Advice on 50HP outboard needed...

ThreeSummers

ThreeSummers

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Hi guys,

Well, I'm building this little tub...

DSC_4892_Bow.jpg


...and I need to make a decision as to what motor to bolt on the back.

Its rated at 50hp, so sticking to that size can anyone offer advice to brand, model etc? Ideally, I'm thinking four stroke (although Evinrude E-TEC seems nice) with power tilt and trim. All the ones I've seen so far are just over 100kg, but if there's anything light, please tell me.

Oh, and it must be reliable. Like a rock!

Is there any advantage to fuel injected compared to carburetted (thinking service, not performance here)? Looked at Honda, but have been scare-mongered about service costs. Suzuki has been advised by a fishing-charter operator friend, so now I'm lost.

So, what's your preference, and why?

Wobb.
 
Cracking looking boat your building there.
Have look at the Tohatsu 50hp TLDI, lighter than a 4 stroke and very economical to run, as for reliability very hard to beat them. Seen them at £4200 in last years colors, but I know a place that may be cheaper
 
Had good use out of Suzuki and Yam 50,s over the years. Boat looks smart . Engine size will depend on how much superstructure She,l end up with, ie how much are you going to put "on top". Plus what use are you going to put Her to? Looks a nice shape hull which wont need much to drive Her. Again what,s the" End Plan"?
 
[ QUOTE ]
Engine size will depend on how much superstructure She,l end up with, ie how much are you going to put "on top". Plus what use are you going to put Her to? Looks a nice shape hull which wont need much to drive Her. Again what,s the" End Plan"?

[/ QUOTE ]

Not much topsides, a little cabin is all (this is a model I made before starting the real one...)

DSC_2318_Model.jpg


Total finished weight estimated at under 300kg's...

Also, probably lots of slowish Thames cruising, plus the occasional trailer to the sea and northern lakes (Loch Lomond is on the list) so want some speed when needed.

Wobb.
 
Yep power trim ,tilt. "Pottering about" then "occasional" Sea bits 40 max mate. Sounds liks 30 would do. Looking at the proposed shape of cabin etc don,t think you.l need a big lump. Lightest 2 stroke 30 looks the biss. 4 strokes are heavier, yes better on fuel. So how many hours a Year you going to do? You don,t know so buy the cheapest option engine that will do the job. Then sell the rig, cos you know the best pleasure you had was building Her! Then you,l want something bigger! /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
Lovely model!

Over the years I have realised you should put on the biggest engine you can then she will trol nicely but have a bit in reserve for Estuary work. For the thames I would consider the taihatsu 50. Failing that the Honda is amazing (but expensive) A good midrange engine is the Suzuki. I would definitely consider that one. Weight is always a factor but in this case I would say that you willput more extra weight in the boat with beer on an average day /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Cheers

Paul
 
OK, thanks for advice guys. This is how I'm thinking at the moment: 30 would be fine for most river travel, 50 is what the boat is designed for (coastal stuff).

Two reasons IMO to go for a 40 instead of a 50 - cost and weight (and I'm still thinking 4-stroke). However, all the brands' 40's and 50's weigh about the same, with the exception of Yamaha which is a good 15kg to 20kg lighter than anyone elses.

One reason not to go 30 - I will be on the tidal Thames a lot of the time (closest launch for me looks like Richmond), cruising further and further as time and experience/training allow, and NEVER want to find myself in a predicament of having too little power for getting out of the way of someone/something very quickly. Make sense, or am I being silly?

What would I look at spend on a Yam 40? I can't find a single price on the interweb thingy??

Thanks again.

Wobb.
 
The yamaha 40 sounds the perfect option then, it will only be lighter because its the most powerful engine off one of their standard block sizes (ie. the 30 hp and 40 hp will probably use the same block, but the 50 will be bigger)

300 kilos is not v heavy, and it appears to have a shallow deadrise, so I'd expect you to get a pretty tasty performance off a 40 hp. Yamaha's are generally rock solid engines as well. Agree with others, it looks a lovely boat you've built.
 
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