There are a lot of disputes about whether to take or not to take Chinese motors on the net. Someone categorically does not accept Chinese units and assures that it is better to save up and buy a Japanese or American motor. Someone, on the contrary, does not see the point in overpaying. It is clear that Chinese motors are still very far from Yamaha or Mercury, but they are much cheaper.
Content
Chinese manufacturers annually release new (successful and not so) models of outboard motors to the market. And if at a price they compare favorably with their American and Japanese counterparts, then there may be problems with reliability.
The best manufacturing companies (based on reviews) are:
By the way, the warranty period is far from the most important criterion when choosing a particular model.The main thing is the quality of services and the possibility of supplying consumables and spare parts for sane money.
The main parameter that interests buyers when choosing is reliability. In practice, the more expensive the motor, the more reliable it is. The main problem of Chinese engines is the poor quality of the main metal parts (plastic ones, like start lock levers or fuel filters, too) and the lack of spare parts. The latter, by the way, are not much cheaper than Japanese ones.
When choosing a brand or model, you should choose well-known Chinese brands that are produced in large factories. It is advisable to have authorized dealers who, in the event of a breakdown, will be able to provide repairs and supply the necessary spare parts.
The fact is that few workshops agree to repair Chinese engines (it’s not for nothing that there are jokes about the build quality of Chinese technology). And if they are taken, then, as a rule, they do not give any guarantees.
It is better to buy in offline stores - and you can see the goods "live", and ask the seller to start, check the build quality and the performance of the electronics.
If you still decide to order via the Internet, carefully check all the information, compare the characteristics of the selected model with those posted on the official websites of the brand. Check with the manager how the warranty service will be carried out, at whose expense the defective unit is returned, and in what terms the money will be returned to the buyer. If you get clear answers to all questions - you can take a chance, if not - you should look for another store. And, yes, it is also better to read reviews about the seller in advance, preferably on third-party resources.
Speaking of warranties, read the terms and conditions carefully.Usually the warranty does not cover mechanical damage and rubber parts of the motor. The same goes for electrics. Also, the terms of warranty service for some brands include mandatory compliance with the maintenance regulations (services are not cheap).
And lastly, look at the reviews of the owners about a particular brand and model on special forums (not on the brand’s or seller’s website), look for video reviews.
Single-cylinder, two-stroke, with tiller control, suitable for small boats designed for 1-2 people. Suitable for lovers of fishing and trips over short distances.
Main characteristics:
The warranty is usually 3 years. Maintenance is inexpensive, spare parts can be bought without problems.
Price - from 22,000 rubles
Compact, two-stroke, single-cylinder air-cooled motor for plastic and inflatable boats. It is intended for movement on small distances (recommended time of continuous work – 30 minutes).
Able to reach speeds up to 17 km / h, and the inertial clutch allows you to easily pass through shallow water and grass, just lift the engine by the tiller.The aluminum screws are also a plus, as they are usually made of plastic on models in the same price range.
Main characteristics:
Includes tool kit, 1 year warranty. Products are manufactured at the HIDEA plant, under the Globalmarine brand.
Price - from 13,000 rubles
A new model recently launched on the market from the brand Calon Gloria. Single-cylinder, two-stroke, with built-in fuel tank of 2.5 liters. The units are manufactured in factories with high-precision equipment, so there is a possibility that there is still quality control.
The manufacturer promises high-strength aluminum parts, multi-layer paintwork that is scratch-resistant and easy to start in any conditions and gives a 4-year warranty. Recommends using motors on boats no longer than 300 cm.
Characteristics:
Since the model is new, it is worth checking with the seller in advance the possibility of supplying spare parts and service during the warranty period.
Price - from 20,000 rubles
Low power two-stroke, suitable as an additional motor for large boats. Lightweight and reliable, weighing only 10 kg, with an advanced starting system and a special engine stop cord. It has one gear, control - a motorcycle-type handle located on the tiller.
Suitable for mounting on a mounted and stationary transom of boats, even of a budget configuration (inflatable and with a rigid hull), up to 3.4 m long.
Housing - aluminum, resistant to mechanical damage and corrosion. Warranty when purchased from authorized dealers - 2 years.
