The ultimate 5hp outboard test

We test seven of the latest four-stroke 5hp outboards. Find out which one we rated as the best in the November issue of Motor Boats Monthly

The 5hp two-stroke outboard used to be the king of the portable power packs but then came the four-stroke revolution, and the 5hp put on weight.

It also developed a few awkward habits that made it less easy to handle. We took seven of the latest 5hp outboards on the market to see how they fared.

Yamaha 5hp outboard – from £969

Yamaha 5hp outboardThe latest Yamaha portables have a new-look white and blue livery which sets them apart from their larger brothers.

The 5hp has a smooth rear carrying handle, but only a small lip at the front. The cowl is held in place with a hook at the front, and a plastic over-centre clip at the back.

The gear lever is chunky and easy to grasp. The integral fuel filler cap is set at 45° for easy filling, and it has a three-way fuel tap for remote, integral or off settings.

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A plus point of this engine is that it can be laid down on any three sides for storage without oil leaking. The pegs on the starboard side and on the gear lever make it obvious how it should be laid. There’s also an oil level gauge, but it’s a bit out of the way, placed above the filler cap.

Pro: The Yamaha 5hp can be laid down on any three sides for storage without oil leaking.

Con: It is the most expensive model on test but it put out a mid-range performance with one or two crew aboard.

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