Orca 9.8HP

[WillShirk]

Hi Guys ,
I am coming back to sibs after a good few years out and have been looking at Boatworld for an affordable sib and engine , I can purchase both the sib and engine for just short of £2k !
Has anyone used or own the Orca Engines or would it be better to wait and buy another engine ?

[harrison]

This is a difficult call as they are temptingly cheap, but personally I’d steer clear.

They are Chinese copies of what looks suspiciously like the Tohatsu 9.8. No idea how reliable they may prove but bear in mind they come with only a two year warranty and no UK wide dealer servicing network. Factor in a potentially very low secondhand value you will probably lose more than the initial £600 saving over the Tohatsu.

Of course if you’re going keep it many years, not bothered about warranty and service it yourself, then could well be a cheap option.

PS: Profound apologies to @Sibfisher as I realise he has one on his Elling.

[Sibfisher]

No problem Ian as you said the difference between the Orca & Tohatsu is the name brand and money which is a lot more and if yoou have not owed a Orca you cannot judge.

Wilshirk, I have a Orca 9.8hp on my Elling KB350 and have no problem at all, I bought mine as a packege and have no regrets, the Orca runs very nice, quite and easy to start, it gets the boat on the plan quickly and settles down with no problem reaching 20mph and runs like a dream,

I have had no problems so far and very pleased, in your case I am sure boatworld gives a garrantee.

For sure its not a Yamaha or Tohatsu they are a lot more money, if you are going to buy it to use like me not for the price you get if you sell it its well worth it and there is not a lot of things that are not made by the Chinese

I have taken mine to Spain with the understanding it being based on a Tohatsu it should not be a problem getting it repaired if needed.

Hope this helps

[WillShirk]

Thanks for the replies guys ,
I am not thinking of a re selling value I will use it every other weekend weather permitting and at a cost of just over £1k from boatworld I thought it was a good budget price , I realise its not a Suzuki or a Mariner but re sale isn't an issue i'll service it myself when the weather is bad and I can't get away,

[Sibfisher]

I done my 20 hour service myself if you have a basic knowledge no problem, I was on a budget and have no regrets buying it,

[harrison]

and if yoou have not owed a Orca you cannot judge.

Well, that’s me told then!

Admittedly not owned an Orca, but also don’t actually need to buy one to identify potential pitfalls.

Apart from the buy cheap sell cheap scenario, then perhaps the major unknown issue will be on water reliability. If my car breaks down it’s an inconvenience, if my outboard breaks down it potentially could be a serious problem. Not willing to take any additional risk for myself or my passengers, sorry.

Agree, lots of mainstream products made in China, including our Merc/Mariner 60 (Eeek!), but hopefully to their spec/quality control!

Who are Orca’s made by anyway? Only sold by Boatworld, so assume they’re bought in and marketed under their own in house brand name. With no servicing network where do you take it for any warranty repairs...back to Boatworld...no workshops there. They sell basic servicing items, like impellers and fuel line filters, but what about parts for repairs further down the line? Assume sourcing expensive Tohatsu/Yamaha parts will be the only option.

As an aside, we’ve also dabbled in the Chinese parts bin with a Hidea 15 many years ago. A Yamaha copy it worked well, never let us down, but never felt like a keeper. Early signs of premature corrosion on the castings and electrical connections rang alarm bells with us for long term reliability, so got shut.

Each to their own I suppose.

[Martin]

The Orca outboards are a Yamaha clone, Chinese copy!
They are built mainly with the same parts as a Yamaha but make no mistake, they are not a Yamaha outboard.

Resale, going to be very low until they earn their reputation..
Reliability... see above.

Martin

[WillShirk]

and if yoou have not owed a Orca you cannot judge.

Well, that’s me told then!

Admittedly not owned an Orca, but also don’t actually need to buy one to identify potential pitfalls.

Apart from the buy cheap sell cheap scenario, then perhaps the major unknown issue will be on water reliability. If my car breaks down it’s an inconvenience, if my outboard breaks down it potentially could be a serious problem. Not willing to take any additional risk for myself or my passengers, sorry.

Agree, lots of mainstream products made in China, including our Merc/Mariner 60 (Eeek!), but hopefully to their spec/quality control!

Who are Orca’s made by anyway? Only sold by Boatworld, so assume they’re bought in and marketed under their own in house brand name. With no servicing network where do you take it for any warranty repairs...back to Boatworld...no workshops there. They sell basic servicing items, like impellers and fuel line filters, but what about parts for repairs further down the line? Assume sourcing expensive Tohatsu/Yamaha parts will be the only option.

As an aside, we’ve also dabbled in the Chinese parts bin with a Hidea 15 many years ago. A Yamaha copy it worked well, never let us down, but never felt like a keeper. Early signs of premature corrosion on the castings and electrical connections rang alarm bells with us for long term reliability, so got shut.

Each to their own I suppose.

Thanks and it makes perfect sense with the way you put it , I have all winter to look about and wouldn't mind paying for a good second hand engine if any become available

Ceers

Will

[Sibfisher]

I rest my case

[Coco]

Hello all,

So to make things clear. If I want to service my Orca 6hp outboard myself, is it Yamaha or tohatsu service kits I would use?