I found a ¥150,000 god-tier set on Jimoty.
The amount of included gear was impressive, sure.
But there was one more thing that quietly made the decision final.
The 2HP outboard motor was a Honda, air-cooled.
“Oh… yeah. This might actually work.”
That reaction wasn’t random.
There were solid reasons behind it.
— The Heart of License-Free Inflatable Boat Fishing —
If you get into inflatable boat fishing,
the hardest decision is the engine.
There are a lot of 2HP options that don’t require a license, and
“So… which one am I actually supposed to buy?”
is where most people get stuck.
Here’s what I learned after researching this far more seriously than intended.
First: What “2HP = No License Required” Actually Means
- No license required if output is under 2HP (1.5kW)
- The boat itself also has conditions (e.g. under 3m length)
- No license does not mean no rules or no responsibility
I already had a personal watercraft license,
so the basics weren’t completely new to me.
Still, this needs to be said clearly.
“No license required” does NOT mean “do whatever you want.”
If anything, personal responsibility increases.
Engine Types: Gasoline vs Electric (Trolling Motor)
| Type | Overview | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasoline outboard | 2-stroke / 4-stroke | Stable power, long range | Needs maintenance, somewhat heavy |
| Electric (trolling motor) | Battery powered | Quiet, easy to operate | Short range, heavy batteries |
I’ll be honest — electric motors were tempting.
But then this phrase kept repeating in my head:
Battery dead offshore = drifting.
Self-rescue on an inflatable boat isn’t realistic.
“If I want to fish for hours, gasoline is the only option.”
Key Points When Choosing a 2HP Gas Outboard
① Air-cooled vs Water-cooled
- Air-cooled: Simple structure, lighter weight
- Water-cooled: Quieter and better cooling, but heavier
② Starting Method
- Most use recoil starters (pull cord)
- Check reviews for how easy it actually starts
③ Weight and Size
- Even 2HP engines often exceed 15kg
- For loading and unloading, lighter really is better
“I could already see my back giving out before the fishing even started.”
Major Manufacturers (2HP Class)
| Manufacturer | Characteristics | Maintenance | New Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Honda | Air-cooled, lightweight, easy starting | ◎ | ≈ ¥130,000–¥150,000 |
| Yamaha | Water-cooled, very quiet | ◎ | ≈ ¥120,000–¥140,000 |
| Tohatsu | Easy parts availability | ◎ | ≈ ¥120,000–¥140,000 |
| Suzuki | Good value, solid durability | ○ | ≈ ¥100,000–¥130,000 |
* Prices vary depending on timing and retailer.
Why I Chose Honda (Air-Cooled)
- Relatively easy maintenance
- Lighter and easier to handle
- Stable parts availability in Japan
Yes, it’s louder than water-cooled engines.
But for a beginner,
the simplicity of the structure mattered more than quietness.
If You’re Buying Used, Check These First
- Propeller chips or bends
- Condition of engine oil
- Always test starting
- Check recalls using the manufacturer’s serial number
On platforms like Jimoty or Mercari,
maintenance history matters a lot.
“No operation check” listings are… risky, to put it mildly.
Summary
- First decide: electric or gasoline, based on usage time and range
- For offshore or long sessions, gasoline is the safer choice
- For beginners, Honda’s air-cooled models are very approachable
The engine is the heart of inflatable boat fishing.
This doesn’t mean air-cooled engines are objectively the best.
But at the time, it was the best match for me.
Hopefully this helps others find what fits their own style and purpose.
I’m not fluent in English, but I really wanted to share this story.
So I tried my best using translation tools to write this post.
If you find anything that sounds strange, unnatural, or offensive,
please let me know in the comments.
I’ll check it carefully, translate your feedback, and fix it.
Thank you for reading!
コメント