888]

@@AmirGuitarlover what year was your motor? I found this shop was selling it for 800 brand new in box

[@AmirGuitarlover]

reempire888 it’s a 2020.I figured that I rather pay a little bit extra for a brand new motor, you never know how the previous owner treated it.

[@reempire888]

@@AmirGuitarlover Yea exactly. I'm planning on using it on a 10ft inflatable boat. Think that's enough?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

For sure, my boat is 4 meters made of polyester. you'll be just fine

[@pcigra]

Which propeller model is suitable for this engine - what is the price of the aluminum one. Thanks

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Sorry Goran, I wouldn't know

[@Bummmiyummy727]

Does anyone know how much gallons of gas every hour it is ran at full power? Interested in buying one for my 11 ft inflatable boat.

[@shiningirisheyes]

The review guy said 1.1 liter fuel tank lasts about 30 minutes full gas and probably same tank at 50% gas lasts a hour USA gallon is setting like 3.85 liters I think and one UK gallon is about 4.56 liters Based on this it looks to be 2.2 liters per hour or about half gall a hour USA specs said 0.3 gallons tank or 1.1 liter I saw another engine review from UK tested out several 2.5 hp engines and Silva was fastest with a 2.75 meter inflatable .Single user could do plane of about 9 mph but struggled to exceed 5 mph with two aboard This rewiev he has what looks to be a 12 foot boat made of heavy material plastic or GRP type and gets about 4 mPH when you convert the KPH to MPH If you want to go at 9 MPH with two people or three you need to look at something bigger like 8 or ten HP Assuming you go solo and got 8 MPH average that looks to 0.6 USA gallons an hour costing a USA gallon of $4 a USA gallon about $2.50 per hour .or some 30 cents per mile or 8 miles to the gallon USA However the numbers fall of a cliff with two or three people be lucky to get half those numbers and probably double your cost and fuel consumption A larger 10 hp engine and three people with smallest diameter deep pitch prop can probably return better numbers at 9 MPH at probably 2/5 th; throttle and keep on the plane .You would need to check max person capacity of boat and max weight and max engine power often rated less HP for four stroked die to heavy weight of four stroke engines . A bigger engine with seperate fuel tank would save go refuel every half hour that 3 ,5 hp engine needs at full gas My best guess is 11 foot rubber ducky won't plane with one driver without at least 6 hp and probably need more like 10 if there was bad wavy conditions So the 3.5 HP could in strong comtra winds with 3 people's struggle to against a head wind and might even be pushed backwards from lack of steering control. If you always go out on calm days solo the 3.5 HP should give you about 4 MPH and fuel figures per hour full power ofp ,0.6 USA gallons per hour or some 5 or 6 MPG

[@Chillwaving]

Was the merc any faster?9

[@AmirGuitarlover]

It is slightly faster, not a huge difference though

[@hendriabang521]

Berapa harga mesin mercury 3,5

[@user-bt3hb4gc9k]

Good motor ?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Absolutely

[@Joy2829]

How does the Mercury 3.5HP work during trolling? I bought one recently and I plan to troll for pike with it (I usually use my Minn Kota for that). Just worried that the noise would scare away the fish. Happy to learn more about your experience with this motor. Thanks!

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Funny enough we have the exact same setting, I have been trolling with my Minn Kota for years but have switched to the Mercury as it allows me to stay on the water for a whole day and not to be dependent on a battery. Let me list here the pros and cons: Pros: 1.You cover more water as you have more time to fish since you can just add patrol if you run out, it will last you for about 2.5 hours trolling on full tank. Cons: 1.The noise can be a bit annoying if you are used to go electric although it will not scare the fish at all, I caught much pike and perch trolling like that in the past couple of months and will also make a video about it soon. 2.I do miss the easy reverse when trolling sometime as with the Merc you need to flip the motor over, sometimes you get snagged etc and its just easier to go back with the fixed reverse of the Minn Kota. to conclude, I like having both as sometimes i just want to have a beer and troll in silent but when i get a full day fishing i'll pick up the Mercury any given day. Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.

