Outboard Size

[Talbot]

Yep size does matter/forums/images/icons/smile.gif

I have a new tender (Zodiac 260 FS) to replace my old faithful zodiac, and am considering an increase in outboard size above my old 2hp Yam. My head is saying go for the 3.5 Tohatsu as it is the best balance between weight and power. Weight is an important consideration cause of lifting on and off, and because weight and a cat are not good combinations. However, I know that a 5 hp would provide a much livelier combination, and make transits ashore much quicker/forums/images/icons/crazy.gif.

What would be your recomendation?

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[Keith]

i would suggest that the five is a better bet, here is my reasoning, i believe you are leaving uk waters? if that is the case, i have found that a larger engine is helpful 1. for running a long second anchor out 2 when you get pinned against a jetty by a squall or tide the more powerful engine is a lifesaver for dragging cats off, especially as our high windage and lack of draught means we go sideways in a heartbeat 3 auxilliary propulsion, i have used my dinghy as the main engine for the boat when my deisel failed, lashed alongside it performs admirably, though i would only do this in sheltered waters, i did it in the ICW in the US for approx six hours.......hope this helps a bit........keith

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[JerryHawkins]

All depends on what you use your tender for. We have a Quicksilver 270 and a Tohatsu 8. This gives the ability to do 16 kts two-up. On the plane at 8-9 kts, there is far less wake that at 6-7 kts off the plane! We like exploring up rivers and the extra speed allows you to go further and get back faster on a tide.

The extra weight of the 8 means that we have a hoist fitted to the pushpit and store the outboard on a transom bracket where it can also double-up as emergency auxiliary power should the main engine develope problems.

Cheers, Jerry

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[timevans2000]

Have the same dilemma. I have the tohatsu 3.5 already. It is easy to lift on and off the boat on my own. I have a Tinker traveller. This is 11.5 ft long. It will take a larger engine but my cat is weight sensitive. I already have all sorts of extra weight to contend with for long distance cruising. I am sticking with the Tohatsu 3.5

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[tony_brighton]

We have the Tohatsu 3.5 on a Plastimo 260 - its quite rare that we get to use the full power of the outboard. I suggest anything bigger would be unnecessary and just heavier - unless you have a rigid bottom on the dinghy and can get it to plane (but you cant really do that in many locations).

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[Talbot]

Being pinned against a jetty will be a thing of the past next season as I am fitting a Bow thruster this winter! The use of the outboard as a secondary power unit has been a consideration, however if it is calm the 3.5 should be able to do it easily (I have used the 2 for this for a couple of miles (but it did get a bit hot!)) If it is windy then a 5 is probably not going to do much better, I would also need to carry more fuel.

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[muchy_]

I have a 7 foot inflatable and I have an Evinrude 6hp on it. Goes like stink but the slatted floor is a bit of a problem as it undulates all over the place while on the plane. Going to fit a rigid bottom to sort that out.

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[snowleopard]

for long-term cruising, unless you use marinas (and who does with a cat?) you're likely to find yourself a fair way from shore. next time round i will be looking for something that will plane. there were many times in the caribbean where others could go exploring in their ribs while we found it too tedious (and wet) to chug along at 4 knots. i could just plane one-up with my 3.3 but that didn't work when swmbo was along for the ride.

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[sea_hobbit]

From my experience the smaller the better - easy to lift on and off the boat, and easy to drag (lift) up beaches. Also, the grubbier-looking the better too as this will help deter o/b thieves.

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[Talbot]

Bought a new 3.5 Tohatsu at the show today for £340. I tried lifting the 5 and my wife was unable to get it off the ground, so that made the choice a bit easier.

Thank you to everyone who contributed to this discussion.

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