由 
Yamaha 2.5hp outboard – from £662
Ultimate 5hp Outboard testFeatures: The Yamaha is the most expensive of the petrol outboards on test but it’s packed with clever, innovative features.
We really like the tell-tale deflector that stops the boat filling with water when the engine is spun around for reverse and the mechanism that stops the engine potentially flopping onto the wrong side when tilted.
It also has useful access panels in the cowling for the spark plug and sump drain, and you even get free RNLI Offshore membership thrown in.
Performance: It was the quietest petrol outboard on test but its bollard pull was among the lowest. It reached a similar top speed to the others in the equivalent time, it felt balanced when being carried, although a chunkier handle would improve comfort.
While it’s not the lightest unit and it’s the most expensive, it is the best all-round performer.
Suzuki 2.5hp outboard – from £583
Suzuki-DF2.5 outboard.jpgFeatures: At 13kg, the Suzuki is the winner in the weight stakes, and it’s also a good price for a mainstream brand.
We don’t like the way that the top cowling stays attached by the start cord when checking under the hood, although we have to admit it does offer protection against losing it in the water.
The Suzuki has a chunky and comfortable handle, making it the easiest to carry by a distance. We also like the external sump oil indicator that makes checking the oil so simple.
Performance: When underway, the engine suffered from some vibration, was rather noisy and took a while to reach a decent top speed, despite having a very good bollard pull.
In fact, so much longer, we had to run the test numerous times just to be sure. But the low weight, brand and good price are hard to beat, so the Suzuki gets our best buy.
