inflatable outboard

[AndrewJ]

I have an 8' inflatable dinghy. Purchased used with no manuals. Any recommendations re size of outboard required. I assume under 5 HP or could I put a 5 hp on it without it achieving hydroplane or aeroplane status? i.e A very high degree of fwd lift. (5hp has f/n/r on the gearshift and the smaller ones don't seem to have this feature).

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[steve28]

does it have a solid transom ?
if so they normally have a rating plate stating the max hp
if its not a solid transom type then i would say no more than 4 hp in a short shaft





steve

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[tony_brighton]

Sounds like a 2.4m dinghy- most manfacturers would not recommend anything over 4hp. I use a 3.5hp Tohatsu on a 2.4m Plastimo dinghy with solid transom - its plenty enough power and I rarely get it open to full throttle. If your dinghy has a solid or inflatable floor you might get it to plane in which case 5Hp would still be plenty enough.

The 5hp engines are correspondingly heavier so with the extra power you will find the nose rises right up. I certainly dont miss the reverse feature of bigger engines - if you want to go backwards you just spin the engine around. One feature i'd really love would be a twist grip throttle rather than the lever on the engine!

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[KeithH]

I have a 2 hp Honda ... that is enough power for my 2.3 mtr inflatable. The two nice features it has over the previous Johnson (other than its ability to start easily!) are the twist throttle grip, and the centrifugal clutch. This centifugal clutch means that you can idle the engine without the prop spinning. That is almost as good as having a F/N/R lever. Makes coming alongside a jetty much easier.

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[Evadne]

I read the title of your post and thought "now ther's a useful invention" Never mind.
I'd agree with 4hp max. If you are buying oars as well, and intend to use them, consider proper 6' 6" wooden ones. I find that they allow you to row an inflatable with surprising ease.

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[gasax]

I have a 2.3m which had a 4 hp Evinrude with FNR. Too heavy and powerful. I now have a 2 hp Suzuki, under half the weight, the inflatable actually goes slightly quicker (does n't bend and sag)! And my partner can carry the engine!

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