Tanaka Outboard?

Jeff Reardon

Jeff Reardon

Well-known member
Anybody ever heard of them? Someone local has an 18 foot canoe for sale, with a Tanaka motor said to be 1.75 hp.

If the motor is worth anything, the price may be pretty good, but if not I'd offer less for the canoe alone.

I need the canoe, not the motor, so I'd probably be looking to resell. They say it runs . . . . .
 
Yes, they have been around for a long while, and also used to be sold under the Sears Gamefisher label. They are extremely lightweight, came in several horsepowers from 1 thru 3 (maybe more), and are said to be really good runners. Some of them had "automatic" clutches that got mixed reviews. The automatic clutch was some sort of centrifugal clutch that disengaged at low RPM. Nobody said it didn't work, but they just didn't like the way it worked. I have never had one myself, but I researched them briefly when I was considering a motor for one of my sneakboats. I think it would be perfect for a canoe, sneakboat, or any small boat in which you wanted a light weight, easily stowed motor.
 
I have what I think is the 2hp. Pushed my Sportboat with two on board just fine. It actually gets to a point that the prop just cavitates if you over rev. Starts easy, super light. I think I paid $150 for mine
 
I had a 2 hp on my canoe for years. Awesome little motor. You couldn't kill it. Light, easy to start, and air cooled so no mud to suck up. I wish I stil had it. Other than sounding like a weed wackier I have nothing but praise for them.
 
Anybody ever heard of them? Someone local has an 18 foot canoe for sale, with a Tanaka motor said to be 1.75 hp.

If the motor is worth anything, the price may be pretty good, but if not I'd offer less for the canoe alone.

I need the canoe, not the motor, so I'd probably be looking to resell. They say it runs . . . . .
Click to expand...

You need special shear pins for that model what I hear. You need the ones made from unobtainium.
 
You need special shear pins for that model what I hear. You need the ones made from unobtainium.
Click to expand...

Good point. Perhaps if I get it I should keep this motor and replace my pin breaker.

Thanks everyone for all the feedback. If the seller ever calls me back, I'm definitely interested.
 
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At least around here there is a good market for them. They are a LOT lighter than a trolling motor and battery. Probably under 20 pounds for the one you are looking at. So, they are great on canoes and small duck boats. I had a 3hp until the throttle broke. Didnt want to convert it to thumb throttle.
Hard to get parts for, so even if it dies you might make money on Ebay.
Sound like a chain saw.......
 
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