Achilles inflatable, how to add a small outboard?

[steve yates]

I have this inflatable, with black rubber tubes on the transom, pics below. I presume they are to attach some kind of system that would take an outboard? What would that be and any pointers on what kind of outboard would suit?

The dinghy is about 7-8 feet long. (quite ironic when its towed by bethfran )

 

[AndyL]

Outboard Motor Engine Mounting Bracket, Soft Tail, Avon Redstart Redcrest Dinghy | eBay

 

[Ashman]

Japanese manufactured Achilles inflatables are very popular in the USA.......have a look at Defender Marine for the design of the Achilles outboard bracket for your dinghy, they are about $200 plus postage so might be more cost effective to have one made In the uk. We have a 9‘ Achilles air deck dinghy, it is very light and we sometimes use a 2.3hp outboard as a spare to push it around.......admittedly rather slowly but probably very adequately for your dinghy

 

[Plum]

AndyL has illustrated the type of bracket you need but not sure whether the Achilles inflatable uses a common size of bracket. This one is stainless steel but, again, you will have to check dimensions Inflatable Kayak Boat Outboard Motor Fishing Boat Engine Support Stand Mount | eBay . I have the same inflatable and have used a 2.5hp outboard on it which is ample. Not sure I would like to use anything with more power than that, however, mostly I do not bother and row instead.

Www.solocoastalsailing.co.uk

 

[andsarkit]

Another one here a bit cheaper but you would have to check dimensions which are in the second to last picture.
Outboard bracket - ebay

 

[steve yates]

Thank you , all makes sense now, and cheaper than I thought it was going to be, cheers.

 

[kalanka]

I had the smallest Achilles dinghy for a while. Very robust and good to row.

I attached the O/B bracket on the rear tube and fitted a Yamaha 2.5. I discovered the hard way that the boat was very unstable with the engine attached and was inclined to raise its bow around the pivot of the transom. This could be managed by careful distribution of weight and keeping a counterbalancing jerrycan of water lashed at the bow. Your dinghy may be a little longer and therefore more stable but I recommend a cautious approach the first time you fit the engine....

 

[steve yates]

Good point. It's great to row, I have 8ft oars, detachable for carrying, but what a differnce they make in action. I'm alwys bewildered watching folk whirring away like hamsters on a wheel with tiny oars in a wee inflatable. Splitpin oars double the size dont' really take up much more room, and must transform the rowing of your dinghy.