Extreme Newbie: 5hp or 8hp Suzuki (4.7m Sloop Canal Boat)

[maillme]

Hi All,

I'm sure this question has been asked several times before and I;ve trawled through lots of previous answers, but it has been somewhat inconclusive for me.

I am going to buy my first boat, a 4.7m sloop (see here: http://www.jachthavenachterbos.nl/detail.php?id=49)

It will be used mainly in the canals of Amsterdam (max 7.5km/h) and then the larger lakes. Purely for recreation, having 4-6 people on the boat and just enjoying sunny days 'sailing'the canals and lakes.

Now, my question is, will the 8hp Suzuki (twin cylinder) be of any larger benefit to me to justify the 1500 EUR price difference) or, am I just as well having the 5hp single cylinder engine - still with remote steering and power, but pull chord start.......

Any help or advice you can give me is much appreciated.

thanks,
Neil

 

[Spi D]

Nice boat.

If you want the boat to perform as designed for, you should have no less than 80% of the max rated power. Since max is 25, your minimum would be 20 hp.

That is not going to happen on a budget set up for 5-8 hp, but you should take the larger in any case. I guess you're looking a 4-strokes?

2 cylinders have less vibration and more power (and you will need it with 6 people onboard ).
Remember to compare other features like alternator for charging battery (lanterns, lights etc.), optional electric start, connection to remote control/steering, availble leg length and suitable selection of propellers.

Buying new(ish) the brand isn't too important, but make sure you have access service within fair distance.

Although you didn't ask, my recommendation is Suzuki

 

[maillme]

Hi Spi-D,

thank you very much for your response.

There are plenty service options available, I think about 8 Suzuki dealers in Amsterdam. I think I will go for Suzuki.

Yes, it would be great to have 80% of the rated power, but unfortunately I don't have the budget just now, the 8hp is stretching the budget somewhat. I'm also buying the cover and canopy for it, which si another 1100 EUR

Can anyone tell me if the 8hp Suzuki (yes, it's the 4 stroke) has external fuel tank and has an alternator? There are several options of 8hp available, but all I know is, I think i need the long shaft model, and will probably go for electric start.

Also, how easy is it to attach lights etc to such batteries / motors?

Many thanks once again,

Many thanks,
Neil

 

[Spi D]

Yez, the 'zuki has external tank and comes standard with a 6A charge capacity on the manual start version. Just connect a battery and it'll charge. 6A isn't a lot but will run lights or even a portable cooler.

You can get it with electric start also. Since this takes power for maintaining the battery for starting, the charge capacity is then 12Amps.

A proper setup for electrics takes a positive and negative bank connected to the battery (preferably via a main switch at least on the pos.), and then the electric consumers connected to the bank via a switch panel (with fuses).

Can be rather complex, but your little boat can do with a simple yet proper setup.

Since in Amsterdam you might find Vetus equipment attractive. Good quality, suitable for at good boat.

Catalogue on www.vetus.nl

 

[maillme]

Thanks again Spi-D - very helpful

What is the NiMarine brand like as a starter / reliability? (9.9 hp is a decent price, which makes me think it's not as reliable / worth it)......also not sure on the warranty.

Neil

 

[ontheplane]

Why not try and buy an ex-demo? They will usually have a slightly larger engine and be better value.

I wouldn't want a boat with less than 70% max horsepower - so no less than about 15 on this for me.

 

[maillme]

Thanks ont the plane.....

Ideally yes, i would have bigger engine, but got to start somewhere......

No Ex Demo's for this model

Neil

 

[Nick_H]

Nice boat.

If you want the boat to perform as designed for, you should have no less than 80% of the max rated power. Since max is 25, your minimum would be 20 hp.

I'd usually agree with you, but it seems an odd size for the boat. It's nearly 5m and 300 kgs, so a 20, or even a 25, will struggle to get it to plane, and certainly wont with more than a couple of people in it. My guess is that it's not supposed to plane, in which case it needs nothing like 20/25hp to reach its trundling speed. On that basis I think 8 hp is plenty, and lots more hp would just create lots more wash but hardly any more speed.

In answer to the OP's question, I'd much prefer an 8 over a 5, as it's a twin cylinder so will be much happier, and a fair bit quieter, plodding along all day.

 

[Spi D]

What is the NiMarine brand like as a starter / reliability? (9.9 hp is a decent price, which makes me think it's not as reliable / worth it)......also not sure on the warranty.

Neil

Sorry, but no knowledge on NiMarine. As for 'starter': Why should beginners have equipment that is less good than other boaters?

If you think NiMarine or any other brand suits you it's OK, but the philosophy to buy el cheapo just because you're new sounds wrong to me.

Demo's can be a very choise. Indeed.

 

[Spi D]

I'd usually agree with you, but it seems an odd size for the boat. It's nearly 5m and 300 kgs, so a 20, or even a 25, will struggle to get it to plane, and certainly wont with more than a couple of people in it. My guess is that it's not supposed to plane, in which case it needs nothing like 20/25hp to reach its trundling speed. On that basis I think 8 hp is plenty, and lots more hp would just create lots more wash but hardly any more speed.

In answer to the OP's question, I'd much prefer an 8 over a 5, as it's a twin cylinder so will be much happier, and a fair bit quieter, plodding along all day.

I agree that the hull is not a fast planing design

but the manufacturer recommends 25 hp max and although somewhat round in shape and with a little keel, I believe it will do OK.

It is out of the OPs scope anyway, so let's leave it at that

BTW: Seems to needs long leg motor - check with manufacturer

 

[maillme]

thank you all. very good and friendly advice.

 

[ontheplane]

If it's only ever going to be a canal crawler, I'd agree (contrary to my prev post) that 8HP is more than enough - in fact, given the huge price jump (because you're going from a single to a twin cyl and probably more stuff's included) if you can't justify it, don't worry, just go for the 5hp - or for another few pounds the 6hp?

However, are there no ex-demo engines?? Maybe there are no ex-demo boats, but there must be a few ex-demo engines knocking about - I'd certainly concurr that the smoothness of a twin cyl would be nicer than the vibration you get with a single cylinder motor.

Perhaps look around for a secondhand engine and fit that to the boat - you will, I am sure, be able to find a decent four-stroke 6-10hp motor with 2 cylinders for just over the price of a new 5hp single cylinder.

If not - haggle even harder for a better deal!

I don't know what sort of radius you intend boating - have you looked at an electric trolling motor - although if you intend to cruise far that won't be a lot of good.