Looking for an (minimum) 50hp engine and wondering if anyone has experience with Rotax 503. In case I can't find one to purchase or it's not a good engine, is there a good alternative for less than $5K?
Thanks!
John
Looking for an (minimum) 50hp engine and wondering if anyone has experience with Rotax 503. In case I can't find one to purchase or it's not a good engine, is there a good alternative for less than $5K?
Thanks!
John
The 503 is a very good engine, probably better than any other engine in its power / weight class. The 582 is similarly reliable if you want a bit more power. Being 2-strokes, they do require care and attention different from 4-strokes.
If you can afford the weight penalty a 4-stroke like a HKS or VW would be my preference, but you won't find a HKS under $5K, VW maybe.
I buy every 503 I can get my hands on. Always someone parting out a crashed ultralight. Repair what failed and stick it on an airboat. Can almost get a season out of one before rebuilding the top end. What size boat are you planning on putting it on?
I will say this. Back in the day, I was a dealer for Spitfire Ultralights. I ran quite a few Rotax 503s. I found that the single carb version put out the same hp as the dual carb version. The only difference I found is that the dual carb version burned much more fuel and had to have the filters cleaned much more often.
Mel, DAR since the Last Century, Specializing in Light-Sport and Experimental Aircraft. Certificated over 1,100 Light-Sport & Experimental aircraft.
Minimax 1650 EROS.Originally Posted by turtle
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