Specifications:
There is no gas pump - this is a feature of all low-power engines, therefore, before removing or turning the engine, gasoline must be drained (the hole is located at the bottom of the pan, above the carburetor float chamber).
Price - 29,600 rubles (when comparing prices in several stores, the maximum difference is plus or minus 400 rubles).
Compact, powerful, with electronic ignition system. Not suitable for trips with a breeze, but for fishing - that's it. Suitable for installation on small boats with a capacity of 1-2 people. It may smoke a little when running.
Characteristics:
There is no warranty service. The period of 3 years indicated in the instructions is, in fact, the life of the motor. When choosing this model, it should be borne in mind that hardly anyone will undertake repairs.Otherwise, the reviews are only positive, there are no complaints about the assembly.
Price - 20,000 rubles
Four-stroke, low-power, designed for installation on small boats. Built-in 1.3 liter tank, support for fail-safe start with CDI system, plus stop check to protect the engine from starting in gear. Suitable for movement in shallow water, due to the possibility of adjusting the engine in height.
Peculiarities:
Warranty - 3 years, consumables and spare parts are almost always in stock, plus a good service.
Price - from 40,000 rubles
An improved model of the previous, fifth version, is distinguished by modified carburetor settings, which at the output is capable of producing up to 6.2 liters. forces. It is possible to connect an external fuel tank (maximum - 24 l).
Suitable for small boats with a mounted transom. Build quality is good, maintainable. The only drawback is the non-standard thread of the clamp screws for connecting to the boat transom.
Peculiarities:
Before use, check the oil level in the gearbox. It is better to buy from authorized dealers, the manufacturer provides a 3-year warranty.
Price - 52,000 rubles
Four-stroke, relatively light (26 kg) - putting boats on the transom alone is not a problem. Differs in fast start, regardless of weather conditions. There is an additional tank with a volume of 12 liters, so refueling is not required for long-distance crossings.
Throttle control is as simple and convenient as possible, using the built-in handle on the tiller. Break-in - 25 minutes at idle, the first 5 hours - at speeds up to 2500 and medium speed.
Peculiarities:
Warranty - 3 years, tool kit, emergency stop cord, fuel hose included.
Price - from 52,000 rubles
Two-stroke, with a remote tank of 24 liters. Good build quality, easy installation, reliable in use. Universal, suitable for most types of boats, both inflatable and rigid hull.
The functions of an emergency engine stop switch, adjustment of the angle of the motor, tiller, as well as safe movement in shallow water are available.
When inspecting, it is worth checking that all rotary parts are lubricated, the level (or even the presence) of oil in the gearbox.
Peculiarities:
The model is popular, but user reviews are conflicting. It seems that buying a quality motor is like winning the lottery.
Price - 68,000 rubles
Reliable, one of the most powerful in the line. Suitable for large boats, requires registration with the GIMS. The twist-grip throttle provides maneuverability, while the motor lift adjustment function ensures safe movement in shallow water.
New, improved starter design makes it easier to start the engine at any temperature. The model has a low noise level due to sound damping through the vent screw.
Consumables and spare parts are usually available at an adequate price.
Peculiarities:
The sellers assure that the carburetor is tuned to take into account the peculiarities of Russian fuel, and the impeller and manual starter are made of a material with a large margin of safety.
Price - from 155,000 rubles
Quiet and powerful, suitable for lovers of hunting and fishing, and connoisseurs of long-distance crossings will appreciate the economical fuel consumption. Can be used on boats up to 360 cm long or as an additional engine for yachts. Mandatory registration in GIMS is required.
Characteristics:
Warranty period - 2 years, a generator with a rectifier, a set of tools and an emergency stop cable - in the kit.
Price - from 130,000 rubles
A model of a brand that appeared on the Russian market a year ago. Produced in a modern, high-tech factory in China. For a relatively small amount, the manufacturer promises a high-strength aluminum housing, low noise level, and easy start, regardless of weather conditions.
Characteristics:
Warranty - 4 years. Since the model is new, we can hope that the amount of marriage will be minimal.
Price - 103,000 rubles
To summarize, we get that Chinese motors are not so bad. The main thing is to carefully inspect the goods before buying, choose a reliable seller and carefully read the terms of the warranty service agreement.