[@Joy2829]

@@AmirGuitarlover Thank you for the quick and detailed response. This info is super helpful. I can hardly wait to try my new Merc. I got it for the bigger lakes here in Canada. I look forward to your future vids featuring this motor. Cheers!

[@joaopcandeias]

I have one Mercury 3.5, do you think that have enough power for a 3m inflatable airdeck boat with 3 people and me (total 4)? Just to cross a river, probably 2 km distance. Thanks

[@AmirGuitarlover]

I'm pretty sure that the motor would take you + 4 on a 2km distance with no issues (although you will be slow). I would be more concerned about having 4 people in a 3M inflatable, are you sure it is going to carry you? make sure to check the spacs on maximum weight you can take on this boat.

[@joaopcandeias]

Fish and tips thanks for your quick reply! The Quicksilver/Mercury inflatable boat with airdeck supports maximum 4 people (me and 3 passengers) 400kg max.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

@@joaopcandeias In this case you should be fine, the motor will be able to handle it, just dont expect to plane :)

[@bushpig8109]

does it start when shifted in forward gear?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

No, got to be on neutral

[@crevaoadventureemacao5146]

Does a 5 hp engine go well whit a 5m boat translate?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

I have my 3.5hp on a 4.5m boat so I would say yes. I am not sure if you’ll be able to plane with it though.

[@munthirmansour7554]

Hey thanks for this video. How much is the motor?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

about 700 EUR in Europe

[@munthirmansour7554]

@@AmirGuitarlover ok thanks. Just curious, do you think it will be able to push 15 ft inflatable boat. And how fast?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

@@munthirmansour7554 Hi, yes there should be no problem there, I would say that with you on board it should go as fast as 9-10km an hour full speed.

[@rgboyte]

Wow

[@Whoswac]

Does this motor have reverse?

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Well, its in the video... :) did you watch it?

[@Whoswac]

@@AmirGuitarlover yea sound like you said it didn’t THATS why I was asking.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

@@Whoswac It doesnt indeed, you need to turn it 360 degrees to reverse.

[@Whoswac]

@@AmirGuitarlover ok thanks soooo much. I wanted this one but I’m probably going to try the Coleman 2.6

[@felipecruz4509]

@@Whoswac the coleman 2.6 floods too much.

[@davidholt4216]

Have you had any mechanical issue with this one? I'm thinking about buying one but online reviews are pretty bad.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

David Holt I haven’t had a single issue with it , runs smooth and always start. Just make sure to keep clean fresh patrol in it and you’ll be fine

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Jake exactly! It’s a great engine but it needs to be taken care of, I drain the gas every two weeks if it’s not being used and I always use the best quality gas I can buy to avoid any gunk leftovers In the carb. It’s not a lot of effort for the sake of a healthy engine.

[@carlose6010]

@@AmirGuitarlover Hey. There's an Aluminum prop you can buy on Amazon usa. It creates less air cavitation, atleast if got on a plane.

[@frankmills5284]

I use non ethanol gas from Wal-Mart gas station. My 3.5 runs great.

[@bigbangaaa2348]

Replacing ...!? The maintenance of the Honda BF 2.3 is UNBEATABLE it costs only 9 euros !!!

[@AmirGuitarlover]

I couldn’t agree more but the noise was killing me

[@rustyprewett5818]

Where did you get the motor

[@AmirGuitarlover]

The Netherlands

[@profishinglb1344]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqqnqnp7n72moa8

[@andreyt3708]

which one is better mercury 3.3 2 stroke or 3.5 4stroke?

[@christinesmith7625]

2 stroke has a lot more power i have both motors

[@timothyortiz2222]

They both are loud to me. It is faster. I'm sure it's a higher price too.

[@AmirGuitarlover]

Timothy Ortiz both army quiet , that’s true. But take my word for it, the Honda is louder and you will get a headache from it.

[@crainoxlong2338]

could you put it in pounds

[@MrPrince1959]

Great Honda vs bastard Mercury :)

[@Norfolkyakker]

To be fair anything is an upgrade from a Honda 2.3 they must be the worst on the market.

[@luca_tdn3240]

In my country it costs 2000 euro 😂

[@lastweektonightshow122]

Changing a Honda for a Mercury Lmaoo are you insane ?