outboards on dinghy

[milka]

what size outboard motor do i need on a 14ft saling dinghy ?

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[Talbot]

2 hp is best cause it is adequately powered without being too heavy, or putting too much strain on the mounting point.

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[snowleopard]

the tohatsu/mercury/mariner 3.3 is identical in dimensions to the 2.5 version. given the choice you might as well get the higher output.

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[Talbot]

identical in dimensions, but a tad heavier cause it has a neutral gear (I have one and used to have a 2hp yam) You may consider the extra couple of kilos are worth it for the extra convenience, but it is a lot more powerful. I would have been concerned with the additional thrust on the stern of my old mirror (was getting a bit long in the tooth) Really IMHO for a 14' sailing boat, the lightest engine will be the best , but for a proper tender, the 3.3/3.5 is a much better engine.

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[aitchw]

Totally agree about the smaller engine. Whilst you can get away with gentle occasional use of an o/b on a sailing dinghy it would be advisable to beef up the transom if intending to use it in ernest. The forces are considerable and you may find the transom to hull joint weakening after a short time. Depends entirely on the onstruction method and material.

What's the dinghy?

Howard

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[mirabriani]

Agreed 2 hp is safer but 3.5 is OK provided you are aware of the power.
Even 2 HP can be a problem.
A friend took me out to his yacht for the first time in new inflatable and
2.2 HP yamaha. He opened it up and drove the nose under, nearly swamped us.

Regards Briani

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[gandy]

Small Hondas (2hp or so) have a centrifugal clutch. We used one on a rented boat recently, and that was quite convenient. Not as good as proper neutral/forward, but it means you can leave the engine running but not propelling, then rev up to go. You can't potter along at tick-over, though.

Tony S

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[frilaens]

I have this (BP2 from Honda) and I like it, but it took a bit of getting used to the clutch. Advantages; light, 4 stroke (for emissions and efficiency) and is air cooled (less to clog up if you use it in salt water). Disadvantages: noisy!

<hr width=100% size=1>"Borders? I have never seen one, but have heard they exist in the minds of some people”
Heyerdahl

 

[Talbot]

The concept of having the honda sitting in the bottom of a sailing dinghy would not appeal to me. I do like the clutch system, but please dont try to pretend that the weight of it is the same as the old 2hp yamaha. Weights quoted by Honda are dry weight and should be compared with quoted as wet (i.e. including oil etc) Furthermore you have to be careful how you put it down cause of the likelihood of loss of oil. Furthermore, where do you put the ear plugs? /forums/images/icons/smile.gif

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[frilaens]

Light, as in light enough for the wife to lift it over the side; never considered buying an old yamaha.

<hr width=100% size=1>"Borders? I have never seen one, but have heard they exist in the minds of some people”
Heyerdahl