I've seen several posts about the copperhead motors on this forum, but haven't seen any mention of the orion outboards version. Does anyone have any experience with the orion? I'm looking at the 10/12hp copperheads and 9/13hp orions and was curious as to how they compare in terms of speed, etc.

From what I understand, the Orion has a centrifigal clutch on it and is problematic.
I own a 10hp Copperhead and couldn't be more satisfied with it for what it is.

You can get the Orion with or without the Centrifical clutch. The Lifan engine they use is a clone of a Honda. In fact Lifan makes most of the Honda engines for Honda and parts are directly interchangable. Call Orion and talk to Steven. I've been talking to him about their 25hp Kohler and 23hp Vangard Sirius line that is coming out soon. Steven has been one of the nicest people to discuss things with and will answer any questions you may have. The price is certainly right on his MM's.

Russ

Do not buy an Orion, you will be very sorry. I made the mistake after looking at their website and some of the videos and numbers that they have posted. I got it shipped to me from NY and tried it on several different 14 and 12' boats, probably 5 different boats. It wouldnt even plain out ONE of them, not even close. I tried everything, adding weight to the front, trimming different, dog up front, me as far foward as I could go, light boats, wide boats, extra wide boats, and etc. The only option that Steven offered was a longer tiller handle, like that would make one bit of difference. In the end I called Copperhead to try to get some answers and was told that the Orion guy gets his props from the guy who rents the other half of the building that they are in. Said he didnt want to try different props to get the right one, just picked a size and went with it. The solution we came up with was that these motors were propped wrong. I eventually gave up and sent it back to Orion, Steven was nice enough to give me used price it. Was about a $600 lesson. Never again will I buy a motor from a new company who hasnt worked out all the bugs.

I just recently purchased the 12 hp copperhead about a month ago and put it on my 14/36 alumacraft gotta say it's a really powerful motor for the size of it. Def worthy of the money I get around 22 by myself and 20 to 21 with two people. Would get a lot better speeds if the boat wasn't so narrow and riveted. The bottom of my boats is rough which slows it down about 4 to 5 mph

I just recently purchased the 12 hp copperhead about a month ago and put it on my 14/36 alumacraft gotta say it's a really powerful motor for the size of it. Def worthy of the money I get around 22 by myself and 20 to 21 with two people. Would get a lot better speeds if the boat wasn't so narrow and riveted. The bottom of my boats is rough which slows it down about 4 to 5 mph

I am very happy with my 12 hp Copperhead Surface Drive. Customer service is unbelievable.

Yes that's what I'm saying if I had a wide bottom and a flatter bottom boat it could

And my shit smells like roses

have a 7hp orion. 15mph in a 1432 jon. me and dog. 12-13 with a good load. steve is a great guy and will get back to you asap for any questions. i am upgrading to there 15 hp sd for some more load carrying capabilities. i have a vid on youtube of my 7hp from orion. "7hp orion surface drive" check it out. i hear that the copperheads are some really nice motors also.

Maybe ask him y his Welding looks like chit.