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Thread: Rotax 503 experiences and alternatives

  1. #1

    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    NE PA
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    Rotax 503 experiences and alternatives

    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

  2. #2
    Dana's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2011
    Posts
    928
    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.

  3. #3

    Join Date
    Jan 2012
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    108
    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?

  4. #4
    melann's Avatar
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    Jul 2019
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    N. Texas, Dallas Area
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    79
    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.

  5. #5

    Join Date
    Mar 2014
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    NE PA
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    Quote Originally Posted by turtle View Post
    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?
    Minimax 1650 EROS.

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