Briggs and Stratton 5 hp 4 strokes

[1850 ashbay]

Does anyone have experience with those ugly but inexpensive 4 stroke 5HP motors made by briggs and stratton that go for about $600? I'd be interested in one if they're reliable. Any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks!

[Dragonsm]

Now this is just from what I gathered fishing one weekend with an in-law of mine who happens to be the small engine/shop instructor at one of the local schools.

The motor itself is a pretty good motor. (Most b&s motors are...and they are relatively easy to fix and just about everyone has b&s parts)

It's an air-cooled motor and the exhaust is on the backside of the motor so it is a bit louder than your normal 5 hp outboard. I am guessing the same loudness as to what your lawnmower might be when you have it running.

The whole discussion began because my brother-in-law was looking at getting one for his jon boat.....but decided not to as he wants a quieter motor.

Thanks

Steve

[Ufatz]

Lets be honest here...the ONLY thing those motors have going for them is price.They are grotesque, they are typical B&S engines, which means they are in 47th place for dependability when it comes to a Honda or Yamaha or Kawasaki engine. They are air cooled, which makes them simple and which also makes them HOT and NOISY. Frankly, if I were head or marketing for B&S I would have keel-hauled the genius who cooked those things up. I can't believe they've sold more than seven of 'em since they came to market with them. I see them as a basket of trouble, but then I'm sorta fixed in my opinions too. Ha!

[burl]

All of that plus they are manufacuted in china.Lets all keep fuelling their economy.Burl.

[jltimm]

Definition for Briggs and Stratton:"Breaks into Scrap Iron"!

[Surface Tension]

Ouch on the Briggs.

Some fledgling outboard makers already tried the air cooled bit and failed. Most of their demise was crappy carberation and inconsistent running temps.

IMO you could pick up a used J/E for the same price and have a far better, dependable and smoother outboard.

[riverrat56]

My buddy has one for over a year now, we put that motor through about anything you could find to go through, ya its loud, ya its ugly, but it gets the job done for us. Since it is air cooled you can start the motor, hop in the boat, back down the ramp and head out of the way, makes slick work on busy days at the ramp. Also since there is no water intake you can run it through anything you want to, his starts on the first pull almost every time out. I really think they are nice motors, I wouldn't hesitate to buy one for my duck boat.

[Surface Tension]

RiverRat, the powerhead is air cooled but the exhaust is water cooled so you don't want to run them out of water.

[riverrat56]

Well it wasnt my motor..........opps, I'll relay that to the owner........